Mapping the MMPI-2-RF Substantive Scales Onto Internalizing, Externalizing, and Thought Dysfunction Dimensions in a...

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.