Culturally responsive assessment with diverse older clients.

Clinical research in the field of geropsychology has focused primarily on older people of dominant cultural identities. The purpose of this article is to help psychologists conduct assessments that are more responsive to older people of diverse minority cultures. The ADRESSING framework (which represents age and generation-specific influences, disability, religion, ethnicity, social status, sexual orientation, indigenous heritage, national origin, and gender) is used to organize and consider diverse cultural influences and identities affecting older clients. Suggestions are offered for establishing rapport with older people of minority groups, understanding their cultural identities and heritage, and obtaining clients' histories with attention to generational and culture-specific contexts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Acquiescence and the factorial interpretation of the MMPI.

Response set is a reliable phenomenon occurring with inventories using the true-false or agree-disagree format. Using the MMPI as an example of this type of inventory evidence is presented suggesting that the 2 major factors usually found for the MMPI may be rotated into positions interpretable as 2 response styles: the tendency to agree and the tendency to respond in a desirable way. Research should be concerned with how these stylistic consistencies are related to personality organization and psychopathology. From Psyc Abstracts 36:01:3HF99M. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Accuracy and generalizability of an automated MMPI interpretation system.

Evaluated narrative paragraph types and total reports of a new MMPI clinical interpretation simulation program. Complete documentation of this system and notation of accuracy and frequency of individual statements are provided elsewhere. MMPI interpretations of 1,410 patients who received psychiatric evaluations were judged by the clinicians who saw these patients. 107 paragraphs appeared 7,555 times and were rated inaccurate less than 10% of the time. 91% of these reports received overall favorable ratings. A linear regression analysis of variance of overall narrative ratings with 2 narrative and 4 patient variables suggested that this system has considerable generalizability. Narrative Type * Patient Source and Patient Age * Patient Source interactions are discussed. (18 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Accuracy and generalizability of an automated MMPI interpretation system: Erratum.

Reports an error in the article entitled "Accuracy and Generalizability of an Automated MMPI Interpretation System," by David Lachar (Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology. Vol. 42(2) Apr 1974, 267-273). Three references to tables on p. 270 appeared incorrectly. The sentences should read as follows: In column 1, the last sentence should read: A distribution of the frequency of the 51 code paragraphs is presented in Table 3. The second sentence under the paragraph heading Narrative Accuracy should read: The distribution of these 1,410 ratings appears in Table 4. The first sentence in Paragraph 2 should read: Table 1 presents the levels of the six variables included in the linear regression analysis of variance of overall narrative ratings. (The following abstract originally appeared in record 1974-27670-001). Evaluated narrative paragraph types and total reports of a new MMPI clinical interpretation simulation program. Complete documentation of this system and notation of accuracy and frequency of individual statements are provided elsewhere. MMPI interpretations of 1,410 patients who received psychiatric evaluations were judged by the clinicians who saw these patients. 107 paragraphs appeared 7,555 times and were rated inaccurate less than 10% of the time. 91% of these reports received overall favorable ratings. A linear regression analysis of variance of overall narrative ratings with 2 narrative and 4 patient variables suggested that this system has considerable generalizability. Narrative Type * Patient Source and Patient Age * Patient Source interactions are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

MMPI indices in the discrimination of brain-damaged and schizophrenic groups.

Conducted an investigation of C. G. Watson's (see record 1971-10226-001) 3 forms of an MMPI-based Schizophrenic-Organicity scale as an alternative to ability-oriented approaches. Results support the hypothesis that these scales might be valid discriminators of brain-damaged and schizophrenic men equated for degree of intellectual deficit. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Resolving meaning: Interpretation in diverse decision-making groups.

In this theoretical article, the authors develop a model that links diversity, as mediated by interpretative processes, to both performance and affective outcomes in newly formed diverse decision-making groups. Group diversity predicts the use of interpretive resolution strategies of information seeking or dialogue, which in turn influence the group's decision quality. The level of participation, influenced by group diversity, moderates the relationship between diversity and resolution strategy such that diverse groups whose members exhibit a greater degree of participation will engage in dialogue. Resolution strategy, diversity, and participation jointly affect the members' affective perceptions of satisfaction with the group process and desire to remain in the group. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons of bipolar and unipolar depressed groups on the MMPI.

Compared MMPI admission and remission profiles in 34 patients (17 bipolar and 17 unipolar) hospitalized for depression. There were no significant demographic differences or difference in behaviorally rated depression between the bipolar and unipolar groups. Relatively normal profiles for the bipolar group and abnormal profiles for the unipolar group significantly differentiated the 2 groups at admission, but, with 1 exception, the differences dissipated at recovery. Thus, greater changes over time were found in the self-reported personality characteristics of unipolar Ss than in bipolar Ss. After recovery from the depressive episode, there was a significant shift within unipolar Ss from withdrawal and lack of interest in others to a greater concern for socially approved behavior. The implications of change in the unipolar group and stability in the bipolar group and the more enduring personality characteristics of the 2 groups are discussed. (19 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

MMPI overlap item scales for differentiating psychotics, neurotics, and nonpsychiatric groups.

To test the hypothesis that overlapping items of MMPI scales measure factors common to the criterion groups associated with the scales, 3 scales were constructed: Neurotic Overlap, Psychotic Overlap, and Maladjustment Overlap. These scales were validated against clinical psychotic and neurotic groups and 2 normal control groups. Results support the hypothesis and the validity of the 3 new scales. (2 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Implications of the 1992 ethics code for diverse groups.

Previous renditions of the American Psychological Association's (APA's) code of ethics have clearly espoused psychologists' commitment to the ideal of having respect for the dignity and worth of the individual human being. The endorsement of the goal to protect fundamental human rights has always been highlighted in the Preambles of each revision of the code. The current code (APA, 1992) appears to have retreated from prioritizing this humanitarian stance. Ethnic minorities, women, gay men, and lesbians have reason to be apprehensive about the apparent downgrading in importance of psychologists' declaration of respect for the dignity and worth of the individual. All previous codes seemed to have been formulated from a perspective of protecting consumers. The new code appears to be driven by a need to protect psychologists. This article examines the possible impact of the shift in traditional priorities on diverse populations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A cross-validation of MMPI scales of aggression on male criminal criterion groups.

Cross-validated the 13 basic MMPI scales, 21 experimental scales of hostility and control, and 4 response-bias scales on 168 male criminals assigned to 4 aggressive criterion groups (nonviolent, threat, battery, and homicide). All but 1 of the 17 hostility scales showing group differences confirmed E. I. Megargee's prediction of lower scores on hostility measures and higher on control for aggressive individuals. However, a more parsimonious interpretation in terms of a naysaying response style in the aggressive groups accounted for all group differences. Balancing of item scoring on experimental MMPI scales is suggested until such time as the issue of acquiescence response style on true/false tests is resolved. (35 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Normalized transformations and the interpretation of MMPI T scores: A reply to Hsu.

Replies to L. M. Hsu's (see record 1985-02859-001) criticisms of the present authors' (see record 1980-11023-001) recommendation to use normalized T scores for MMPI scales. The present reply addresses Hsu's objections from a theoretical standpoint and in the context of MMPI responses from a new reference sample of 1,408 normal adults. These new data support the present authors' previous recommendation and represent a step in stimulating new research and revitalizing the MMPI for clinical relevance. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An illusory interpretation of the first factor of the MMPI: A reply to Shweder.

Critically evaluates R. A. Shweder's (see record 1978-20144-001) reinterpretation of the meaning of the 1st factor of the MMPI. The solitary coefficient on which he predicates his reinterpretation is shown to be heightened as a function of sample selection, the pooling of judgments when individual judgments are appropriate, and the particular mix of MMPI scales analyzed. Further, Shweder's rationale for his interpretation depends on the factually incorrect assumption of high interrelationships among MMPI items. Finally, Shweder's reinterpretation of the 1st factor of the MMPI offers no explanation whatsoever for the existence of individual differences in response to the questionnaire nor does it explain the many correlates of the MMPI and related questionnaires to real-world criteria. Until this reinterpretation can be extended to apply to the broadly ranging criterion correlates of personality inventories, it is of little interest. (26 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Age and MMPI performance.

Evaluated the effects of age on MMPI scale scores with intelligence controlled. Data included MMPIs and Wechslers from 420 white hospitalized psychiatric patients. No sex differences were found in relationships among age, intelligence, and MMPI scale scores. Major findings were that T-scores on Scales 4, 6, 8, and 9 are affected by age, scores on Scales L and F by intelligence, and scores on only Scale F by both variables. Although Scale 2 T scores were not affected by age, peak-analysis showed that older patients more often have Scale 2 peaks. This results from decreases in T scores on the other scales, rather than increases on Scale 2. (15 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The MMPI and recidivism.

Compared MMPIs of 80 recidivists and 68 parole successes from a state training school by analyzing mean scale scores, elevations, code types, and mean ranks of the clinical scales. No important differences were identified. Conclusions are (1) the MMPI used alone is not useful in identifying recidivists in relatively homogeneous delinquent populations, (2) its use should be restricted to the exploration of small differences between groups, and (3) the combined use of historical information and the MMPI to identify recidivists needs study. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The importance of a common in-group identity in ethnically diverse groups.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a common in-group identity in attenuating the negative effects of ethnic dissimilarity. Specifically, it was hypothesized that a common in-group identity would moderate the relationship between ethnic dissimilarity and satisfaction with coworkers. Data were gathered from 87 persons working in groups. Moderated regression analysis provided support for the hypothesis, in that when a common in-group identity was not present, demographic dissimilarity was related to less satisfaction, but when a common in-group identity was present, there was a positive relationship between ethnic dissimilarity and coworker satisfaction. Further, for ethnically dissimilar persons, coworker satisfaction was higher when a common in-group identity was present than when it was not. Results are discussed in relation to the study's contribution to social psychology and diversity management literature. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The MMPI and chronic pain.

112 chronic pain patients (mean age 48.4 yrs) completed the MMPI upon entering either an anesthesiologic or a psychiatric treatment program. Pretreatment MMPI performance was found to be successful in predicting patient outcome an average of 20 mo following treatment, with the K (Test-Taking Attitude), Hypochondriasis, Hysteria, and Masculinity and Femininity scales accounting for most of the variance. The strength of this relationship varied as a function of the measure of outcome and type of treatment received. Substantial MMPI differences were found when Ss with only one part of their body in pain were compared with those with multiple pain complaints. Significant MMPI differences were also found in comparisons based on Ss' sex, type of pain (e.g., head vs back), and type of treatment for which was referred (i.e., psychiatric vs anesthesiologic). Clinical implications of the observed MMPI differences are discussed. Results are seen as demonstrating the value of the MMPI as a clinical and research instrument within this population. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sociocultural attitudes and symptoms of bulimia: Evaluating the SATAQ with diverse college groups.

This study evaluated the utility of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ; L. J. Heinberg, J. K. Thompson, & S. Stormer, 1995) for the assessment of diverse college groups, including men, women, minorities, and sorority members. Scores from the SATAQ were compared with the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2; D. M. Garner. 1991) for a sample of 405 college students at a large midwestem university. Significant group differences were observed on the scales assessing awareness of sociocultural pressures to be thin and internalization of these attitudes. These scores were highest among the Caucasian women, Caucasian sorority, and Hispanic sorority groups. However, construct validity was only demonstrated for the Internalization scale and was strongest for the Caucasian women, suggesting that sociocultural awareness may hold unique meaning for diverse groups. The need for the development of more specific measures assessing sociocultural pressures, internalization, and the implications for counseling psychologists is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

OBJECTIONS TO MMPI ITEMS.

THIS STUDY WAS CONCERNED WITH OBJECTIONS MADE BY COLLEGE STUDENTS TO MMPI QUESTIONS IN 2 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS. IN THE "GENERAL" CONDITION, 68 SS WERE ASKED TO TAKE THE MMPI BUT TO OMIT ALL ITEMS THAT THEY WOULD CONSIDER OBJECTIONABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. IN THE "SELECTION" CONDITION, 69 SS WERE INSTRUCTED TO OMIT QUESTIONS THEY WOULD FIND OBJECTIONABLE IN A JOB-SELECTION SITUATION. THE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS WAS CONCERNED WITH INDIVIDUAL REACTIONS, WITH DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE 2 CONDITIONS, WITH DETERMINING WHICH TYPES OF ITEM CONTENT ARE ASSOCIATED WITH A HIGH OR LOW PERCENTAGE OF OBJECTIONS, AND WITH THE IMPLICATIONS OF REMOVING ITEMS WITH HIGH OBJECTION RATES. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ambiguity in the MMPI.

MMPI items were rated for ambiguity on a 5-point scale and were also answered under standard instructions by male and female introductory psychology students. Lower ambiguity ratings of female Ss were interpreted in terms of role or habit patterns of females in our culture. Mean ambiguity values for selected MMPI scales revealed high ambiguity for both sexes, independent of order effects, for items keyed on the K, Pd, Pt, Ma, and Welsh A scales, and low ambiguity for items on the L, F, Hs, Mf, and Welsh R scales. Significant intercorrelations were found between total ambiguity scores of individual Ss and scores on Hs, Si, and Sc, with a negative relationship between ambiguity and K. These results suggest a relationship between ego control and perceived ambiguity in the items. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)