Use of the MMPI-2 and 16PF-5 in predicting perseverance in the order and changes in personality during religious life: a longitudinal study of Polish Catholic nuns

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the differences in psychological functioning between nuns and those who left the order and the changes in personality in persevering nuns along the religious life timeline. Data were collected at two time points seven years apart. A total of 103 nuns participated in the research at Time 1; 45 left the order, and 29 participated in the study at Time 2. The MMPI-2 and Cattell’s 16PF-5 were utilised. The results indicated the absence of profound deviations from the norm in the persevering and non-persevering groups. The non-persevering group reported more favourable self-presentation and contentment with life than the persevering group. Significant differences were obtained on the MMPI-2 and the 16PF-5 scales in persevering nuns between Time 1 and 2. At Time 2, nuns reported lower response inconsistency, lower family conflicts, stronger identification with the stereotypically female role, and higher emotional stability than at Time 1. This study demonstrated that the MMPI-2 and 16PF-5 could be considered efficient assessment tools for religious organisations that utilise psychological screening in their enrolling process.