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The relationship between self-monitored aggression and the MMPI-2 F, 4, 9 composite and anger content scale scores
1Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale 62901-6502.
Abstract:
Undergraduates, 47 men and 79 women, took the MMPI-2 and self-monitored their aggressive acting out for one week. As expected, the MMPI composite score for F, 4, 9 and the anger content scale were correlated positively with monitored aggressive acting out, particularly for men. However, the magnitude of the correlations was slight, indicating it would be inappropriate to use them to make critical judgments regarding aggressive acting out with this population.
Insights
The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) scores showed a slight positive correlation with aggressive behavior in undergraduates, particularly men. However, these correlations were too weak for critical judgments about aggression in this group.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- Aggressive acting out is a significant concern in undergraduate populations.
- Understanding the psychological correlates of aggression is crucial for intervention and prevention.
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) is a widely used tool for personality assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between MMPI-2 scores and self-monitored aggressive acting out in undergraduate students.
- To determine if specific MMPI-2 scales, including the F, 4, 9 composite and anger content scale, predict aggressive behavior.
- To examine potential gender differences in the correlation between MMPI-2 scores and aggression.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 126 undergraduate students (47 men, 79 women).
- Administration of the MMPI-2 to all participants.
- Self-monitoring of aggressive acting out behaviors over a one-week period.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was observed between the MMPI-2 composite score (F, 4, 9) and monitored aggressive acting out.
- The anger content scale of the MMPI-2 also showed a positive correlation with aggressive behavior.
- These correlations were more pronounced in male participants.
- The magnitude of the observed correlations was slight.
Conclusions:
- While certain MMPI-2 scales show a statistical association with aggressive behavior in undergraduates, the correlations are weak.
- It is currently inappropriate to use these MMPI-2 scores for making critical judgments about aggressive acting out in this population.
- Further research may be needed to identify more robust predictors of aggression in college students.