MMPI-2 variables in attention and memory test performance.

Abstract

Attention span (Digit Span), verbal list learning, and memory test performance (Wechsler Memory Scale—Revised; WMS-R) were examined in relation to Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—2 (MMPI-2) measures of depression, anxiety, and psychotic thinking in male patients with closed-head injury (« = 48) and with psychiatric disorder (n = 80). In both samples, MMPI-2 scores were significantly related to Attention Span but independent of List Learning performance. MMPI-2 scores correlated with factor scores derived from the Logical Memory and Visual Reproduction subtests of the WMS-R. The results of a hierarchical regression analysis, which examined the relative effects of neurologic and emotional status, support the view that MMPI-2 scores are relevant to the interpretation of performance on neuropsychological tests of attention and memory. The potential influence of emotional factors on cognitive functioning has been a continuing area of concern in neuropsychological assessment. It is widely recognized that problems such as anxiety, depression, and psychotic thinking can adversely affect neuropsychological test performance and cognitive efficiency in daily living (Burt, Zembar, & Niederehe, 1995; Rabins, Pearlson, & Strauss, 1993). The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—2 (MMPI-2), which is the most widely used measure of psychopathology in neuropsychological and general medical settings, ostensibly measures these and other emotional factors. Several investigators reported Halstead-Reitan Battery scores to be independent of MMPI scores, supporting the view that standardized test batteries may be fairly resilient to the effects of psychological disturbance (Calsyn, Louks, & Johnson, 1982; Gass, 1991; Heaton, Baade, & Johnson, 1978; Heaton & Crowley, 1981; Reitan & Wolfson, 1993). However, little is known regarding the MMPI-2 and the manner in which its scores may be related to performance on other widely used neuropsychological tests. In the present study, it was hypothesized that scores on MMPI-2 scales related to depression (D and DEP), anxiety (Ft, ANX, FRS, and OBS), and psychotic thinking (Sc and BIZ) would show a negative association with performance on measures of attention, retentive memory, and acquisition of verbal list material. In addition, this study examined the relative importance of closed-head injury and emotional factors as measured by the MMPI-2 in interpreting cognitive test performance.