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Factor analysis of the MMPI-STAI

A J Finch, P C Kendall, C S Newmark

    Journal of Clinical Psychology
    |July 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study analyzed Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores in psychiatric patients. Four anxiety factors emerged, supporting a specific MMPI scale for measuring chronic anxiety.

    Area of Science:

    • Psychological assessment
    • Clinical psychology
    • Psychometrics

    Background:

    • Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) anxiety measures lack differentiation between situational and chronic anxiety.
    • State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is often used alongside MMPI in clinical settings.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the underlying factor structure of MMPI-STAI scores in psychiatric inpatients.
    • To determine if MMPI subscales can differentiate between types of anxiety.
    • To compare findings with existing MMPI factor-analytic research.

    Main Methods:

    • Factor analysis was performed on the MMPI-STAI scores of 311 psychiatric inpatients.
    • The emergent factors were interpreted and labeled.
    • Results were compared to previous MMPI factor-analytic studies.

    Main Results:

    • Four distinct factors were identified: Adjustment, Passivity, Somatic Concern, and Anxiety Proneness.
    • Welsh's "A" scale demonstrated evidence as a valid measure of chronic anxiety.
    • The factor structure provides a more nuanced understanding of anxiety within the MMPI framework.

    Conclusions:

    • The MMPI, when analyzed with STAI, can reveal distinct dimensions of anxiety beyond simple situational or chronic distinctions.
    • Welsh's "A" scale is supported as a specific indicator for chronic anxiety.
    • These findings contribute to refining the interpretation of anxiety measures in psychiatric populations.

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