MMPI Profiles Research Articles

20 Clinical Utility of an Experimental Ds-ADHD Validity Scale in Detection of Feigned ADHD symptoms in a U.S. Military Population

Objective:Accurate identification of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is complicated by possible secondary gain, overlap of symptoms with psychiatric disorders, and face validity of measures (Suhr et al., 2011; Shura et al., 2017). To assist with diagnostic clarification, an experimental Dissimulation ADHD scale (Ds-ADHD; Robinson & Rogers, 2018) on the MMPI-2 was found to distinguish credible from non-credible respondents defined by Performance Validity Test (PVT)-based group assignment in Veterans (Burley et al., 2023). However, symptom and performance validity have been understood as unique constructs (Van Dyke et al., 2013), with Symptom Validity Tests (SVTs) more accurately identifying over-reporting of symptoms in ADHD (White et al., 2022). The current study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the Ds-ADHD scale using an SVT, namely the Infrequency Index of CAARS (CII; Suhr et al., 2011), for group assignment within a mixed sample of Veterans.Participants and Methods:In this retrospective study, 187 Veterans (Mage = 36.76, SDage = 11.25, Medu = 14.02, SDedu = 2.10, 83% male, 19% black, 78% white) were referred for neuropsychological evaluation of ADHD and administered a battery that included internally consistent MMPI-2 and CAARS profiles. Veterans were assigned to a credible group (n=134) if CII was <21 or a non-credible group (n=53) if CII was >21. The Ds-ADHD scale was calculated for the MMPI-2. Consistent with Robinson and Rogers (2018), “true” answers (i.e., erroneous stereotypes) were coded as 1 and “false” answers were coded as 2, creating a 10- to 20-point scale. Lower scores were associated with a higher likelihood of a feigned ADHD presentation.Results:Analyses revealed no significant differences in age, education, race, or gender (ps > .05) between credible and non-credible groups. An ANOVA indicated a significant difference between groups (F[1,185] = 24.78, p <.001; Cohen’s d = 0.80) for Ds-ADHD raw scores. Veterans in the non-credible group reported more “erroneous stereotypes” of ADHD (M raw score = 13.23, SD = 2.10) than those in the credible group (M = 14.94, SD = 2.13). A ROC analysis indicated AUC of .72 (95% CI = .64 to .80). In addition, a Ds-ADHD cut score of <12 resulted in specificity of 94.5% and sensitivity of 22.6%, whereas a cut score of <13 resulted in specificity of 85.8% and sensitivity of 50.9%. When analyzing other CII cut scores recommended in the literature, results were essentially similar. Specifically, analyses were repeated when group assignment was defined by cut score of CII<18 and by removing an intermediate group (CII = 18 to 21; n=24).Conclusions:The Ds-ADHD scale demonstrated significant differences between credible and non-credible respondents in a Veteran population. Results suggest a cut score of <12 had adequate specificity (.95) with low sensitivity (.23). This is consistent with findings using PVTs for group assignment that indicated a cut score of <12 had adequate specificity (.92) with low sensitivity (.19; Burley et al., 2023). Taken together, findings suggest that the Ds-ADHD scale demonstrates utility in the dissociation of credible from non-credible responding. Further research should evaluate the utility of the scale in other clinical populations.

PSYCHOLOGICAL PORTRAIT OF A MODERN YOUNG GAMBLER

This work is an attempt to describe the psychological profi le of a modern young gambler. We have made a suggestion that they are either characterized by aggressiveness or have expectations of aggression as an aggressive image of the world. In this work we studied hostility, while adhered to the principles of syndrome analysis. Methods and techniques included Mini-Mult Test, The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, The Humorous Phrases Test (HPT), The Hand Test, Psychological Conversation. Persistent attendants of computer clubs in Dubna, Moscow oblast,  young people aged from  to  –  young men and  young women – participated in the research. Among them % of the participants spend more than  hours per day gaming. Participation in the research was voluntary. Conclusions . The participants of the research prefer massive multiplayer online (MMO) games, role-playing games (RPG) being the most popular (%). Increases in profi le were identifi ed for  subjects on the hypochondria scale and for  subjects on the psychasthenia scale. The control group revealed more harmonic profi les. Personality traits are more balanced; in most cases the leading peak is registered on scale  (optimism scale). For average MMPI profi les differences between gamblers and the control group on the schizoid disorder scale are at a trend level (p = .). Most basic scales of the MMPI test have strong positive correlation with hostility as a factor of being ready for aggression. . According to the Humorous Phrases Test, the most important topics among gamblers are human folly, gender relationships, fashion, carrier, and money. Hypochondriasis, depressiveness, hysteria, and psychopathy in the MMPI profi les are related to the topics of the HPT. Sensitivity of gamers to fashion and folly topics can be interpreted as problems with communication, fear to look ridiculous, unattractive. Fear to look ridiculous proves that gamblers are maladaptive.

Development of an MMPI reference group for outpatients with persisting symptoms following mild TBI

ABSTRACT Objective To develop an MMPI-2-RF reference group for persistently symptomatic patients with mTBI in order to aid interpretation and better evaluate atypical scale elevations. Method Using the Q Local MMPI-2-RF Comparison Group Generator (CGG), 200 valid MMPI-2-RF profiles were aggregated for mTBI outpatients with persisting symptoms 2–24 months post injury. Results Compared to established MMPI general population norms, individuals with persisting symptoms demonstrated elevations on several scales, primarily in cognitive and somatic domains. T scores > 60 and standard deviations > 10 were observed for the F-r (Infrequent Responses), Fs (Infrequent Somatic Responses), FBS-r (Symptom Validity), RBS (Response Bias Scale), RC1 (Somatic Complaints), MLS (Malaise), HPC (Head Pain Complaints), NUC (Neurological Complaints), and COG (Cognitive Complaints) scales. All other scales were consistent with established norms for the general population. Conclusion This study is the first to establish an empirically derived MMPI reference group for individuals with persisting symptoms following mTBI. By comparing MMPI profiles of patients with mTBI against this reference group, clinicians may be better able to identify abnormal symptomatology. Evaluating profiles within this context may allow for more accurate case conceptualization and targeted treatment recommendations for those patients who demonstrate disproportionate symptomatology outside the range of the mTBI reference group.

Analysis of Psychological Response of Shamans Group with the Meditators Group Shown on MMPI-2 Profile Types

Analysis of Psychological Response of Shamans Group with the Meditators Group Shown on MMPI-2 Profile Types

Analysis of Personality of General Adult Group with the Shamans Group Shown on MMPI-2 Profile Types

Analysis of Personality of General Adult Group with the Shamans Group Shown on MMPI-2 Profile Types

Psychological portrait of a modern young gambler

In this study, an attempt is made to discover the individual psychological characteristics of a modern young gambler. Gambling is considered as a pathological tendency to gambling. The study involved 40 young people aged 16 to 28, 20 boys and 20 girls, regular visitors of gaming computer clubs. 26 study participants spend more than 3 hours a day in the game. The study was conducted during the Covid-19 epidemic. The purpose of the study was to describe the portrait of a modern gambler. At the same time, we were interested in the manifestations of anxiety, aggressiveness and hostility detected by quantitative and qualitative research methods. Hostility was studied by the method of syndrome analysis. The first stage of the study was to conduct survey methods, including MMPI, the Bass-Perry questionnaire, the humorous phrases test, and the Rokich value orientation test. The second stage included methods of qualitative personality analysis. According to the MMPI questionnaire, normatively lowered personality profiles were obtained, which may be associated with an increased sense of caution and distrust. Profile increases were found on the psychasthenia scale in 26 of the examined, on the hypochondria scale in 23 of the examined, which suggests the presence of somatization of anxiety in the portrait of a gambler. Hostility as a factor of readiness for aggression positively correlates with most basic MMPI scales. A trend has been found: women are more hypochondriacal than men. The hand test results are consistent with the MMPI. According to the results of a pathopsychological examination, 22 of the examined revealed autoaggressive personality tendencies, somatization of anxiety. The maladaptivity of gamblers confirms the fear of being funny. For the averaged MMPI profiles, there are differences between gamblers and the control group on schizoidness at the trend level.This study has shown that anxiety and depression, traditionally attributed to players, can increase during Covid-19. Problematic, active players who are willing to play secretly during quarantine are probably at risk.

MMPI Profile of Individuals with Migraine

MMPI Profile of Individuals with Migraine

A Comparison of MMPI-2 Profiles Between Parental Alienation Cases and Custody Cases

The present study aimed at understanding the personality features of mothers and fathers engaged in parental alienation—a family dynamic in which one parent behaves in a way that foments a child’s unfounded emotional rejection of the other parent. The process is considered a complex form of child psychological maltreatment, with significant negative consequences. In cases of conflictual separation and divorce, parental alienation can be difficult—yet important—to identify. In this context, use of psychological assessment to understand parents’ personality characteristics may facilitate the early identification of parental alienation and related abuses. A comparative analysis of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 profiles of 41 couples engaged in parental alienation and 39 control couples (i.e., not involved in parental alienation) was used to assess the personality characteristics of mothers and fathers engaged in parental alienation. The results indicated that mothers who were classified as alienating presented a faking-good defensive profile, denied hostile and negative impulses, blamed others for their problems, and displayed excessive sensitivity. On the other side, fathers who were classified as targets of alienating behaviors were adapted to chronic depressive states, social isolation, and interpersonal conflict. The results suggest that the personality profile of parents involved in parental alienation may provide useful insight for custodial cases, prevent further abuse, and contribute to improving psychological and rehabilitative programs. Clinical and forensic implications are discussed.

Personality and psychophysiological self-regulation influence individual efficacy of neurofeedback in tension-type headache

IntroductionDue to limited efficacy and side effects of pharmacological therapy in tension-type headache (TTH), alternative approaches are feasible. Neurofeedback is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique increasingly used in practice, but, however, there is limited research on its efficacy.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of neurofeedback in TTH and to reveal the factors moderating treatment effects.MethodsWe analyzed the data from a pilot phase of an ongoing single case design cross-over sham-controlled study. Four females with TTH underwent 10 sessions of neurofeedback and 10 sessions of sham-neurofeedback in a randomized order. Participants filled a detailed headache diary 3 weeks before, during and 3 weeks after the treatment. At enrollment, we evaluated the personality factors with the MMPI, and performed a specially developed test on psychophysiological regulation of breath.ResultsSignificant reduction of headache frequency and intensity was observed in 2 of 4 participants (responders). The responders were characterized by normal MMPI profile and, the same time, by lower baseline abilities for psychophysiological self-regulation. The non-responders had high MMPI profile (accentuation) and also higher abilities for psychophysiological self-regulation.ConclusionsOn the base of preliminary data, we suggest that neurofeedback may be feasible in TTH patients with lowered abilities for in psychophysiological self-regulation. Accentuation of personality traits may interfere with the efficacy of neurofeedback.

Gender Patterns in Mobbing Victims: Differences in Negative Act Perceptions, MMPI Personality Profile, Perceived Quality of Life, and Suicide Risk.

With the aim of investigating the impact of gender-related personality characteristics on bullying perceptions and outcomes, a correlational study was designed with 114 individuals who had used a public health service aimed at harassed workers identifying themselves as victims of mobbing in central Italy. The study was conducted using the following questionnaires: the Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ), a measure of workplace bullying; the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2), used to provide information to measure personality dimensions for workplace screening; the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BRIEF) which assesses four domains assumed to represent the quality of life construct; and the Suicidal Potential Scale (SPS) used to assess suicidal ideation. MMPI-2 profile results show a significant elevation of specific MMPI scales and gender differences. When compared to women, men who complain of being the victims of negative actions at work are more depressed, paranoid, introverted, anxious, and obsessive, and have higher anger levels and lower self-esteem. Many different MMPI-2 scales are also predictors of quality of life (QoL) perceptions and suicidal tendencies. The NAQ total score, however, predicts quality of life and suicide risk. Perceptions of negative actions have a serious effect on life outcomes. The results provide useful indications on personality profiles and gender differences, which can be understood as antecedents in the perception of negative events, and factors capable of modulating the effect of perceived bullying actions on outcomes.

Marital Distress in Missionaries as Measured by the MMPI-2-RF Interpersonal Scales

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) is a briefer revision of the MMPI-2. The archived MMPI-2 profiles of 214 evangelical missionaries were analyzed to explore the relationship among the MMPI-2-RF newly constructed interpersonal scales, the RC scales, and missionary distress. Missionary husbands and wives were placed into two groups based on marital types (conflicted and non-conflicted) and again into three groups based on presenting issues (marital, family, and non-family distress). The results lend support to the use of the MMPI-2-RF Family Problems ( FML), Interpersonal Passivity ( IPP), and Shyness ( SHY) interpersonal scales along with the RC4 scale as a basic screening instrument for post-selection, pre-deployment missionaries with marital distress. Consequently, the MMPI-2-RF may be able to inform us in new ways. Recommendations for counselors and missionary boards are discussed.

Characteristics of alcohol use disorder patients based on MMPI-2 profile typology and comorbid disorder

This study investigated the clinical characteristics of alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients using a typology based on the MMPI-2 to compare patients with and without comorbid disorders. A total of 244 patients with AUD at an alcohol specialty hospital were categorized into the two groups. The noncomorbid group (n = 142) had three profile types: a “normal profile type,” with normal-range scores on clinical scales; a “depressive and worried profile type,” with elevated clinical scales 2, 7, and 4; and a “mild psychological discomfort type,” with scores within the normal range on clinical scales and relatively low on defensiveness scales. The comorbid group (n = 102) had two profile types: a “mild psychopathological type,” with higher scores on infrequency scales and clinical scales 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 and relatively lower defensiveness scale scores than type 2; and a “normal profile type” with all scale scores within the normal range. In both groups, the profile types were significantly differentiated on the Addiction Admission Scale (AAS) in the supplemental scales for substance abuse.

MMPI-2 Profiles of Mothers Engaged in Parental Alienation

Parental alienation (PA) describes a family dynamic in which a parent engages in behaviors that are likely to foster a child’s unjustified rejection of the other parent. PA is considered a particular form of child psychological maltreatment with both short- and long-term negative consequences. Parents who attempt to turn a child against the other parent in cases of separation/divorce can be difficult to identify. Increasing our understanding of the personality features of these parents via psychological assessment may enable us to identify PA more quickly following the onset of abuse. In the present study, the personality characteristics of mothers engaging in PA were examined through a comparative analysis of MMPI-2 profiles. The results indicated that alienating mothers presented higher moral virtue and extroversion. They were more vulnerable to interpersonal stress and they demonstrated unsuccessful self-representation. The findings provide a preliminary model for understanding the profile of mothers who engage in PA.

Psychological Characteristics in Patients with Chronic Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Comparisons with Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Other Types of Chronic Pain.

ObjectiveThis study investigated psychological characteristics of patients with chronic complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and examined relationships between psychosocial factors and pain severity.MethodsIn total, 76 patients with CRPS, 95 patients with other types of chronic pain, 171 healthy controls, and 66 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) were included. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) profiles and scores on the Beck Depression Inventory and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory were calculated. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS).ResultsPatients with CRPS scored higher on the Hypochondriasis (Hs), Depression (D), Hysteria (Hy), Paranoia (Pa), and Psychasthenia (Pt) scales of the MMPI-2 compared to healthy controls. The CRPS group scored lower on the D, Psychopathic deviate (Pd), Pa, Pt, Schizophrenia (Sc), and Social introversion (Si) scales compared to the MDD group. Although CRPS patients reported higher levels of pain than patients with other types of pain, the MMPI profiles of the two pain groups did not differ significantly. Linear regression analyses revealed that pain severity was significantly associated with depression and scores on the Masculinity–Femininity (Mf) scale.ConclusionThis is the first comparative study of the psychological characteristics of chronic CRPS patients, healthy controls, and patients with MDD. The neurotic profiles of CRPS patients were more psychologically adaptable than were those of patients with MDD; however, this profile was shared by both pain groups. The present findings further showed that, although pain severity was not a major contributor to depression, patients with CRPS should be evaluated for depressive symptoms.

Response Characteristics of KHTP Drawing Test according to MBTI Preference Indicators and MMPI-2 Profile Types

Response Characteristics of KHTP Drawing Test according to MBTI Preference Indicators and MMPI-2 Profile Types

Drinking and driving relapse: Data from BAC and MMPI-2.

Road traffic injuries are the ninth cause of death across all age groups, globally (WHO, 2015). Many road traffic crashes are caused by Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol by persons who have previously had their license suspended for the same reason. The aim of this study was to identify specific risk factors and personality characteristics in repeat offenders. The sample was comprised of 260 subjects who were not repeat DUI offenders (DUI-NR), but had a single license suspension between 2010 and 2011; and 97 repeat offenders who received at least two DUI convictions within a period of 5 years. At the time of their first driving license suspension, participants provided their blood alcohol content (BAC) and completed a valid MMPI-2 test. ANOVA and MANOVAs were performed to determine whether there were significant differences in BAC and MMPI-2 profiles between DUI-NR and DUI-R participants and a logistic regression was run to identify whether BAC at the time of the first suspension and specific personality features could predict recidivism. A two-step cluster analysis was run to identify recidivist typologies. Results showed that, relative to DUI-NR participants, DUI-R participants had higher BAC at the time of their first conviction and more problematic MMPI-2 profiles, despite the presence of social desirability responding. The best predictors of recidivism were BAC and the scales of Lie (L), Correction (K), Psychopathic Deviate (4-Pd), Hypomania (9-Ma), and Low Self-Esteem (LSE). Two-step cluster analyses identified two recidivist profiles, according to 32 selected MMPI-2 validity, clinical, content, supplementary, and PSY-5 scales. Comparisons with previous research are discussed and ideas for further study are generated.

S177. A bird-eye view on EEG networks in relation to personality traits in healthy controls

The beginning of the EEG was inspired by Berger attempting to study higher brain function. The matter was too complex for a starting technique and could have ended there. Instead, it became a breakthrough by enlightening centuries of inquire on the nature of seizures. Thereafter, the EEG was devoted almost entirely to sharpen the patchy relation between paroxysmal discharges and epilepsy. Nowadays, the technique has evolved to a point where several aspects of brain function can be addressed. EEG sources can be localized in 3D space. Functional networks can be outlined by correlating source activities, in close resemblance with other imaging techniques. Furthermore, directionality can be obtained from phase relationships, a millisecond time-space measure that remains exclusive of electromagnetic signals. On the other side, human behavior is too complex to be modeled only by task-related and default-mode networks. Interactions among these and other yet unknown networks ultimately emerge as a dynamic phenomenon. This work focuses on the effective connectivity in selected networks from the EEG of healthy volunteers looking for correlations with personality traits from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Twenty individuals with no psychiatric or neurological disorder completed the MMPI-2 before recording their EEG with I 10–20, standard settings. Two minutes artifact free, awake, eyes-closed EEG signal was analyzed with Neuroguide software to generate Low Resolution Electromagnetic Topography (LORETA) scores for each of the Broadman Areas (BA). Pearson correlations of spectral power and phase differences for each BA pairs in the selected networks, based on their potential relevance to personality traits and higher brain function: Panic (PN), Dorsal Attention (DAN), Ventral Attention (VAN), Default-Mode (DMN), Affective (AN), Executive (EN), Memory (MN) and Language (LN). Connectivity Z-scores were calculated with Neuroguide normative database. Network connectivity Z-scores (zNC) were then correlated with the MMPI scores using multiple correlation analysis. None of the subjects showed out of range MMPI scores. The EEGs were normal at visual inspection. All zNC were within normal limits in all subjects. However, different deviation trends were seen across networks creating a particular “spider-web” pattern for each subject. Individual deviation patterns were significantly correlated with MMPI-2 profiles. Most noticeably, deviations in the PN and DMN were correlated with several MMPI-2 scales (p < 0.01), AN was highly correlated with hipomania (p < 0.001), less so with depression (p < 0.05). EEG network analysis is a promising tool for studying whole brain function, as well as for dissecting higher order processes. Overall and each network effective connectivity were normal in our subjects, yet deviation trends correlated with MMIP profiles, suggesting a potential use in personality theory as well as in psychopathology studies.

Comparison between MMPI-2 Profile and Quantitative Encephalogram(qEEG) of High-Performance Subjects working Corporation

본 연구의 목적은 보조 진단 도구로서 정량화 뇌파의 유용성을 확인하고 내담자에 대한 진단과 이해에 새로운 관점을 제공하고자 하였다. 이를 위하여 상담과 신경과학의 융합적 관점에서 대기업 고성과 내담자의 정량화 뇌파(quantitative electro - encephalogram; qEEG)와 MMPI-2 프로파일을 사례별로 탐색하고, 정량화 뇌파와 MMPI-2 프로파일 간의 상관을 분석하고자 하였다. 연구 참여자는 6명의 25세부터 33세까지의 대기업 고성과자로서, 상담실에 내방할 때 우울, 불안, 분노, 강박 등의 정서적 어려움을 호소하였다. 연구결과 첫째, 연구 참여자들은 주로 폐안 시에 이상 뇌파의 출현과 주호소 증상과의 상관이 유의하였다. 둘째, 대부분의 연구 참여자들은 좌, 우뇌반구의 비대칭성(asymmetry)과 연결성(coherence)에서 있어서 문제가 나타났으며, 이들 중 2명에게서는 위상(phase)의 문제가 드러났다. 마지막으로 MMPI-2 임상척도에서는 알파(alpha)파와 우울간의 상관이 통계적으로 유의하였으며 강박과 편집은 주로 베타(beta)파와의 상관관계가 유의하였다. 이에 본 연구는 상담과 신경과학의 융합적 연구로서 기초연구를 수행하였다는 점, 보조 진단 도구로서의 정량화뇌파의 유용성을 확인한 점, 그리고 뇌파를 활용한 개입의 근거를 마련하였다는 데 그 의의가 있다.

Predicting Postprobationary Job Performance of Police Officers Using CPI and MMPI–2–RF Test Data Obtained During Preemployment Psychological Screening

ABSTRACTWe examined associations between prehire California Psychological Inventory (CPI) and prorated Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 Restructured Form (MMPI–2–RF) scores (calculated from MMPI profiles) and supervisor ratings for a sample of 143 male police officers. Substantive scale scores in this sample were meaningfully lower than those obtained by the tests’ normative samples in the case of the MMPI–2–RF and meaningfully higher in the case of the CPI (indicating less psychological dysfunction). Test scores from both instruments showed substantial range restriction, consistent with those produced by members of the police candidate comparison groups (Corey & Ben-Porath, 2014; Roberts & Johnson, 2001). After applying a statistical correction for range restriction, we found a number of meaningful associations between both CPI and MMPI–2–RF substantive scale scores and supervisor ratings. For the MMPI–2–RF, findings for scales from the emotional dysfunction and interpersonal functioning domains of the test were particularly strong. For the CPI, findings for scales indicating conformity with social norms, integrity, and tolerance were strong, as were the findings for an index indicating risk of termination. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that MMPI–2–RF and CPI scores complement each other, accounting for incremental variance in the prediction of job-related variables over and above each other. Implications of these findings for assessment science and practice are discussed.

MMPI Profile Characteristics of Borderline Personality Disorder

MMPI Profile Characteristics of Borderline Personality Disorder