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Item-level and scale-level factor structures of the MMPI-A
R P Archer1, J K Belevich, D E Elkins
1Department of Psychiatry, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507.
Journal of Personality Assessment
|April 1, 1994
Summary
This study analyzed the factor structure of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) in 1,620 adolescents. The findings reveal distinct item-level and scale-level factor structures, offering insights for adolescent psychological assessment.
Area of Science:
- Psychological assessment
- Adolescent psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) is a revised, 478-item personality test for adolescents.
- Understanding the MMPI-A's factor structure is crucial for accurate interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the item-level factor structure of the MMPI-A.
- To examine the scale-level factor structure of the MMPI-A's 69 scales and subscales.
Main Methods:
- Principal factor analysis was applied to item-level responses from 1,620 normal adolescents (ages 14-18).
- Promax (oblique) rotation was used for both item-level (14 factors) and scale-level (8 factors) analyses.
Main Results:
- Fourteen item-level factors accounted for 81% of the item pool and 44% of the variance.
- Eight scale-level factors explained 93.5% of the variance in MMPI-A scale and subscale scores.
Conclusions:
- The study identified distinct item-level and scale-level factor structures for the MMPI-A.
- These findings have clinical implications for interpreting MMPI-A results in adolescents and inform comparisons with previous MMPI factor analyses.