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Personality disorder correspondence among the MMPI, MBHI, and MCMI
1Mental Health Resources, Memphis, TN 38119, USA.
Abstract:
MMPI, MBHI, and MCMI personality disorder scales were analyzed for convergent and discriminant validity. Friedman's ANOVA indicated that there were no significant differences among the sample's averaged scale scores. Further analyses of these data, however, demonstrated that the Millon instruments classified significantly more of the sample as personality disordered when compared to Morey's MMPI personality disorder scales. In addition, codetype correspondence among the three instruments was only 4 to 6%. When the instruments were analyzed in a pair-wise fashion, codetype correspondence increased to approximately 10 to 20%. These data indicate that these personality disorder scales do not demonstrate construct equivalence, particularly at the level of the individual profile.
Insights
This study found that personality disorder scales from the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) and Millon Behavioral Health Inventory (MBHI) do not align with Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales, suggesting poor construct equivalence.
Area of Science:
- Psychological assessment
- Clinical psychology
- Personality disorders
Background:
- Convergent and discriminant validity of personality disorder scales are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Existing research has not fully clarified the construct equivalence between major personality assessment instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the convergent and discriminant validity of personality disorder scales from the MMPI, MBHI, and MCMI.
- To compare the classification rates and codetype correspondence among these instruments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Friedman's ANOVA to assess differences in averaged scale scores.
- Compared classification of personality disorders between Millon instruments and MMPI scales.
- Calculated codetype correspondence among the three instruments and in pair-wise comparisons.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in averaged scale scores across the instruments.
- Millon instruments classified significantly more individuals as personality disordered than MMPI scales.
- Codetype correspondence was low (4-6% overall, 10-20% pair-wise), indicating poor agreement.
Conclusions:
- The analyzed personality disorder scales lack construct equivalence, especially at the individual profile level.
- Clinical interpretation of personality disorder diagnoses may differ significantly depending on the instrument used.