The validity of the MMPI in identifying alcoholics in a university setting

The predictive validity of MMPI-based alcoholism scales in identifying alcoholism and other substance dependencies was evaluated in a naturalistic setting. Study participants were 466 male and female college students who completed the MMPI and the substance use disorder modules of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Results indicated that the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale (MAC), the Substance Abuse Proclivity Scale (SAP) and the clinical scales of the MMPI had a poor ability to identify the 57 study participants who met DSM-III-R criteria for a substance use disorder, primarily alcoholism. Broadening the definition of substance abuse to a continuum of alcohol/drug problems did not improve the utility of the MMPI scales. Five screening questions that inquired about the consequences of alcohol and drug use were moderately effective in substance dependence identification and superior to the MAC, SAP and MMPI clinical scales. Results are consistent with previous research which concluded that the use of the MAC to identify alcoholics in clinical settings is not empirically justified.