The 4-3 MMPI profile type: A failure to replicate.

Using a sample of male prison inmates as Ss, the incidence of violent crimes for 65 persons with the 4-3 MMPI profile type and 64 with other 2-point code types was compared. Results fail to replicate the findings of some earlier investigators, who reported that violent behaviors are more common for persons with the 4-3 profile type. The failure to identify a significant relationship between the 4-3 profile type and violent behavior suggests that caution should be exercised in generalizing to populations that differ from those in which the relationship between violence and the 4-3 profile type is established. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The 3-4/4-3 MMPI code type in an offender population: An update on levels of hostility and violence.

Levels of hostility and type of crime committed were compared in 94 male offenders with either 3-4 or 4-3 MMPI high point pairs and in 94 randomly selected offenders (mean age for all Ss 31 yrs) without these codes who were matched for race with the 3-4/4-3 group. The samples were drawn from all male offenders entering a state prison system over 5 yrs. Self-report measures included the MMPI, Buss Durkee Hostility Inventory, and Monroe Dyscontrol Scale. Multivariate and univariate analyses showed that those with 3-4 codes did not differ from those with 4-3 codes. Except for higher scores on Megargee's Overcontrolled-Hostility scale, the combined 3-4/4-3 offenders either did not differ from or scored lower than the comparison group on type of crime and all self-report measures of hostility, anger, episodic dyscontrol, and violence. Neither these results nor the majority of research on 3-4/4-3 profiles supports these codes as evidence of a proclivity for violence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Empirical correlates of the Overcontrolled-Hostility scale and the MMPI 4-3 high-point pair.

Compared the behavioral correlates of the MMPI 4-3 high-point pair of the Overcontrolled-Hostility (O-H) scale in a sample of university psychology clinic outpatients: 18 4-3 patients, 29 O-H patients, and 50 controls. Ss were assigned to the 4-3 condition if they met the following criteria: (a) Scales 3 (Hysteria) and 4 (Psychopathic Deviate)?≥?T score of 65; (b) Scale 4 (Psychopathic Deviate)?>?Scale 3 (Hysteria)?≥?all other clinical scales. Ss with T scores of 65 or higher on the O-H scale were placed in the O-H condition. Findings indicate that the behavioral correlates of these 2 groups of Ss were more similar to each other than they were to the controls. Although the 4-3 high-point pair and O-H scale appeared to be measuring the same general personality pattern, marked by rigid denial and overcontrolled hostility, important differences are noted. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Simulation of normal and psychopathic MMPI personality patterns.

Previous work with the simulation of normalcy on personality tests has suggested that good adjustment involves an adequate understanding of socially approved behavior. 27 well-adjusted and 42 maladjusted college males took the MMPI under instructions to simulate very good adjustment, and again under instructions to simulate psychopathic personality. Both groups simulated very good adjustment satisfactorily; however, well-adjusted Ss were superior to maladjusted Ss in the simulation of psychopathic personality. The findings were consistent with the literature on role-taking and empathy, supporting the view that good adjustment involves an ability to understand and predict socially adequate and inadequate behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

MMPI alcoholic subtypes: Replicability and validity of the 2-8-7-4 subtype.

An empirical examination of previous alcoholism classifications that have used the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory reveals that one particular subtype emerges with considerable convergence. This article describes this subtype and outlines some of its implications for alcoholism theory and research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Heritability of MMPI personality indicators of psychopathology in twins reared apart.

This report presents Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) findings from the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart. Data from 65 unique pairs of monozygotic twins reared apart (MZA) and 54 unique pairs of dizygotic twins reared apart (DZA) were analyzed. As in other results from this sample, MZA twins evidenced substantial similarity, highlighting the influence of shared genes. Biometric modeling yielded estimates of heritability for the MMPI's standard validity and clinical scales and for the Wiggins content scales ranging from .26 to .62 (M?=?.44), echoing previous findings from the twin and adoption literature on personality. The pattern of MZA and DZA correlations suggested nonadditive genetic effects for 3 MMPI scales. Multivariate profile analyses also suggested genetic influence on both profile elevation and shape. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

DSM-IV Cluster A personality disorder diagnoses among young adults with a 2-7-8 MMPI profile

The Ethical Principles exhort psychologists "to encourage ethical behavior by students, supervisees, employees, and colleagues, as appropriate" (American Psychological Association, 1992, p. 1599). In spite of a clear directive to attempt resolution of unethical conduct by colleagues, research indicates that satisfactory resolution or actual reporting of misconduct is infrequent. This paper will address some of the forces that discourage psychologists from dealing responsibly and appropriately with professional misconduct by colleagues. The goals of this paper are to promote understanding of factors that interfere with the effective resolution of ethical misconduct, to identify possible signs of reluctance to address misconduct, and to propose strategies to combat those forces that keep us in silent collusion with colleagues who engage in unethical practices. A flowchart of steps for addressing possible misconduct by a colleague is provided, and educational, organizational, and professional considerations are discussed.     

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)     

Set and content scores for personality scales and response styles in the MMPI.

Set and content scores from 3 MMPI scales, Edwards SD scale, the Manifest Anxiety scale (MA), and the Masculinity-Femininity (Mf) scale, were derived by an adaptation of the Helmstadter technique for obtaining separate (acquiescence) set and content scores from personality scales. In a factor analysis of scores for 150 male college Ss on 54 variables, the MA-Set and SD-Set variables defined a common factor, but only the Mf-Set variable loaded the 2nd, or acquiescence, factor. The inconsistency of these results indicated that the set formula was not consistently measuring, or reflecting, acquiescence, or any other construct, and furthermore suggested the need for caution in making acquiescence interpretations based on the Helmstadter procedure. Some speculations were advanced to account for the disparate results of the set variables, such as the degree of true-false and SD-SUD keying in the "parent" scales. A systematic variation of such scale keying in future research may indicate what the set procedure is measuring and have potential implications for the clarification of the nature of acquiescence in personality scales. (34 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The use of the MMPI for cross-cultural personality study: A preliminary report on the German translation.

Structured personality tests have seldom been used in intercultural comparisons, but present certain advantages over other techniques. The first study using a German translation of the MMPI has been reported. German men and women attending a summer course at the University of Marburg in 1948 showed profiles significantly higher on most scales than American students. Since there is a mixture of factors which might have effects, interpretation of the results is not clear, but the method seems to merit serious attention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Vulnerability to violent video games: A review and integration of personality research.

In this report, past research is reviewed, which suggests that the personality traits of psychoticism and aggressiveness likely moderate the negative effects of violent video games (VVGs). The Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality is then used as a taxonomy to integrate these findings and examine why these traits are important moderator variables. Analyses suggest that these traits likely moderate the effects of VVGs because they contain the FFM traits neuroticism (+), agreeableness (?), and conscientiousness (?). A spherical model of personality, derived from these three FFM traits, is presented as a method of predicting aggression and hostility after playing VVGs; archival data confirms the predictions derived from this spherical model. Findings from the current research demonstrate the utility of a three-trait spherical model to examine the moderating effects of VVGs and suggest that only some individuals are adversely affected by VVGs and that those who are affected have preexisting dispositions, which make them susceptible to such violent media. (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)     

Some personality characteristics related to response to subtle and obvious items on the MMPI.

In developing subtle and obvious keys for the MMPI, D. Weiner (see record 1948-04966-001) concluded that emotionally disturbed people tend to respond in the deviant direction to obvious items more readily than to subtle ones because of their lack of awareness of the significance of their symptoms. Relationships of obvious and subtle MMPI responses to recognition, ego strength, and dependency were investigated. A total of 147 male neuropsychiatric patients, surgical patients, and undergraduates served as Ss. Results are interpreted in terms of positive reinforcement of obvious responses for psychiatric patients and nonreinforcement of these responses for undergraduates, with a reverse pattern of reinforcement for the subtle items. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dual inhibition of human type 4 phosphodiesterase isostates by (R, R)-(+/-)-methyl 3-acetyl-4-[3-(cyclopentyloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl]-3- methyl-1-pyrrolidinecarboxylate

Purified recombinant human type 4 phosphodiesterase B2B (HSPDE4B2B) exists in both a low- and a high-affinity state that bind (R)-rolipram with Kd's of ca. 500 and 1 nM, respectively [Rocque, W. J., Tian, G., Wiseman, J. S., Holmes, W. D., Thompson, I. Z., Willard, D. H., Patel, I. R., Wisely, G. B., Clay, W. C., Kadwell, S. H., Hoffman, C. R., and Luther, M. A. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 14250-14261]. Since the tissue distribution of the two isostates may be significantly different, development of inhibitors that effectively inhibit both forms may be advantageous pharmacologically. In this study, enzyme inhibition and binding of HSPDE4B2B by (R, R)-(+/-)-methyl 3-acetyl-4-[3-(cyclopentyloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl]-3-methyl-1-pyrrolidin ecarboxylate (1), a novel inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE 4), were investigated. Binding experiments demonstrated high-affinity binding of 1 to HSPDE4B2B with a stoichiometry of 1:1. Inhibition of PDE activity showed only a single transition with an observed Ki similar to the apparent Kd determined by the binding experiments. Deletional mutants of HSPDE4B2B, which have been shown to bind (R)-rolipram with low affinity, were shown to interact with 1 with high affinity, indistinguishable from the results obtained with the full-length enzyme. Bound 1 was completely displaced by (R)-rolipram, and the displacement showed a biphasic transition that resembles the biphasic inhibition of HSPDE4B2B by (R)-rolipram. Theoretical analysis of the two transitions exemplified in the interaction of (R)-rolipram with HSPDE4B2B indicated that the two isostates were nonexchangeable. Phosphorylation at serines 487 and 489 on HSPDE4B2B had no effect on the stoichiometry of binding, the affinity for binding, or the inhibition of the enzyme by 1. These data further illustrate the presence of two isostates in PDE 4 as shown previously for (R)-rolipram binding and inhibition. In contrast to (R)-rolipram, where only one of the two isostates of PDE 4 binds with high affinity, 1 is a potent, dual inhibitor of both of the isostates of PDE 4. Kinetic and thermodynamic models describing the interactions between the nonexchangeable isostates of PDE 4 and its ligands are discussed.     

The growth in acceptance of the MMPI.

Personality questionnaires and inventories were in serious disrepute at the time that the MMPI was developed and published. A series of devastating research studies had been carried out on the sources of error in the available tests, and highly critical reviews damning all questionnaires had been published. Projective instruments were gaining favor. The test authors, S. R. Hathaway and J. C. McKinley, were going against a strong tide in the field of personality assessment in their efforts to have the new instrument accepted. Efforts by their colleagues and former students from Minnesota were finally able to engender a different perception of the MMPI and to foster its present wide acceptance here and abroad. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The environment of personality.

Discusses the implications of the sociocultural environment for the study of personality. Two issues are considered. The first concerns the effects of the sociocultural environment on experimental findings obtained at the situational level. The trait–situation controversy is used as an example of a basic personality datum that is markedly affected by sociocultural environmental variables. The data yielded by studies of the interaction between sex and aggression provide another instance of a research issue that has been investigated without adequate consideration of the environmental context. A second issue involves the effects of the sociocultural environment on theoretical models and modes of interpretation of experimental findings. The degree of emphasis given to biological social antecedents of aggression provides one example of a theoretical interpretation and research strategy that is particularly vulnerable to variations in the sociocultural environment. More profoundly, social forces in the environment may affect the theoretical importance ascribed to internal psychological states and personality processes. Empirical investigation of the role of the sociocultural environment in shaping personality organization and in affecting psychological research and theory may help reduce the effects of these cultural "blinders." (38 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The MMPI: A case study in dissimulation.

Presents a case study in which a 45-yr-old male patient referred by the criminal court received 4 MMPIs over a period of 10 mo. and attempted to present himself as mentally healthy though suffering from a mental disorder. This positive malingering is examined in terms of (a) the findings of previous studies on malingering, (b) the patient's clinically observed dynamics, and (c) the difference between external instructional motivation to dissimulate and internal motivation to do so. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)