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Validity of an MMPI classification of problem drinker-drivers
Journal of Studies on Alcohol
|July 1, 1986
Summary
This study found that a specific typology of problem drinker-drivers, based on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), meaningfully categorizes individuals. This typology shows stronger relationships with external criteria than other MMPI uses, but not all.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Addiction Studies
Background:
- Problem drinker-drivers represent a significant public health and safety concern.
- Understanding the heterogeneity within this population is crucial for effective intervention.
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is a widely used psychological assessment tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically evaluate a typology of problem drinker-drivers derived from MMPI profiles.
- To examine the relationships between this typology and various external criteria.
- To compare the validity of this typology against alternative MMPI scoring methods.
Main Methods:
- An empirical typology of problem drinker-drivers was developed using MMPI data.
- Relationships were assessed between the typology and criteria including alcoholism symptoms, drinking motivations, treatment engagement, and medical issues.
- Typological validity was compared with other MMPI profile interpretations.
Main Results:
- The drinker-driver typology demonstrated significant relationships with external criteria.
- These relationships were generally stronger than those found with other MMPI applications.
- However, the typology's predictive power was weaker than an unweighted combination of Psychopathic Deviate, Depression, and K (test-taking attitude) scales.
Conclusions:
- The MMPI-based typology effectively and meaningfully differentiates subgroups within the problem drinker-driver population.
- While powerful, this typology is not universally superior to all other MMPI interpretations for this population.
- Further research may refine the use of MMPI in understanding and addressing problem drinking and driving.
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