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Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) normative elevation rates: comparisons
Anthony M Tarescavage1, Ryan J Marek, Jacob A Finn
1a Department of Psychology , Kent State University , Kent , OH , USA.
Abstract:
Odland, Berthelson, Sharma, Martin, and Mittenberg ( 2013 ) caution that clinically elevated scale scores produced by members of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008 /2011) normative sample raise concerns about the potential for false positive findings of psychopathology. However, the MMPI-2-RF normative sample is intended to represent the general population of the United States, 26.2% of which met criteria for a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (APA, 1994 ) disorder in a 12-month period (Kessler, Chiu, Demler, & Walters, 2005 ). In the current study we compare scale elevation rates in the MMPI-2-RF normative sample to prevalence rates of mental disorders primarily drawn from the National Comorbidity Study Replication (Kessler et al., 2005 ). Our objective was to evaluate MMPI-2-RF elevation rates in an epidemiological context. Results indicate that MMPI-2-RF scale elevation rates were generally consistent with epidemiological data when examined in the context of standard interpretation guidelines for the inventory. We also reiterate Ben-Porath and Tellegen's (2008/2011) caution that MMPI-2-RF scale elevations alone are not sufficient to indicate the presence of psychiatric disorder. Rather they are best viewed as indications of the need to evaluate the individual for possible disorder(s). Implications of these results, limitations of this study, and future directions in research are discussed.
Insights
Clinically elevated Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) scores in the normative sample align with general population mental disorder prevalence. MMPI-2-RF elevations indicate a need for further evaluation, not a diagnosis alone.
Area of Science:
- Psychological assessment
- Psychopathology research
- Clinical psychology
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding potential false positives for psychopathology with elevated Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) scores in its normative sample.
- The MMPI-2-RF normative sample aims to represent the U.S. general population, where significant rates of mental disorders are prevalent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) scale elevation rates within an epidemiological context.
- To compare MMPI-2-RF normative sample elevation rates with U.S. mental disorder prevalence data.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of MMPI-2-RF normative sample scale elevation rates.
- Utilizing prevalence data from the National Comorbidity Study Replication (NCS-R) for mental disorders.
- Analysis within the framework of standard MMPI-2-RF interpretation guidelines.
Main Results:
- MMPI-2-RF scale elevation rates in the normative sample were generally consistent with epidemiological prevalence data.
- The study supports the interpretation of MMPI-2-RF scale elevations as indicators for further clinical evaluation rather than definitive diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- MMPI-2-RF scale elevations should be considered in conjunction with broader clinical assessment.
- Elevated scores necessitate a thorough evaluation for potential psychiatric disorders, not immediate diagnosis.
- Findings support the utility of the MMPI-2-RF when interpreted within established guidelines and epidemiological context.
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