Comparison of the MMPI and the Mini-Mult with alcoholics.

Used both standard profiles and Mini-Mult grids to score the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) results of male inpatient alcoholics. Data on the number of instances in which the Mini-Mult accurately predicted the validity, high points, and elevated scales of its paired MMPI profile are presented. Results suggest caution in using the Mini-Mult in a given setting without local cross-validation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Fixed versus flexible MMPI diagnostic rules.

The question of whether fixed (i.e., conventional) or flexible (i.e., Bayesian) rules should be used in diagnosis has received much attention in the clinical literature. Recently, Grove (1985) presented empirical evidence suggesting that flexible rules may not be "worth the expense of their use" (p. 263). The present article attempts to demonstrate the consequences on total misdiagnosis rates of using conventional rather than flexible rules when the MMPI is used as the diagnostic instrument. The principal conclusion is that when the base rate and separation of distributions of normal and abnormal scores are in the ranges of values examined in Grove's (1985) Monte Carlo study, Grove's comments about the negligibility of misdiagnosis rate differences for fixed versus flexible rules appear to be applicable to the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) but that, as the base rate increases and as the separation of distributions of normal and abnormal scores decreases outside of these ranges, the difference in the misdiagnosis rates for Bayesian versus conventional rules becomes increasingly nonnegligible. Furthermore, these total misdiagnosis rate differences appear to be particularly large when the separations of normal and abnormal groups' MMPI T-score distributions are in the ranges most often encountered in the clinical literature. (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)     

Uniform versus linear T scores on the MMPI2/MMPI in an outpatient psychiatric sample: Differential contributions.

Hypothesized that the uniform T-score procedure was one possible source of observed differences between the MMPI-2 T scores and the MMPI T scores. MMPI-2 linear T scores were computed for a sample of 200 psychiatric outpatients (mean age 38.1 yrs) whose MMPI-2 and MMPI T scores had been determined at the same point in time. Differences created by the uniform technique were slight and did not exceed 1.2 T-score points. Contrary to hypothesis, the uniform T-score procedure reduced the differences between mean MMPI-2 T-scores and the MMPI T scores on 12 of the 16 scales. These data suggest that the differences between the MMPI and MMPI-2 T scores are mainly due to differences between the normative samples. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Meta-analytic methods, the Rorschach, and the MMPI.

In response to concerns described by H. N. Garb et al(see record 2001-05665-003), the authors present the weighted and unweighted means and medians of the effect sizes obtained by J. B. Hiller et al (see record 1999-11130-005). These indices of central tendency are presented separately for MMPI and Rorschach effect sizes, both for all the studies in the meta-analysis and for a 10% trimmed sample designed to obtain more robust estimates of central tendency. The variability of these 4 indices is noticeably greater for the MMPI than for the Rorschach. Meta-analysts must compute, compare, and evaluate a variety of indices of central tendency, and they must examine the effects of moderator variables. The authors also comment briefly on the use of phi versus kappa, combining correlated effect sizes and possible hindsight biases. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of indicators of homosexuality on the MMPI.

Ss were 97 male psychiatric outpatients independently classified as "overt homosexuals," "homosexually concerned," or "nonhomosexual." MMPI profiles were evaluated in terms of Mf elevation, Mf rank, MFI (Aaronson's Masculinity-Femininity Index), and HSX (Panton's Homosexuality scale). Results show that the Mf-scale related measures significantly differentiated Ss who admit to and are worried about homosexuality from Ss who are neither overt homoseuxals nor worried about it. These measures show no significant differences between the "homosexually concerned" and the "overt homosexual" groups. The MFI and HSX scales did not differentiate among the experimental groups, and it is concluded that the applicability of these scales is dependent on the samples studied. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of MMPI scores of White and Japanese-American medical patients.

Compared the MMPI scores of 164 patients (mean age 40.3 yrs) classified by sex, diagnostic group (somatization disorder or organic brain syndrome), and race (White or Japanese-American). MANOVA revealed effects for sex and diagnostic group, as well as a sex by race interaction. Male Ss scored significantly higher than females on 9 clinical scales; thus, factors other than race (e.g., sex) appear to be critical in the interpretation of MMPI scores. Implications for the use of the MMPI with non-White patients are discussed. (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of diagnostic methods for detection of Helicobacter pylori

Of two hundred Ethiopian patients with dyspepsia, multiple biopsies were taken from the antrum of the stomach. Helicobacter pylori was cultured from 85% of duodenal ulcer and in 75% of chronic antral gastritis patients. The overall Helicobacter pylori positivity was 70%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the tests as compared to culture were as follows, respectively: direct urease test 100%/87%/95%/100%, direct gram stain 60%/98%/99%/51%, histological gram stain 66%/97%/98%/56%, Giemsa stain 100%/97%/99%/100% and Gimenez stain 100%/87%/95%/100%. It is concluded that gram staining of direct tissue smear or histology is an insensitive method in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori. All the other tests, are shown to be valid. Urease test is an excellent test for provision of presumptive diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori while awaiting confirmation either by culture of histology.     

Use of the Rorschach test as a diagnostic criterion.

In his American Psychologist article, Joseph Lerner (see record 1964-01189-001) kindly ascribed to me words which properly belong to Samuel J. Beck. Beck does refer to my Perceptanalysis (Piotrowski & Lewis, 1957), but not on the same page. His words express my past belief. At present my attitude is more complex. It changed after I checked some "blind" Rorschach diagnoses and clinical psychiatric diagnoses on the same patients (Piotrowski, 1950, p. 363), and read published reviews of the reliability and validity of clinical psychiatric diagnoses. These revealed that a considerable percentage of first admission patients, discharged as psychoneurotics, are rediagnosed as schizophrenics after a re-examination several years later. In fact, some schizophrenic conditions escape detection through clinical observations for as long as 10 years, despite intermittent clinical examinations. The Rorschach test definitely is highly sensitive to schizophrenia even though at times some remitted or much improved schizophrenics produce test records failing to give any indication of the psychosis, let alone of the past acute psychotic episodes Lerner stated that "the Rorschach alone is of little assistance unless it is an integral part of the total evaluation." Well, if the Rorschach is never used as an independent diagnostic criterion, we shall never know how good or bad a diagnostic criterion it is. Using it as a part source of information, is to contaminate it (that is why "blind" diagnoses are important). The second point is: It seems advisable to follow the rule that if clinical observations or the Rorschach test--or both--suggest schizophrenia, this diagnosis is likely to be valid. This rule is compatible with Lerner's conclusion that an evaluation based on all available sources of information is better than one which utilizes only one diagnostic criterion, be it test, anamnesis, or clinical examination. To be certain that the Rorschach test is a dependable diagnostic criterion in neuropsychiatry we must have first highly reliable diagnostic test procedures. A digital computer program of Rorschach interpretation, including numerous diagnostic formulae, has been written to achieve objective and perfectly reliable application of the diagnostic test rules to individual cases. The computer program will be submitted to a stringent test of validity. We shall then be in possession of a test which will yield independent and uncontaminated diagnoses. These, in turn, will be available for use independently or as part of a "total evaluation." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of clients' standard, exaggerated, and matching MMPI profiles.

Investigated the manner in which clients exaggerate the MMPI: (a) whether malingering indices developed on normals could detect clients' exaggeration, (b) whether D. N. Wiener's subtle and obvious items could detect malingering, and (c) whether malingered profiles were distinguishable from valid matching profiles. 40 United States Air Force male clients took standard MMPIs and exaggerated retests. 32 exaggerated retests were matched with similar valid profiles. Findings were: (a) exaggerated retests differed (p     

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)     

Discriminant validation of an MMPI measure of aggression.

An MMPI measure of aggression formed by summing scales F (Frequency), 4 (Psychopathic Deviate), and 9 (Hypomania) discriminated 3 groups of neuropsychiatric outpatients (N?=?138) defined by qualitative and quantitative differences in violent behavior. Results indicate that the group differences cannot be attributed to differences in more general factors such as age, sex, education, IQ, or degree of overall psychopathology, reflecting favorably on the measure's discriminant validity. However, there was sufficient overlap among the distributions of groups to call its clinical utility into question. Further research appears to be needed in order to better define what this scale measures as well as its range of applicability. (5 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

MMPI diagnostic classification of substance abusers of the 1970s

Retrospective analysis of the MMPI profiles of 160 substance abusers tested in the 1970s showed that 54% were classified as showing signs of characterological disorder, 32% thinking disturbance, and 9% emotional disturbance. Four percent of the profiles were asymptomatic. These findings are presented both to confirm the wider variety of psychopathology in substance abusers of the 1970s than earlier and to provide current researchers with comparative data.     

Relation between a dimension of Internal-External Control and the MMPI with an alcoholic population.

Investigated locus of control with the Internal-External Control scale as well as the intercorrelations of this scale with the subscales of the MMPI for 262 alcoholics. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, the alcoholic population scored in the internal control direction. Consistent with the 2nd hypothesis, those alcoholics whose scores were lowest (internal) reported least anxiety, depression, and clinical pathology on the MMPI. Results are discussed in terms of control of reinforcement, i.e., alcohol, and regulation of affective states of distress. (16 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of the clinical utility of the MMPI basic scales and specific MMPI state-trait scales: A test of Dahlstrom's hypothesis.

Tested W. G. Dahlstrom's (1972) hypothesis that the clinical utility of the MMPI could be improved through the use of dimensionally pure personality trait and psychopathological state scales to supplant the present dimensionally complex clinical and validity scales. 508 male psychiatric patients (mean age, 37.7 yrs) were diagnostically categorized using a structured classification algorithm; discriminant functions were then computed first for a relatively untainted set of symptom, characterological, and validity scales, then for the basic MMPI clinical and validity scales as independent variates. Results fail to confirm Dahlstrom's hypothesis. The MMPI clinical scales distinguished diagnostic categories better than did the state and trait scales. Possible reasons for lack of confirmation of Dahlstrom's hypothesis are discussed, and alternative modes of analysis are suggested. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Professional training with and use of the MMPI.

Surveyed 128 professional psychologists by mail regarding their training with and use of the MMPI. Results show that 91% do assessment as part of their clinical practice, and 67% employ the MMPI. Users and nonusers differed primarily in types of clients assessed. Users were more likely than nonusers to have as their clientele criminal offenders, general medical patients, and neurological patients. The users appeared to be circumspect in their use of nonroutine MMPI procedures. Computerized interpretations and supplementary scales were popular, but short forms were not. 45% of MMPI users described the test as "very useful." (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of MMPI—2 responses of child custody and personal injury litigants.

If you are a psychologist who conducts child custody or personal injury evaluations, how confident are you that the traditional Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—2nd ed. (MMPI—2) validity scales and other potential MMPI—2 validity indicators are in fact useful for addressing the issue of response bias? This investigation contributes to the scientific database on the use of MMPI—2 validity indicators to detect response distortion. As the investigation represents empirical rather than analog data, it is of particular value to psychologists who engage in forensic assessment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of external correlates of MMPI substance abuse scales across sex and race.

Examined the differential predictive accuracy of 7 MMPI Alcoholism scales and 2 Drug Abuse scales across both sex and race in a sample of alcoholic inpatients. Ss included 69 Black males (mean age 33.1 yrs), 43 White males (mean age 33.5 yrs), 25 Black females (mean age 38.1 yrs), and 34 White females (mean age 38 yrs). Results demonstrate considerable variance among the scales in their ability to predict alcohol and other drug use, expectancies, and consequences. Predictive accuracy within scales also varied across the 4 sex–race subgroups. (l9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)