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Empirical correlates of common MMPI-2 two-point codes in male psychiatric inpatients

Paul A Arbisi1, Yossef S Ben-Porath, John L McNulty

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, USA. arbis001@umn.edu

Assessment
|September 25, 2003
PubMed

Insights

This study identified empirical correlates for common Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) 2-point codes in 1,213 male inpatients. Findings show remarkable consistency with historical MMPI-2 research.

Area of Science:

  • Psychological Assessment
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychometrics

Background:

  • The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) is a widely used psychological assessment tool.
  • Understanding the empirical correlates of MMPI-2 2-point codes is crucial for accurate clinical interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and describe the empirical correlates of common MMPI-2 2-point codes in a sample of male inpatients.
  • To assess the consistency of these correlates over time.

Main Methods:

  • A sample of 1,213 inpatient men was analyzed.
  • A standardized review of hospital records extracted demographic, diagnostic, and behavioral data.
  • The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) was administered prior to data extraction.

Main Results:

  • Common psychiatric diagnoses included substance abuse, schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety, and personality disorders.
  • The five most frequent 2-point code types were selected for detailed analysis.
  • Empirical correlates for each code type were identified and described.

Conclusions:

  • The identified empirical correlates for MMPI-2 2-point codes demonstrated remarkable consistency with correlates reported approximately 40 years prior.
  • This suggests the enduring validity and stability of MMPI-2 interpretations in clinical populations.

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