Homogeneous scales for the neurotic triad of the MMPI

This study used item statistics for the nonduplicated items of the MMPI and the CPI to develop homogeneous scales for the neurotic triad (Hs, D, Hy) of the MMPI. The construction and partial cross-validation of scales were based on data from a predominantly clinical sample of 563 male subjects and 347 female subjects. Two non-overlapping scales of high internal consistency were developed which contained embedded subscales designed to be relatively independent of factor dimensions previously identified in the data. The first of the two scales comprised items exclusively related to health concern, and the second was a more concentrated measure of poor morale than the MMPI Depression scale. The nature of the revised scales was analyzed in relation to the standard MMPI scales and factor dimensions from previous research. Implications of the study for development of an hierarchical inventory were discussed.