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Have MMPI MF scale correlates changed in the past 30 years?
1Department of Psychology, Auburn University, Alabama 36849.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Behavioral traits linked to the Masculinity-Femininity (MF) scale remain consistent across generations. This study found that personality correlates of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) MF scale are still valid for today
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Masculinity-Femininity (MF) scale was developed in the mid-20th century.
- Significant social and cultural shifts have occurred since the scale's inception, prompting re-evaluation of its behavioral correlates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contemporary validity of established behavioral correlates of the MMPI MF scale.
- To determine if these correlates have changed due to societal evolution.
Main Methods:
- 306 participants (102 target subjects and 204 same-sex friends) were recruited.
- Target subjects completed the first 399 MMPI items, the Interpersonal Adjective Scale (IAS), and other questionnaires.
- Peer-described personality traits using the IAS were collected for each target subject.
Main Results:
- Low MF females were perceived as tender and emotional by themselves and peers.
- High MF females were seen as exploitative, self-confident, bold, and unsympathetic.
- Low MF males described themselves as domineering, while peers viewed them as well-mannered. High MF males were perceived as undemanding, shy, and emotional.
Conclusions:
- The behavioral correlates of the MMPI MF scale established in the 1950s appear to remain valid for contemporary college students.
- Despite societal changes, the MF scale's personality associations persist across generations.