Comparability of MMPI-3 scores from remote and in-person administrations and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MMPI-3 scores.

The COVID-19 pandemic onset necessitated remote administration of psychological instruments, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3). Although previous evidence has demonstrated that MMPI scale scores are robust across administration modalities, the specific effects of remote administration on the psychometric properties of MMPI-3 scale scores must be investigated. Distinguishing psychometric differences due to administration modality from substantive changes in psychological symptoms due to the COVID-19 pandemic is also important. Thus, goals of the present study include evaluating the psychometric comparability of MMPI-3 scores derived from in-person and remote administration modalities and examining substantive scale scores changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a large sample of college students (n = 2,503), rates of protocol invalidity, mean scale scores, reliability, and criterion validity were compared across participants completing the MMPI-3 in-person (both prior to and after the onset of COVID-19) and via remote administration. Results demonstrate comparably low rates of protocol invalidity, negligible differences in reliability, and similar patterns of criterion validity for MMPI-3 scale scores across administration modalities. Results also indicate that mean MMPI-3 scale scores pre- and post-COVID-19 onset substantially differ on select scales, but that scores on remote and in-person protocols administered post-COVID-19 have negligible differences. Remote MMPI-3 scale scores also demonstrated expected patterns of correlations with external criteria, supporting the validity of remote scores. Overall, the present study demonstrates that MMPI-3 protocols administered remotely and in-person are extremely psychometrically similar, although scores have generally increased post-COVID-19 onset for reasons independent of administration modality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Examining the Psychometric Equivalency of MMPI-3 Scale Scores Derived From the MMPI-3 and the MMPI-2-RF-EX.

The current study evaluated the comparability of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) scale scores derived from the 335-item MMPI-3 to MMPI-3 scale scores derived from the 433-item MMPI-2 restructured form-expanded version (MMPI-2-RF-EX), an enhanced version of the MMPI-2-RF that was used to develop and validate the MMPI-3. To that end, we examined data from 192 college undergraduates who completed both the MMPI-3 and MMPI-2-RF-EX 1 week apart using a counterbalanced design. Across versions, mean T-scores and standard deviations, estimates of internal consistency, and standard error of measurement values, were highly similar, indicating no clinically meaningful differences across versions. We also compared between-version test-retest comparability values with within-version values calculated using a sample of undergraduates (N = 318) who completed the MMPI-2-RF-EX twice over the same time interval, finding only marginal differences across the two samples. Finally, we computed column-vector correlations between MMPI-3 scores from both versions and several criterion measures, where results reflected no effect of test version on external validity. Overall, we determined that scale scores derived from either booklet are psychometrically interchangeable, indicating that MMPI-3 scale scores obtained from an administration of the MMPI-2-RF-EX can be applied when using the 335-item MMPI-3.

Associations Between MMPI-2-RF Internalizing RC Scales and Positive Characteristics.

Past studies indicate that the low scores on the MMPI and MMPI-2 Clinical and Content Scales can reflect positive characteristics. It is currently unclear, however, whether scales on the MMPI-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) have that ability. Accordingly, we examined whether low scores on Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales assessing internalizing difficulties (i.e., RCd, RC2, and RC7) can reflect self-esteem, life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, and optimism. When considering the full range of scores, each of the internalizing RC Scales demonstrated the expected pattern of associations with these characteristics. Across difference and percentage bend analyses, however, only RC2 had significant associations-namely, with positive affect, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. This study corroborates that high scores on the internalizing RC scales have interpretations consistent with past literature, but also uniquely suggests that below average RC2 scores may reflect increased positive affect, self-esteem, optimism, and satisfaction with life.

The relationship between physical activity and vitamin D status in postpartum lactating and formula-feeding women.

Existing research shows an association between physical activity levels and vitamin D status in the elderly, men, women, children, and adolescent populations. This association has not yet been investigated in postpartum women. We hypothesized that based on the relationship between vitamin D and physical activity found in other populations, greater physical activity levels in postpartum women will be associated with higher serum 25(OH)D levels. A post hoc analysis of 286 postpartum women with self reported physical activity data from the America on the Move survey, and measured circulating serum 25(OH)D (measured by RIA) as an indicator of vitamin D status, was gathered at baseline (4-6 weeks postpartum), 4 months, and 7 months postpartum. The data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC). 39.9% of women at visit 1 (baseline), 52.8% of women at visit 4 (month 4), and 55.9% of women at visit 7 (month 7) were meeting the NIH recommendation of 150min of moderate intensity (3-6 METs) physical activity per week. Significant differences were seen in physical activity by race (p=0.007). Caucasians were more likely to meet the standard recommendation than African Americans or Hispanics. Using multiple regression models to examine associations between duration of physical activity and 25(OH)D concentration, controlling for race, BMI, feeding type, and METs, it was found that at visit 1, an increase in physical activity was associated with an increase in 25(OH)D of 1.3nmol/L (p=0.03) and achieving at least 2.5h/wk of physical activity had a trending association with an increase in 25(OH)D of 7.23nmol/L (p=.05). At visit 4 (also controlling for treatment group and sun exposure) achieving at least 1.5h/wk of physical activity was associated with an increase in 25(OH)D of 11.73nmol/L (p=.04). By visit 7, no association between physical activity and maternal 25(OH)D was observed. In a repeated measures, mixed model analysis predicting maternal 25(OH)D during the study, achieving at least the recommended 150min per week of physical activity (>2.5h) was not significantly associated with vitamin D status (pNS). While no definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding precise levels of physical activity influencing 25(OH)D levels in postpartum women, the data suggest that increased activity during the first 4 months after birth is associated with improved vitamin D status. Additional research is needed because of the inconsistency seen at visit 7.