Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory correlates of dysphasic language disturbances.

Compared the MMPI performances of 15 male dysphasic brain-damaged adults with the performances of 15 matched control brain-damaged Ss without specific language impairment. A significant overall difference on the 9 clinical scales combined was shown by multivariate analysis, with higher scores obtained by dysphasic Ss. Further univariate analysis showed significantly higher scores on the Pd and Sc scales. Results are discussed in terms of (a) evidence for a closer relation between MMPI variables and behavioral measures than between MMPI variables and neurological measures of lesion laterality, and (b) the interpretive limitations implied by uncritical transference of MMPI findings based on psychiatric patients and normals to patients with central nervous system lesions. The need for validation studies investigating social behavior correlates of MMPI results in brain-damaged samples is emphasized. (18 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological correlates of functional dysphonia: an investigation using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

Abnormal psychological factors have been implicated in the development of functional dysphonia (FD). This investigation describes the personality and psychological characteristics of 25 female subjects who had received the diagnosis of FD. In all subjects symptoms were resolved after voice therapy. While vocally asymptomatic, these remitted subjects with FD completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), an objective personality questionnaire. When compared with a medical outpatient control group, the results showed that subjects with FD scored significantly higher on 7 of 10 clinical scales, suggesting an elevated degree of emotional maladjustment. A stepwise logistic discriminant analysis identified 2 clinical scales that provided valuable discriminatory power between the two groups. Scale 1 (Hs-hypochondriasis), which measures the number and type of reported somatic complaints, and scale 7 (Pt-psychasthenia), a measure of diffuse anxiety, discriminated the groups with 88% sensitivity and 89% specificity. The results suggested that in spite of symptom improvement after voice therapy, the subjects with FD continued to exhibit poor levels of adaptive functioning, which may represent trait-like vulnerability. The clinical implications of these results for voice practitioners are discussed.     

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory correlates of lateralized cerebral lesions and aphasic deficits.

Investigated the emotional adjustment of right-handed male brain-damaged patients as a function of (a) the hemispheric location of the lesion and (b) the degree of aphasia as measured by the Halstead-Wepman Aphasia Screening Test. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) profiles of 35 Ss (mean age 52.3 yrs) with right-hemisphere lesions were compared with those of 25 Ss (mean age 49.7 yrs) with left-hemisphere lesions. Both samples produced similar composite profiles that indicated the presence of mild dysphoria, dissatisfaction, withdrawal, decreased initiative, and mild somatic preoccupations. Within the left-hemisphere-damaged group, significant correlations emerged between the degree of aphasic disability and MMPI Validity, Paranoia, Psychasthenia, and Schizophrenia scales. When the variance in MMPI scores due to premorbid status (education) was partialled out, however, these correlations were nonsignificant. Findings fail to support the widely held association of speech-related deficits with psychopathology. (26 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychiatric symptom correlates of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Masculinity-Femininity scale.

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was administered to 72 female and 51 male outpatients, and subjects were rated on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Raw scores on Masculinity–Femininity (Mf) correlated positively with ratings of emotional distress, even with gender effects removed. Male and female patients who scored high (feminine direction) on Mf were rated higher on anxiety, depressed mood, guilt feelings, and tension than were low scorers. Mf was the only MMPI scale to correlate significantly with guilt feelings, and its relationships with anxiety, depressed mood, and tension were largely independent of other MMPI clinical scales. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Clinical limitations of three Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory short forms.

Compared 3 MMPI short forms, the Mini-Mult, T. Faschingbauer's 166, and the MMPI-168, which were constructed by different methodologies, using 1,028 male psychiatric patients as Ss. Although the short- to standard-form correlations for all 3 short forms were generally high (ranging from .74 to .96 for the MMPI scales), the success in accurately predicting the code type was quite low. The hit rates in predicting to the 58 code types used in the study were 36.7% for the Mini-Mult, 40.4% for the MMPI-168, and 49.4% for Faschingbauer's 166 form. An analysis of false positive and false negative test misses showed further weaknesses in MMPI short forms. Results question the use of MMPI short forms for clinical interpretation based on usual profile interpretation procedures (code-type analysis). (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and Mini-Mult with drug users.

Data from 60 male drug addicts and users support previous findings that when correlations between corresponding MMPI and Mini-Mult scales are used, there is good correspondence; however, there is low accuracy with respect to clinical evaluation and high-point correspondence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory profiles among subgroups of unwed mothers.

To identify replicable homogeneous subgroups among 3 samples of unwed mothers (mean ages, 18.8 and 19.4 yrs), a multivariate clustering technique was employed to analyze the MMPI responses of unwed mothers giving up their babies for adoption (ns = 122 and 127) and unwed mothers deciding to keep their babies (n = 47). Three personality subgroups or types were identified in all 3 samples. Univariate F ratios showed that the 3 subgroups differed on 11 of the 12 MMPI scales. The 3 personality subgroups are discussed in terms of their differences along a general maladjustment dimension. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Personality disorders and the outcome of cognitive–behavioural treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia.

In recent years, cognitive–behavioural interventions have proven to be effective in the treatment of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia (PDA). However, there is controversy concerning treatment efficacy of PDA for patients with a comorbid diagnosis of Personality Disorder (PD). This study evaluates the impact of a PD on PDA treatment response. 81 patients suffering from PDA were recruited from a cognitive–behavioural group treatment program. Diagnoses on Axis I (N?=?81) and Axis II (N?=?36) were made at treatment onset according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III-Revised (DSM-III-R) criteria. Validated questionnaires were used to assess agoraphobia at treatment onset, following treatment, and at the 3 mo follow-up. All patients improved markedly from pretest to posttest and at the 3 mo follow-up. Grouping of patients according to the presence or absence of a personality disorder revealed significant differences between the groups on pre- and posttreatment scores on agoraphobia. Results also reveal that patients with a personality disorder improve more slowly than patients without a personality disorder. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory indicator of psychological distress in male students.

Investigated the relationship of moderately elevated MMPI Scales 2 and 7 (Depression and Psychasthenia) to psychological help seeking, problem type, and academic progress for 4 successive classes at a small selective men's college. 21% of 755 entering students had both scales elevated (T?≥?60); these students were significantly more likely to seek psychological counseling, tended to have personal rather than other types of problems, and were more likely to take leaves of absence. Results suggest the MMPI 2-7 elevation is a simple indicator of psychological distress in the setting studied, but its utility in other college settings requires consideration of local base rates for psychological help and test results. (11 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The relationship between Minnesota Teacher Attitude Inventory scores and scores on certain scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory.

"The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory was administered to two groups of… teachers at opposite extremes of the distribution of scores for the Minnesota Teacher Attitude Inventory. Differences in mean scores of the two groups on the clerical scales of the MMPI, with and without the K correction and on 'subtle' and 'obvious' items scored separately, and differences in frequencies of different codings of profiles were analyzed." Several differences on MMPI scales between teachers scoring high on the MTAI and those scoring low on the MTAI seemed to be significant. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Traumatic spinal cord injury, alcohol, and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory.

Investigated whether use of selected Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales can identify personality characteristics in male patients with traumatic spinal cord injury and a positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of injury. 20 males (aged 16–53 yrs) with a positive and 9 age-matched males with a negative BAC and 101 normal control males (aged 20–29 yrs) were contrasted on the MMPI Hysteria, Psychopathic Deviate, and Mania clinical scales and derived subscales reflecting traits such as rebelliousness and impulsivity. Results indicate that the average BAC when Ss arrived at the emergency room was 1,507 μg/ml. 75% of the positive BAC group had BAC concentrations above the legally defined limit of 1,000 μg/ml. Except for the MacAndrews Alcoholism Scale, none of the MMPI clinical scales or their corresponding derived subscales were significantly different between groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory normal K+ and other unelevated profiles.

Compared empirical correlates of normal K+ and non-K+ unelevated Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) profiles in a psychiatric inpatient setting. Case history (symptom ratings, demographic variables, and diagnoses) and psychometric data were obtained without knowledge of MMPI profile group membership from psychiatrists' discharge summaries on 84 male and female inpatients. Normal K+ and non- K+ unelevated profile groups were more similar to each other than either group was to a randomly selected inpatient control group of 50 Ss. Results generally support the contention of M. D. Gynther and P. J. Brilliant (see record 1969-00131-001) that applicability of empirical correlates of unelevated MMPI profiles should be determined in each clinical setting. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Gauging the effectiveness of extended imipramine treatment for panic disorder with agoraphobia

BACKGROUND: Imipramine has proven efficacy for panic disorder. This study assesses the net effectiveness of systematic, open imipramine treatment in a homogenous sample of panic disorder patients with agoraphobia. METHODS: One hundred and ten consecutive patients with DSM-III-R moderate to severe panic disorder with agoraphobia were treated with a fixed regimen of imipramine 2.25 mg/kg/day for 24 weeks. No instructions or encouragement for self-directed exposure to phobic situations or other coping strategies with panic or fear were given. Assessments were conducted at the end of the 2-week placebo run-in and at weeks 8, 16, and 24 of treatment. RESULTS: Overall, 53% had a marked and stable response. Most measures revealed that substantial improvement continued beyond week 8 of treatment. Treatment success was accompanied with significant improvements in anxiety sensitivity, dysphoric mood, and functional well-being. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide a clinically relevant reference with which to compare the effectiveness of alternative treatments in providing nearly complete symptom remission in patients with primary panic disorder with agoraphobia.     

Criteria associated with clinical scales and Harris-Lingoes subscales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory with adolescent inpatients.

Evaluated the validity of clinical scales, Harris-Lingoes subscales, and the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale of the MMPI in the estimation of criterion measures with a sample of 177 adolescent inpatients. Criterion measures were based on the ratings of therapists and consisted of 25 items that represented dimensions of anticipation, ambivalence, guilt, friendship, impulsivity, sensation seeking, aggression, and substance abuse. Correlational analyses were consistent with previously reported (C. L. Williams and J. N. Butcher; see record 1990-11353-001) results for adolescents and adults. Furthermore, anticipatory and planning behavior was associated with elevations on Scale 6, Paranoia (Pa), and the Harris-Lingoes Subscale Hy? (Inhibition of Aggression), whereas friendship behavior was associated with elevated scores on the Harris-Lingoes Subscale Pa? (Naivete). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Convergent and divergent validity of the Beck Anxiety Inventory for patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia

Psychometric properties of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) (Beck and Steer, 1990) were investigated in a sample of 82 patients suffering from panic disorder with agoraphobia. Before and after brief treatment, patients completed a battery of questionnaires and, for 2-week periods, kept a daily panic diary in which they recorded panic attacks, fear of panic, and average anxiety. The BAI demonstrated excellent internal consistency and good test-retest reliability over a 5-week interval. A partial multitrait, multimethod correlation matrix provided evidence of convergent validity with other measures of anxiety and of divergent validity vis á vis measures of depression. Factor analyses of pretest scores and residual gain scores used to address criticism that the BAI is excessively panic-centric yielded mixed results. In one analysis, the BAI was loaded with multimethod measures of panic and anxiety and, in the other, with questionnaire methods of assessing anxiety and depression. However, the BAI was clearly distinguished from measures of fear of fear, a central construct in panic disorder, and agoraphobic avoidance. Finally, the BAI proved sensitive to change with treatment, yielding effect sizes for improvement comparable to those of other anxiety measures.     

Neuropsychiatric symptoms of complex posttraumatic stress disorder: A preliminary Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory scale to identify adult survivors of childhood abuse.

This study integrated psychological and neuroscience research regarding the effects of childhood trauma in order to advance assessment with this population. Recently, researchers proposed new criteria for complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on the basis of years of interdisciplinary research, identifying symptoms that have an empirical association with survivors of childhood trauma. The criteria reflect alterations in regulating affect, dissociation, executive functioning, somatization, and chronic characterological changes. These content areas are compatible with recent neuroscience research with this population and illustrate the interplay between mind–brain interactions, chronic stress, and neurodevelopment. Prior research suggested that Scale 8 of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was most sensitive to neurological dysfunction. Therefore, can complex PTSD be detected by the MMPI? Item analyses were performed comparing abused and nonabused participants. Stage 1 of the analysis identified 11 items that differentiated groups. In Stage 2, the study attempted to construct a preliminary scale that correctly classified 81% of participants and 89% of those with a history of abuse. The content of identified items reflects problems with impulsivity, affect regulation, and disrupted cognitive processes. A theoretical explanation is provided in the Discussion section. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory T score conversion tables, 1957–1983.

Presents tables to facilitate the transformation of standard Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) linear T score profiles to new MMPI normalized T score profiles (based on contemporary norms, as found by R. C. Collingan et al, 1983), and vice versa. These tables show that (1) the 1983 profiles are consistently less elevated than the corresponding 1957 profile presented by S. R. Hathaway and P. F. Briggs (see record 1959-01273-001) (if the latter are at or above T?=?50); (2) the more deviant a standard 1957 profile, the more this profile differs from its corresponding 1983 profile; and (3) the difference in elevation of 1983 and 1957 T scores for any fixed 1957 T score value varies across MMPI scales. Differences in elevations of 1957 and 1983 profiles of 20 or more T score points are possible when these profiles are generated from the same MMPI raw scores. Implications concerning false positive rates, false negative rates, and profile configurations are presented. (7 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) cluster groups among chronically ill patients: relationship to illness adjustment and treatment outcome

Cluster analysis of the MMPI has been utilized widely in the chronic low back pain literature to try to identify reliable patient subtypes predictive of treatment outcome. We extended this methodology to patients with heterogeneous chronic medical conditions by replicating prototypic MMPI cluster group profiles and by relating cluster groups to clinical baseline and outcome data. Subjects were two independent samples (n = 254 and n = 263) of chronically ill patients admitted to an inpatient medicine/psychiatry unit. Using a four-cluster solution, similar cluster profile groups were replicated in both samples. Consistent differences emerged between cluster groups on functional impairment, psychiatric diagnoses, depression, and psychosomatic symptoms. Cluster group membership also predicted changes in functional impairment and depression six months after treatment. Results are discussed in terms of similarities between chronic low back pain and chronic illness and tailoring treatment to different patient types.