Pathological characteristics of good and poor interpersonal problem-solvers among psychiatric outpatients

Contrasted good and poor interpersonal problem-solvers (N = 60), as defined by the Means-Ends-Problem-Solving Procedure (MEPS), on indices of psychopathological characteristics, as measured by the Millon Multiaxial Clinical Inventory (MMCI). The results suggest some support for a relationship between performance on the MEPS and psychological adjustment indices (MMCI); however, they do not offer an unambiguous interpretation. Significant differences were found between poor problem-solvers in contrast to good problem-solvers in the direction of relatively more maladjustment for poor problem-solvers. Significant differences were found between black-white good problem-solvers and also between black-white poor problem-solvers. Race may be an important moderator variable in performance on both the MEPS and the MMCI.