Prospective study of the MMPI-2 correction factor after mild head injury
K R Rayls1, W Mittenberg, W J Burns
1Utah State Hospital, Provo, USA.
The Clinical Neuropsychologist
|March 23, 2001
Summary
The MMPI-2 correction factor may indicate acute neurological issues after mild head trauma. However, these symptoms typically resolve, suggesting chronic endorsement relates to psychological factors.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Psychological Assessment
Background:
- The MMPI-2 correction factor, comprising 14 items, was developed to identify patients with closed-head injuries.
- These items were thought to reflect neurological rather than emotional sequelae of head trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical significance of the MMPI-2 correction factor in individuals experiencing mild head trauma.
- To differentiate between acute neurological effects and chronic psychological responses following mild head injury.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of patients hospitalized with mild head trauma.
- Assessment of MMPI-2 correction factor item endorsement immediately post-injury and at a 3-month follow-up.
- Comparison of endorsement rates with the MMPI-2 standardization sample and uninjured controls.
Main Results:
- Correction factor items were more frequently endorsed during acute hospitalization compared to the standardization sample.
- At 3-month follow-up, no significant difference in endorsement rates was found between patients with chronic mild head injury and controls.
- This indicates a transient sensitivity of the correction factor to acute neurological consequences.
Conclusions:
- The MMPI-2 correction factor effectively identifies acute neurological symptoms associated with mild head trauma.
- The resolution of elevated endorsement rates suggests that persistent item endorsement in chronic mild head injury is likely influenced by psychological factors rather than ongoing neurological deficits.
