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The comparative validities of six MMPI repression scales
C G Watson1, D Plemel, P Vassar
1Veterans Administration Medical Center, St. Cloud, Minnesota 56301.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|September 1, 1987
Summary
This study evaluated MMPI repression scales, finding limited validity for Eichman, Welsh, and Haan scales. However, Little-Fisher Denial, Byrne et al. R-S, and Haan Denial scales demonstrated greater promise for measuring repression.
Area of Science:
- Psychological Assessment
- Personality Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is a widely used tool for psychological assessment.
- Repression is a key defense mechanism studied in personality psychology.
- Validating different scales measuring repression is crucial for accurate psychological diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the validities of six different repression scales derived from the MMPI.
- To determine which MMPI repression scales serve as effective operational definitions of the repression construct.
- To identify MMPI scales with higher potential for reliable measurement of repression.
Main Methods:
- A comparative validity study was conducted with 190 participants.
- Six MMPI repression scales were assessed.
- Criterion measures included the other five repression scales and an independent measure.
Main Results:
- The Eichman, Welsh, and Haan Repression scales showed limited validity as operational definitions of repression.
- The Little-Fisher Denial scale demonstrated promising validity.
- The Byrne et al. R-S and Haan Denial scales also showed potential for measuring repression.
Conclusions:
- Not all MMPI repression scales are equally valid measures of the repression construct.
- The Little-Fisher Denial, Byrne et al. R-S, and Haan Denial scales warrant further investigation for their utility in psychological assessment.
- Future research should focus on refining and validating these promising MMPI repression scales.