Social phobia subtyping with the MMPI-2

The present article examines the utility of the MMPI-2 for the subtyping of social phobia (SP). Cluster analysis was conducted on the MMPI-2 profiles of 109 patients with SP. Clusters were compared on demographic and clinical variables prior to treatment, as well as following completion of cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT). Three distinct clusters emerged. The first is characterized by an absence of significant scale elevations and appears to be consistent with the reported "circumscribed" subtype of SP. It is associated with a significantly later age at onset of SP, a higher proportion of married individuals, and lower scores on pretreatment clinical variables. Significant elevations on Scales 2 (Depression) and 7 (Psychasthenia) and moderately high scores on pretreatment clinical variables characterize the second cluster. The third cluster is characterized by significantly high elevations on Scales 8, 7, and 2, and the highest scores on pretreatment clinical variables. Patients from all three groups improved significantly following a course of CBGT.