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MMPIs of Hispanic, black, and white DSM-III schizophrenics
1Department of Counselor Education, San Diego State University, CA 92182-0162.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to compare the MMPI performance of Hispanic, black, and white mental patients who were matched on the psychiatric diagnosis of schizophrenia. It was hypothesized that ethnic patient groups from a maximum security hospital would not differ significantly on any of the 13 MMPI scales as a result of being equated on psychiatric diagnosis. A secondary purpose was to examine the most frequently occurring two-point high-point codes elicited by each of the ethnic groups. Significant multivariate differences were indicated among the MMPI scales and across ethnic groups. Significant univariate differences were found among the three ethnic groups on six of the 13 MMPI scales. The most frequently occurring two-point high-point code for Hispanic and white groups was the "8-2/2-8" code, while for the black group it was the "6-8/8-6" code. Results were discussed with regard to ethnicity, psychiatric diagnosis, and MMPI performance of ethnic/racial groups.
Insights
This study found significant differences in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) performance among Hispanic, black, and white patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. MMPI scale results varied across ethnic groups, challenging initial hypotheses.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychological Assessment
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is a widely used psychological assessment tool.
- Understanding ethnic and racial variations in MMPI performance is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Previous research has explored MMPI differences across demographic groups, but findings require further investigation within specific diagnostic categories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the MMPI performance of Hispanic, black, and white mental patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
- To test the hypothesis that ethnic groups matched on psychiatric diagnosis would not differ significantly on MMPI scales.
- To identify the most frequent two-point high-point codes for each ethnic group.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study design was employed.
- Participants were mental patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, matched across three ethnic groups: Hispanic, black, and white.
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was administered, and performance on its 13 scales was analyzed, along with two-point high-point codes.
Main Results:
- Significant multivariate differences were found among the MMPI scales and across the ethnic groups.
- Significant univariate differences were observed among the three ethnic groups on six of the 13 MMPI scales.
- The most frequent two-point high-point code for Hispanic and white patients was "8-2/2-8", while for black patients it was "6-8/8-6".
Conclusions:
- The study's hypothesis was not supported, as significant differences in MMPI performance were found across ethnic groups, even when matched for schizophrenia diagnosis.
- These findings highlight the influence of ethnicity on MMPI results within a psychiatric population.
- The distinct high-point codes suggest potential ethnic variations in psychological functioning or response patterns that warrant further research.