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Mapping the MMPI-2-RF Substantive Scales Onto Internalizing, Externalizing, and Thought Dysfunction Dimensions in a
Isabella E Romero1, Nasreen Toorabally1,2, Danielle Burchett1
1a Department of Psychology , California State University , Monterey Bay.
Abstract:
Contemporary models of psychopathology-encompassing internalizing, externalizing, and thought dysfunction factors-have gained significant support. Although research indicates the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008 /2011) measures these domains of psychopathology, this study addresses extant limitations in MMPI-2-RF diagnostic validity research by examining associations between all MMPI-2-RF substantive scales and broad dichotomous indicators of internalizing, externalizing, and thought dysfunction diagnoses in a sample of 1,110 forensic inpatients. Comparing those with and without internalizing diagnoses, notable effects were observed for Negative Emotionality/Neuroticism-Revised (NEGE-r), Emotional/Internalizing Dysfunction (EID), Dysfunctional Negative Emotions (RC7), Demoralization (RCd), and several other internalizing and somatic/cognitive scales. Comparing those with and without thought dysfunction diagnoses, the largest hypothesized differences occurred for Thought Dysfunction (THD), Aberrant Experiences (RC8), and Psychoticism-Revised (PSYC-r), although unanticipated differences were observed on internalizing and interpersonal scales, likely reflecting the high prevalence of internalizing dysfunction in forensic inpatients not experiencing thought dysfunction. Comparing those with and without externalizing diagnoses, the largest effects were for Substance Abuse (SUB), Antisocial Behavior (RC4), Behavioral/Externalizing Dysfunction (BXD), Juvenile Conduct Problems (JCP), and Disconstraint-Revised (DISC-r). Multivariate models evidenced similar results. Findings support the construct validity of MMPI-2-RF scales as measures of internalizing, thought, and externalizing dysfunction.
Insights
The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) scales effectively measure internalizing, externalizing, and thought dysfunction in forensic patients. This study validates its use for assessing psychopathology domains.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- Contemporary models identify internalizing, externalizing, and thought dysfunction as key psychopathology domains.
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) is believed to measure these domains.
- Previous research has limitations regarding the MMPI-2-RF's diagnostic validity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine associations between all MMPI-2-RF substantive scales and broad diagnostic indicators.
- To assess the MMPI-2-RF's validity in measuring internalizing, externalizing, and thought dysfunction.
- To address limitations in prior MMPI-2-RF diagnostic validity research.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 1,110 forensic inpatients was analyzed.
- Associations between MMPI-2-RF scales and dichotomous diagnoses of internalizing, externalizing, and thought dysfunction were examined.
- Multivariate models were employed to confirm findings.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were found between MMPI-2-RF scales and internalizing diagnoses (e.g., NEGE-r, EID, RC7, RCd).
- Scales like THD, RC8, and PSYC-r showed differences related to thought dysfunction, with some overlap with internalizing scales.
- Externalizing diagnoses were strongly associated with scales such as SUB, RC4, BXD, JCP, and DISC-r.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the construct validity of MMPI-2-RF scales for measuring internalizing, thought, and externalizing dysfunction.
- The MMPI-2-RF demonstrates utility in assessing broad domains of psychopathology within a forensic inpatient population.
- Results confirm the MMPI-2-RF's role in understanding complex psychopathology presentations.
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