MMPI profiles of child abusers.

One hundred eighty-three adults who were confirmed abusers or neglecters of children served as subjects. Their MMPI profiles were examined with respect to sex of perpetrator, type of maltreatment (i.e., sexual, physical, neglect) and offending status (perpetrator or passive perpetrator). Passive perpetrators included those individuals who did not abuse children, but had knowledge of the abuse and allowed it to occur. Results indicated no significant differences for males or females across any of the MMPI scales relative to type of abuse or offending status. However, data suggested that active perpetrators were generally more disturbed than passive perpetrators, with profile elevations consistent with a characterological configuration.

Denial in dialysis patients: relationship to compliance and other variables.

Denial has been documented as an important defense mechanism to helping the chronically ill cope with their disease. With respect to a dialysis population, however, the role of denial has been ambiguous. The purpose of this study were 1) to examine the physiological and psychological correlates of denial in a dialysis population and 2)( to examine the relationship between use of denial and compliance to fluid restrictions. Subjects were 46 self- and limited-care dialysis patients. From this subject pool two groups were derived, based upon weight gains between treatments: complies (N=15) and noncompliers(N=16). Both physiological and psychological data were correlated with denial as measured by the Marlow-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Results indicated that denial is used a great deal in dialysis patients, but there was no difference in denial scores between compliers and noncompliers. For compliers, however, denial was correlated with more adaptive attitudes toward illness. The results have implication for the clinical management of dialysis patients.

Limitations of psychological tests in a dialysis population.

Psychological tests are being used increasingly in dialysis populations, both for psychosomatic research and for clinical evaluations, warranting careful examination of their uses and limitations. Characteristics associated with dialysis populations can limit the validity of many psychological tests which are useful in other populations. These characteristics include such factors as the great biological heterogeneity of dialysis patients, their uniquely dependent relationship to treating staff, and their tendency to respond with socially desirable answers. There is a need to develop psychological tests that are specific for dialysis populations and take into account social desirability response bias. At present, the limitations of psychological tests in a dialysis population are substantial.