An investigation of the Mini-Mult validity scales

Examined the ability of the Mini-Mult validity scales to detect invalid MMPI profiles. When 34 invalid MMPI profiles were rescored with the Mini-Muir only 17 of the 34 profiles invalidated by the full MMPI were detected with the Mini-Mult. This included 14 of 27 profiles invalidated by an elevated F scale; 2 of 4 profiles invalidated by an elevated L scale and 1 of 3 profiles invalidated by an elevated K scale. Only 14 of 27 profiles invalidated by an F-K ratio of K11 were detected. When new conversion values for the Mini-Mult were utilized, the detection rate improved considerably for the F scale and the F-K ratio.     

The Influence of Elevated F Scales on the Validity of Adolescent MMPI Profiles

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventories (MMPI) of adolescent outpatients were examined to determine whether characteristically elevated F scales indicated an exaggeration of psychopathology. A treatment condition designed to reduce the motivation to exaggerate psychopathology did not lower scores of the F and F-K indices when subjects were administered a second MMPI. Similarly, actuarial interpretations for the second protocols were not more frequently selected by therapists as more valid, regardless of treatment condition and elevation of the F and F-K indices on the first MMPI profile. Elevations of Scales F, Pd4, and Sc8 characterized the adolescent MMPI profiles.     

The influence of elevated F scales on the validity of adolescent MMPI profiles

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventories (MMPI) of adolescent outpatients were examined to determine whether characteristically elevated F scales indicated an exaggeration of psychopathology. A treatment condition designed to reduce the motivation to exaggerate psychopathology did not lower scores of the F and F-K indices when subjects were administered a second MMPI. Similarly, actuarial interpretations for the second protocols were not more frequently selected by therapists as more valid, regardless of treatment condition and elevation of the F and F-K indices on the first MMPI profile. Elevations of Scales F, Pd/4, and Sc/8 characterized the adolescent MMPI profiles.     

The Mini-Mult with criminal psychiatric patients.

In order to determine the usefulness of the Mini-Mult with criminal psychiatric patients, 107 MMPI profiles were rescored for the Mini-Mult and compared with the standard MMPI. Correlations between the two test forms were high but eight of the eleven means of the scales on the Mini-Mult were significantly different from the MMPI. A modest correspondence between indexes of psychopathology and scale peaks was found. Results were interpreted as indicating that the use of the Mini-Mult is not justified with this population.     

Correspondence between psychological reports based on the Mini-Mult and the MMPI.

In order to assess the utility of the Mini-Mult with a university counseling center clientele, MMPI answer sheets of 10 students at the University of Miami Counseling Center were scored for both the MMPI and the Mini-Mult. Four judges completed psychological reports (Q-item questionnaires) based on the profiles. Correlations between judges' responses to MMPI and Mini-Mult profiles were calculated as an indication of the correspondence between the two tests. In addition, correlations between judges' responses to repeated presentations of MMPI profiles were calculated as an indication of the judges' reliability over time. The results do not support the use of the Mini-Mult with a university counseling center clientele.     

Utility of the Mini-Mult with parents of emotionally disturbed children.

In order to determine the potential usefulness of the Mini-Mult as a screening instrument with parents of emotionally disturbed children, two studies were conducted. In the first study 128 MMPI profiles were rescored for the Mini-Mult and comparisons with MMPI were made. In the second study 50 parents were administered both the MMPI and the Mini-Mult. Results of both studies indicate that the Mini-Mult is not a good screening instrument with parents of emotionally disturbed children.     

MMPI-2 Profiles of Male Pre-Trial Defendants

Since its introduction, the MMPI-2 has been used as an equivalent to the MMPI. However, the clinical correlates of MMPI-2 profiles are still being investigated. This study examined the MMPI-2 profiles of 217 male pre-trial defendants. Data indicated mean scale elevations over 65 on F, 8, 6, 7, 4, 2, and 1 (in descending order); and mean content scale elevations on DEP, BIZ, HEA, and TRT. The most frequently elevated scales were 6, F, and 2. The most frequently elevated content scales were CYN, DEP, and ANX. The most common 2-point code was a 6–8/8–6 for subjects charged with both violent and nonviolent offenses. The F–K Index was greater than 11 in 22% of the subjects. Generalizability of these data and suggestions for future research are discussed.     

Correspondence of the MMPI and MMPI-168 among incarcerated female felons

This study was designed to assess the correspondence between the MMPI and MMPI-168 for a sample of adult incarcerated female felons. The results indicated a high degree of agreement, median correlation of .79, between corresponding validity and clinical scales of the MMPI-168 and the full MMPI. The MMPI-168 significantly overestimated scales L, F, and D, while it underestimated scales K, Hy, Pd, and Mf. Configural correspondence between the two instruments in terms of profile high points was somewhat less than has been reported for psychiatric populations. However, the MMPI-168 appeared to be a useful short screening instrument for incarcerated female felons with respect to accurate assessment of profile validity, configural correspondence to the full MMPI, and correlations between corresponding scales. Its utility in these respects far exceeds prior attempts to employ the Mini-Mult with a similar sample of incarcerated females.     

Evading detection on the MMPI-2: does caution produce more realistic patterns of responding?

Studies on MMPI and MMPI-2 malingering indexes often sacrifice generalizability in an attempt to control internal validity. This study improves external validity while still maintaining internal validity by providing graduate student participants with a realistic context for malingering on the MMPI-2 (n=94) and MMPI (n=30). Contextual parameters include a realistic life predicament, psychological knowledge, an incentive, the presence versus absence of a specific diagnosis, and a caution to be realistic. This study found that cautioning participants not to overexaggerate their responses significantly improves their ability to evade detection on the MMPI-2 and MMPI. Standard malingering indexes (Infrequency, F; Back Side, F, Fb; F-Correction, F-K; and Infrequency-Psychopathology, F(p)) were insufficiently sensitive in identifying simulators using common cutoff scores for these cautious simulators.     

Sensitivity of the Faschingbauer abbreviated MMPI to hospitalized adolescents

Comparisons were obtained between Faschingbauer's abbreviated MMPI (FAM) and the standard MMPI for a sample of hospitalized adolescent psychiatric patients. The results showed close statistical correspondence, highly correlated scale group means, and high comparability in identifying valid and invalid profiles. Additionally, the FAM was successful in predicting several gross indices of psychopathology as well as high-point elevations on the standard-form MMPI. A replication supported the stability of these findings.     

MMPI validity scales and behavioral disturbance in psychiatric inpatients.

Sixty psychiatric inpatients were assigned to one of three groups on the basis of F and K MMPI validity scales. Staff ratings of patient behavior and recorded incidents of "acting-out" behavior were obtained for patients with: (a) "plea for help" validity profiles, (b) hyper-defensive profiles, and (c) average profiles. Patients with "plea for help" profiles were perceived as "acting-out" more frequently and engendering more feelings of frustration than patients in the other groups. These patients account for 77% of the incidents of inappropriate, destructive behavior and 83% of the seclusions in the patients sampled. Although the "plea for help" profile is considered invalid in some scoring systems, results suggest that this validity profile may be useful in treatment planning.     

Validation of a Theory-Driven Profile Interpretation of the Dutch Short Form of the MMPI Using the TAT Social Cognitions and Object Relations Scale (SCORS)

Sixty psychiatric inpatients were assigned to one of three groups on the basis of F and K MMPI validity scales. Staff ratings of patient behavior and recorded incidents of "acting-out" behavior were obtained for patients with: (a) "plea for help" validity profiles, (b) hyper-defensive profiles, and (c) average profiles. Patients with "plea for help"profiles were perceived as "acting out" more frequently and engendering more feelings of frustration than patients in the other groups. These patients account for 77% of the incidents of inappropriate, destructive behavior and 83% of the seclusions in the patients sampled. Although the "plea for help"profile is considered invalid in some scoring systems, results suggest that this validity profile may be useful in treatment planning.     

Utility of the Mini-Mult in a Child Guidance Clinic Setting

The utility of the Mini-Mult was examined with emotionally disturbed adolescents and parents of emotionally disturbed children. Close statistical correspondence was noted between the Mini-Mult and the full MMPI. A decrease in correspondence was noted when similarity of profile elevation was examined.     

Comparison of three abbreviated MMPIs for psychiatric patients and normals.

Two studies, one using 242 psychiatric patients and the other 120 normal college students, were conducted to evaluate the predictive potential of three abbreviated MMPIs namely the Midi-Mult, Hugo abbreviated MMPI and Faschingbauer abbreviated MMPI. With regard to psychiatric inpatients, the Faschingbauer abbreviated MMPI-scale group means were markedly similar, highly correlated, and seemed to be a fairly accurate substitute for the MMPI in predicting clinical types. Numerous deficiencies were evident when using the Midi-Mult or Hugo abbreviated MMPI, especially with regard to classification analysis concerning validity, mean raw score scale differences and high point codes. In contrast, results from a normal college sample showed close statistical correspondence, high comparability in identifying valid and invalid profiles as well as high correspondence with respect to high point codes and general profile elevations regardless of which abbreviated form was used.     

Assessing dissimulation and denial on the MMPI in a sample of maximum security, male inmates

Comparisons were made between three groups of maximum security inmates thought to possess varying degrees of motivation to either exaggerate or suppress psychiatric symptomatology in their Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) self-report. A group of individuals requesting single-cell placement (the group hypothesized to be motivated to exaggerate symptomatology) were found to score significantly higher on Scale F, the F-K Index, and a number of special MMPI scales (i.e., D-O, Hy-O, Pd-O, Pa-O, Ma-O, Dissimulation Scale, total number of Obvious Items, O:S Ratio) and significantly lower on scales K, Hy-S, Ma-S, and the total number of Subtle items relative to inmates undergoing parole evaluations (denial condition) or entering group therapy (neutral condition). Differences between the parole and group therapy conditions were relatively small, with only D-O, Hy-O, and the Dissimulation Scale producing statistically significant results. These findings tend to support use of the MMPI in assessing a respondent's test-taking attitude, particularly in cases where the subject is attempting to exaggerate psychiatric symptomatology.     

Assessing Dissimulation and Denial on the MMPI in a Sample of Maximum Security,Male Inmates

Comparisons were made between three groups of maximum security inmates thought to possess varying degrees of motivation to either exaggerate or suppress psychiatric symptomatology in their Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) self-report. A group of individuals requesting single-cell placement (the group hypothesized to be motivated to exaggerate symptomatology) were found to score significantly higher on Scale F, the F-K Index, and a number of special MMPI scales (i.e., D-O, Hy-O, Pd-O, Pa-O, Ma-O, Dissimulation Scale, total number of Obvious Items, O:S Ratio) and significantly lower on scales K, Hy-S, Ma-S, and the total number of Subtle items relative to inmates undergoing parole evaluations (denial condition) or entering group therapy (neutral condition). Differences between the parole and group therapy conditions were relatively small, with only D-O, Hy-O, and the Dissimulation Scale producing statistically significant results. These findings tend to support use of the MMPI in assessing a respondent's test-taking attitude, particularly in cases where the subject is attempting to exaggerate psychiatric symptomatology.     

Rorschach and pain characteristics of patients with low back pain and "conversion V" MMPI profiles

Two studies examined the relationship between Rorschach determinants, MMPI scale scores, and pain reports in order to clarify the meaning of the MPI "conversion V" pattern among patients with low back pain. Study I showed that patients without demonstrable organic disease of the back produce Rorschach response summaries marked by lower F+%, lower Sum C, and higher F% than patients with demonstrable organic disease. Study 2 showed that only the increase in F% was associated with significant elevations of the MMPI Hs and Hy scales. The results suggest that elevated MMPI "conversion V" profiles are indicative of psychological disturbance among patients with low back pain. It is unlikely, however, that the disturbance is hysterical. Instead, the psychopathology is probably marked by tension and constraint rather than the over-reactivity of hysteria. The implications of these findings for diagnosis are discussed.     

Validity rates of the MMPI-2 and PAI in a rural inpatient psychiatric facility

This study examines the validity rates of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) profiles in a rural inpatient population. The validity scales of 90 MMPI-2 and 90 PAI profiles were analyzed using published criteria for determining validity. Random responding, positive impression management, and negative impression management were also evaluated. The PAI had a higher number of valid profiles compared with the MMPI-2. Evidence suggests the primary source of the invalid profiles within the MMPI-2 is a higher level of endorsement of relatively rare statements. The substitution of the Infrequency-Psychopathology scale (Fp) for the Infrequency scale (F) on the MMPI-2 substantially reduced the number of invalid profiles. Contrary to expectations, the PAI did not demonstrate lower levels of invalid profiles due to random responding. Rates of invalid profiles for each scale are provided.     

Checking the reliability and validity of HSPQ profiles

Developed a scale designed to detect invalid response patterns on the High School Personality Questionnaire (HSPQ). Using a large sample of protocols drawn from the HSPQ standardization group, ten items were found to satisfy the necessary criterion for inclusion in the resulting "random" or "validity" (RV) scale. When applied to separate cross-validation groups of nearly 2,000 valid and randomly generated response protocols, RV was found to correctly classify 79% of the profiles. As a further test of the scale's utility, 100 profiles classified as valid and 100 classified as invalid were selected for comparison. In the invalid group, KR-20 reliabilities of the 14 trait scales were almost uniformly lowered, Also, for the invalid group the correlations among the trait scales were attenuated and altered to the extent that the underlying factor structure of the test was upset.