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Ethnic differences on the MMPI Overcontrolled-Hostility Scale
H E Hutton1, M H Miner, J R Blades
1Program I, Atascadero State Hospital, CA 93423-7001.
Abstract:
The effects of race and the validity of Megargee, Cook, and Mendelsohn's (1967) Overcontrolled-Hostility (O-H) Scale were examined using 412 male forensic psychiatric inpatients. Regression analysis using the total study sample indicated that the only predictor of O-H score was race, with Black patients scoring higher than White patients. In fact, Black patients scored at least 5 T scores higher than the White patients, and approximately 43% of the Black patients received O-H scores greater than 69. The race effect could not be explained by prehospitalization employment status or education. Pattern of criminal history and clinical problems were examined via analyses of variance (ANOVAs) in a subsample of 224 subjects. None of the descriptors of the overcontrolled-hostile personality were identified as related to O-H scores. The results of this study suggest that Black patients are more likely to be incorrectly labeled as overcontrolled-hostile personalities.
Insights
Race significantly impacts scores on the Overcontrolled-Hostility (O-H) Scale, with Black patients scoring higher than White patients. This suggests potential racial bias in the O-H Scale
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Psychometric Assessment
- Racial Bias in Clinical Tools
Background:
- The Overcontrolled-Hostility (O-H) Scale by Megargee, Cook, and Mendelsohn (1967) is used to assess personality traits.
- Concerns exist regarding the scale's validity and potential biases in diverse patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of race on O-H Scale scores in male forensic psychiatric inpatients.
- To examine the validity of the O-H Scale in relation to demographic and clinical factors.
Main Methods:
- Regression analysis was performed on a sample of 412 male forensic psychiatric inpatients.
- Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to examine criminal history and clinical problems in a subsample of 224 subjects.
Main Results:
- Race was the sole significant predictor of O-H scores; Black patients scored higher than White patients.
- Black patients scored an average of 5 T scores higher, with 43% exceeding a score of 69.
- No correlation was found between O-H scores and prehospitalization employment, education, criminal history, or clinical problems.
Conclusions:
- The O-H Scale may exhibit racial bias, potentially leading to mislabeling of Black patients as overcontrolled-hostile.
- Further research is needed to validate the O-H Scale across different racial and ethnic groups in forensic settings.