MMPI factor analytic findings for adolescents: item- and scale-level factor structures

Although numerous studies have examined the factor structures of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) in investigations of adults, very little attention has been directed to this issue in adolescent samples. In this study, we investigated the item-level and scale-level factor structures using a sample of 1,762 adolescents receiving psychiatric services at the time of their MMPI assessment. Results identified 17 factors related to item responses and 5 factors based on scale-level data. Findings are discussed in relation to results obtained in adult populations and the potential utility of factor analytically derived content scales for adolescent MMPI interpretation.