Further evidence regarding the convergent and discriminant validity of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) scores in the preoperative psychological evaluation of patients seeking metabolic and bariatric surgery

Abstract

BackgroundPsychological testing is used in some preoperative psychological evaluations of patients seeking metabolic and bariatric surgery. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) contains new norms, updated item content, and new scales such as Eating Concerns and Impulsivity, which are relevant to the assessment of patients seeking metabolic and bariatric surgery. ObjectiveThe goal of this investigation was to establish convergent and discriminant properties of the MMPI-3 scales with relevant clinical interview and medical record data from electronic medical records. SettingAcademic medical center in the Midwest. MethodsA sample of 790 consecutive patients who completed a preoperative psychological evaluation and took the MMPI-3 were included. Data from medical records and the assessment report were coded by a trained research assistant. ResultsMMPI-3 scale scores demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity. For instance, the Emotional/Internalizing Dysfunction scales correlated with depression and anxiety disorder, suicide history, sexual abuse history, psychotropic medication use, and eating behaviors. Behavioral/Externalizing Dysfunction scales correlated with alcohol, nicotine, and substance use and eating behaviors such as loss-of-control overeating. The Eating Concerns scale demonstrated the highest correlational patterns with various eating behaviors such as loss-of-control overeating, binge eating, and stress eating. ConclusionsMMPI-3 scale scores perform as well as their Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form counterparts. Newer scales, such as Eating Concerns and Impulsivity, perform particularly well in the assessment of various eating behaviors.