The use of MMPI-3 scales to assess personality-based vulnerabilities for alcohol use and problems.

Impulsivity and excitement seeking are distinctly associated with alcohol use and related problems in emerging adulthood. Specifically, impulsivity is associated with alcohol problems, while excitement seeking is associated with quantity and frequency of alcohol use (Finn, 2002; Gunn et al., 2013). Given how critical these traits are to alcohol use disorder, such that they play central roles in prominent theories such as Finn's (2002) cognitive motivational theory (CMT), we examined how impulsivity, excitement seeking, and related constructs were captured by an instrument used in clinical practice, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2020a, 2020b). In a sample of 401 college students, we investigated MMPI-3 scales representing the CMT constructs-impulsivity/novelty seeking, excitement seeking, and low harm avoidance-by examining correlations between MMPI-3 Specific Problem scales and theoretically relevant criterion measures. Then, we used these scales to predict alcohol-related outcomes. Impulsivity (IMP), Social Avoidance (SAV), and Anxiety-Related Experiences (ARX) scales captured the core CMT constructs that are said to reflect personality-based vulnerabilities to alcohol-related problems. Further, Impulsivity and Social Avoidance scales incremented the Substance Abuse (SUB) scale in predicting risky drinking outcomes (alcohol problems and quantity and frequency of use). Overall, results support the use of select MMPI-3 scales in providing a nuanced assessment of personality-based vulnerabilities in college-aged drinkers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Examination of the Generalizability of Underreporting Detected by the MMPI-2-RF in a Correctional Sample.

It is relatively unclear if underreporting (UR) detected by Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) L-r (Uncommon Virtues) and K-r (Adjustment Validity) scale scores generalizes to score distortion on criterion measures differently based on test-takers having scored highly on L-r, K-r, or both. Thus, this study reanalyzed the correctional sample of 632 men previously presented by Forbey and colleagues and defined UR groups as high scores on L-r alone (n = 89), K-r alone (n = 45), or both (n = 29). Groups were compared on selected MMPI-2-RF and criterion scales assessing internalizing, externalizing, and thought dysfunction difficulties using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc tests. Results suggested that UR generalized to score distortion on collateral measures, with K-r outperforming L-r in the prediction of this generalizability on all but measures of specific externalizing difficulties. However, having elevations on both L-r and K-r resulted in the strongest pattern of generalizability.

Detecting feigned ADHD in college students using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF).

Objective: To investigate the utility of the validity scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) for detecting feigned Attention-Deficit Hyperreactivity Disorder (ADHD), we utilized a simulation design. Method: We examined group differences across the Restructured Clinical (RC) and validity scales as well as the classification ability of the validity scales across three cut scores. Analyses were conducted across five simulation groups (N = 177) and a standard instruction group (N = 32). Results: Across most of the RC and validity scales, those feigning ADHD produced significantly higher scores than the standard instruction group, but generally no significant differences between the feigning groups were demonstrated. The most promising scales for detecting feigned ADHD were F-r, Fp-r, and Fs at cut scores in the 70 T to 80 T range, respectively. Conclusions: Results support the use of the MMPI-2-RF in ADHD evaluations with scores on F-r, Fs, and Fp-r being particularly useful in detecting feigned ADHD in college students. However, there was no evidence to support the feigning of distinct ADHD symptoms presentations.

MMPI-3 Predictors of Anxiety Sensitivity and Distress Intolerance.

Documenting empirical correlates of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) scale scores is important for expanding the clinical utility of the instrument. To this end, the goals of the current study were to examine associations between scores on MMPI-3 scales and measures of anxiety sensitivity and distress intolerance, two constructs reflecting intolerance of negative emotional states that are implicated in many psychological conditions, and to identify the scales that most strongly predict each construct. Using a sample of 287 undergraduate students (71% women; Mage = 18.90, SD = 1.12; 85% White), zero-order correlational, regression, and dominance analyses were performed to address these goals. Results indicate that when MMPI-3 scale scores are considered conjointly by scale family, they predict meaningful variance in anxiety sensitivity and distress intolerance measure scores, with conceptually implicated scales offering the strongest prediction across scale families. Implications for both research and practice, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.

Construct Validity of the E-LSRP in a Correctional Sample.

The Expanded-Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (E-LSRP) was developed by Christian and Sellbom to improve on the psychometric properties of scores on the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale. The current study investigated the construct validity of scores on the E-LSRP in 393 male inmates. Results provided support for the reliability and construct validity of E-LSRP scores. Specifically, confirmatory factor analysis results demonstrated support for a three-factor model. Additionally, correlation and multiple regression results provided evidence supporting the convergent and discriminant validity of E-LSRP scores against scores on measures assessing psychopathy-related personality traits (e.g., antagonism, disinhibition) and symptoms of internalizing disorders, respectively. Overall, these findings extend those of previous research by establishing that E-LSRP scores demonstrate validity in assessing psychopathy in correctional settings and thus, may be a useful tool for the assessment of psychopathy in these settings.

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 role of distress and fear transdiagnostic dimensions in emotion regulation choice.

BACKGROUND: Most research in the area of psychopathology and emotion regulation has focused on specific disorder categories and maladaptive strategy implementation. This study aimed to extend previous research by examining emotion regulation choice in higher-order dimensions (i.e., the distress and fear transdiagnostic dimensions) predisposing individuals toward commonly co-occurring internalizing syndromes. METHODS: The sample consisted of 127 college students with varying levels of distress and fear proneness. They were randomly assigned to a short- or long-term goal condition and were asked to select between two strategies, distraction and reappraisal, in response to pictures of differing emotional intensity. The moderating effects of distress and fear dimensions were explored to assess whether they interact with emotional intensity and goal proximity to influence strategy selection. RESULTS: Fear proneness was positively, and distress proneness was negatively, associated with the odds of choosing distraction. Fear proneness was a significant moderator in our analysis, suggesting that increased fear magnifies the effect of emotional intensity on choosing distraction as a regulatory strategy. LIMITATIONS: Although an effort was made to select individuals from the full range of the internalizing spectrum, this was a college student sample and thus results should be replicated in clinical samples. Additionally, the response rate in this study was low. CONCLUSION: These findings expand our understanding of emotion regulation choice in internalizing psychopathology by identifying common tendencies of individuals who share dispositions toward fear and distress.

Measuring Positive Health Behaviors and Outcomes with Low Scores on MMPI-2-RF Somatic Scales.

Previous empirical studies have established that poor mental and physical health often cooccur. However, positive health behaviors and outcomes have been demonstrated to buffer against psychological dysfunction. Thus, the ability to assess for positive health behaviors and outcomes with instruments commonly used in practice, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF), is important. However, no study has examined the ability of MMPI-2-RF somatic scale scores to predict positive health behaviors among a healthy population. As such, in this study, we conducted correlational analyses and difference tests with 406 undergraduate students from a Midwestern university to examine whether scores on MMPI-2-RF scales assessing somatic complaints were meaningfully related to measures of health behaviors and outcomes. Results indicated high scores on the Restructured Clinical Somatic Complaints (RC1) scale and associated Specific Problems (SP) scales were meaningfully related to symptom reporting and energy level, and the SP Malaise (MLS) scale was also related to sleep quality and exercise. Additionally, low scores on RC1 and MLS were related to lack of somatic complaints and good sleep quality respectively. Overall, these findings suggest that low scores on MMPI-2-RF scales might be useful for predicting specific resilient health behaviors.

MMPI-2-RF predictors of interpersonal relationship characteristics in committed couples.

There has been no systematic examination of whether scale scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2011; Tellegen & Ben-Porath, 2011) are related to self- or partner-rated characteristics of romantic relationships. As such, the current study examined relations between select MMPI-2-RF scale scores and markers of relationship quality. Participants included 739 committed couples who completed the MMPI-2 and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (Spanier, 1976; Spanier & Filsinger, 1983). Correlational analyses identified clinically meaningful negative associations between self-rated relationship satisfaction and scores on Emotional/Internalizing Dysfunction (EID) and Demoralization (RCd) for both men and women. For men and women self- and partner-rated relationship satisfaction and consensus were both meaningfully and negatively related to scores on Antisocial Behavior (RC4) and Family Problems (FML). These results are the first to provide support for the convergent validity of FML as a measure of difficulties experienced in romantic relationships. Results for EID, RCd, and RC4 converge with previous research examining relations between personality and intimate relationship qualities. Overall, these results suggest scores from the MMPI-2-RF are useful in screening for problems experienced by the individual or their partner in the context of their committed relationship. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

The Utility of MMPI-2-RF Scale Scores in the Differential Diagnosis of Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder.

This study was designed to determine whether scores on selected Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) scales could be used to differentiate between individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The sample was drawn from 2 psychiatric inpatient hospitals and included data from 199 individuals with SCZ and 808 individuals with MDD. A series of multivariate analyses of variance, analyses of variance, and odds ratios were calculated to determine which MMPI-2-RF scales provide the best differentiation between individuals presenting with these 2 disorders. Results indicated scales assessing internalizing dysfunction, including Emotional/Internalizing Dysfunction (EID), Restructured Clinical Scales Demoralization (RCd), Low Positive Emotions (RC2), Suicidal/Death Ideation (SUI), and Self Doubt (SFD) best discriminated MDD from SCZ. Scales assessing thought dysfunction, incluidng Thought Dysfunction (THD), Restructured Clinical Scales Ideas of Persecution (RC6) and Aberrant Experiences (RC8), and Psychoticism-Revised (PSYC-r) were demonstrated to best identify SCZ. Comparisons of the examined MMPI-2-RF scales to MMPI-2 scales assessing similar constructs suggested scales from the MMPI-2-RF perform similarly to their MMPI-2 counterparts in detecting MDD or SCZ, but might have increased ability to discriminate SCZ from other conditions. Overall, results of this study suggest that scores on the examined MMPI-2-RF scales provide important information about the differential diagnosis of MDD and SCZ to clinicians working in inpatient settings.

Bridging the gap between conventional and standardized competency to stand trial (CST) assessments: An examination of defendant answers to conventional CST questions.

Despite research suggesting that use of forensic assessment instruments of competency to stand trial (CST) can improve the integrity of forensic conceptualizations (Rogers & Johansson-Love, 2009), the majority of evaluators do not use these measures in CST evaluations (Nicholson & Norwood, 2000). The purpose of this study is to bridge the gap between competency evaluations based on a conventional interview and those conducted with the aid of a standardized forensic assessment instrument. To this end, we utilized an archival sample of 704 criminal defendants (543 males, 161 females) ordered to undergo evaluations of CST. In the overall sample, as well as in 2 comparison groups comprised of individuals with psychotic disorders and mental retardation, we coded evaluee responses to 45 conventional competency questions relating to factual understanding, rational understanding, and ability to cooperate with counsel. We present accuracy rates to these questions across competent and incompetent groups in an effort to provide information that can make conventional interviews more evidence-based. Using relative risk ratios, we also sought to identify the questions most associated with evaluator opinions of incompetency. Overall, the results indicated fairly consistent trends that questions relating to rational understanding and ability to cooperate with counsel were the most associated with competence. We discuss how the relative risk ratio findings and descriptive information can be used to make conventional competency interviews more objective and empirically based by providing evaluators with a normative reference point for commonly asked competency questions. (PsycINFO Database Record

Response Inhibition and Internet Gaming Disorder: A Meta-analysis.

Previous research has demonstrated that Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has multiple negative effects in psychological functioning and health. This makes the identification of its underpinnings, such as response inhibition, essential for the development of relevant interventions that target these core features of the disorder resulting in more effective treatment. Several empirical studies have evaluated the relationship between response inhibition deficits and IGD using neurocognitive tasks, but provided mixed results. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies using three neurocognitive tasks, the Go/No Go, the Stroop, and the Stop-Signal tasks, to integrate existing research and estimate the magnitude of this relationship. We found a medium overall effect size (d=0.56, 95% CI [0.32, 0.80]) indicating that compared with healthy individuals, individuals with IGD are more likely to exhibit impaired response inhibition. This finding is in alignment with literature on inhibition and addictive and impulsive behaviors, as well as with neuroimaging research. Theoretical implications regarding the conceptualization of IGD as a clinical disorder, shared commonalities with externalizing psychopathology, and clinical implications for treatment are discussed.

Associations between MMPI-2-RF validity scale scores and extra-test measures of personality and psychopathology.

The current study explored associations between two potentially invalidating self-report styles detected by the Validity scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF), over-reporting and under-reporting, and scores on the MMPI-2-RF substantive, as well as eight collateral self-report measures administered either at the same time or within 1 to 10 days of MMPI-2-RF administration. Analyses were conducted with data provided by college students, male prisoners, and male psychiatric outpatients from a Veterans Administration facility. Results indicated that if either an over- or under-reporting response style was suggested by the MMPI-2-RF Validity scales, scores on the majority of the MMPI-2-RF substantive scales, as well as a number of collateral measures, were significantly affected in all three groups in the expected directions. Test takers who were identified as potentially engaging in an over- or under-reporting response style by the MMPI-2-RF Validity scales appeared to approach extra-test measures similarly regardless of when these measures were administered in relation to the MMPI-2-RF. Limitations and suggestions for future study are discussed.

Differentiating PTSD symptomatology with the MMPI-2-RF (Restructured Form) in a forensic disability sample.

The current study was designed to explore models of assessing various forms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptomatology that incorporate both broad and more narrowly focused affective markers. We used broader markers of demoralization, negative activation, positive activation, and aberrant experiences to predict global PTSD scores, whereas more narrowly focused markers of positive and negative affect were used to differentiate between PTSD symptom clusters. A disability sample consisting of 347 individuals undergoing medico-legal psychological evaluations was used for this study. All participants completed symptom measures of PTSD and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) (from which MMPI-2-RF scores were derived). The results indicated that demoralization was the best individual predictor of PTSD globally, and that more narrowly focused MMPI-2-RF Specific Problems scales provided a differential prediction of PTSD symptom clusters. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed within contemporary frameworks of internalizing personality and psychopathology.

Examining the potential for gender bias in the prediction of symptom validity test failure by MMPI-2 symptom validity scale scores.

Using a sample of individuals undergoing medico-legal evaluations (690 men, 519 women), the present study extended past research on potential gender biases for scores of the Symptom Validity (FBS) scale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 by examining score- and item-level differences between men and women and determining the extent to which FBS scores were able to correctly identify men and women who were divided into credible responders (n = 837) and noncredible responders (n = 372) on the basis of performance on symptom validity tests. Results indicated that women had slightly higher raw FBS scores than men (d = .29), and significant differences between men and women in item endorsement were demonstrated for 14 FBS items. Step-down hierarchical logistic regression procedures indicated predictive bias (χ²Δ = 23.72, p < .001). Follow-up analyses indicated intercept bias (χ²Δ = 23.51, p < .001) but not slope bias (χ²Δ = 0.22, p = .64). However, using the test publisher's recommended FBS cutoff scores (Ben-Porath, Graham, & Tellegen, 2009), classification accuracies were similar for women and men (T > 80, h = -.02; T > 100, h = -.22, respectively). On the basis of these results, we conclude there is no evidence of clinically meaningful bias in predictions of symptom validity test failure made using FBS scores for men and women.

An exploration of the impact of invalid MMPI-2 protocols on collateral self-report measure scores.

Although a number of studies have examined the impact of invalid MMPI-2 (Butcher et al., 2001) response styles on MMPI-2 scale scores, limited research has specifically explored the effects that such response styles might have on conjointly administered collateral self-report measures. This study explored the potential impact of 2 invalidating response styles detected by the Validity scales of the MMPI-2, overreporting and underreporting, on scores of collateral self-report measures administered conjointly with the MMPI-2. The final group of participants included in analyses was 1,112 college students from a Midwestern university who completed all measures as part of a larger study. Results of t-test analyses suggested that if either over- or underreporting was indicated by the MMPI-2 Validity scales, the scores of most conjointly administered collateral measures were also significantly impacted. Overall, it appeared that test-takers who were identified as either over- or underreporting relied on such a response style across measures. Limitations and suggestions for future study are discussed.

The impact of emotional priming on MMPI-2 scale scores.

The current study investigated potential emotional priming effects on Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) scale scores. Participants included 98 college students who completed a personal narrative intended to induce temporary mood states, the MMPI-2, and a mood rating inventory. Results of the mood manipulation indicated that the individuals who first wrote a negative personal narrative reported a less positive mood (d = -.79). However, analysis of variance results indicated no statistically significant differences on MMPI-2 scale scores between groups (median η(2) = .005). Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Correlates of the MMPI-2-RF in a college setting.

The current study examined empirical correlates of scores on Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF; A. Tellegen & Y. S. Ben-Porath, 2008; Y. S. Ben-Porath & A. Tellegen, 2008) scales in a college setting. The MMPI-2-RF and six criterion measures (assessing anger, assertiveness, sex roles, cognitive failures, social avoidance, and social fear) were administered to 846 college students (nmen = 264, nwomen = 582) to examine the convergent and discriminant validity of scores on the MMPI-2-RF Specific Problems and Interest scales. Results demonstrated evidence of generally good convergent score validity for the selected MMPI-2-RF scales, reflected in large effect size correlations with criterion measure scores. Further, MMPI-2-RF scale scores demonstrated adequate discriminant validity, reflected in relatively low comparative median correlations between scores on MMPI-2-RF substantive scale sets and criterion measures. Limitations and future directions are discussed.