Validation of the MMPI-A-RF for Youth with Mental Health Needs: a Systematic Examination of Clinical Correlates and Construct Validity

Abstract

Over the last several decades, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) has continued to be the most extensively studied and commonly used adolescent assessment measure (Archer and Newsom 2000). Most recently, the MMPI-A was substantially revised resulting in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent-Restructured Form (MMPI-A-RF; Archer et al. 2016). The current study evaluated its construct validity in a sample of youth referred for mental health services. As a primary focus, the current research represents the first independent investigation of clinical correlates since the MMPI-A-RF test manual was published. This study particularly emphasized item-level symptom correlates that may further strengthen MMPI-A-RF interpretive statements. In particular, the RCd and RC4 evidenced especially strong convergent and discriminant validity, but findings raised some concerns about RC9. Combined with previous research, the current study highlighted the MMPI-A-RF’s usefulness in assessing psychopathology along the broad externalizing and internalizing spectrum.