Correlates of the Selection Validation Survey with Police Officer Field Performance.

In the present study, we examined performance rating correlates of the Selection Validation Survey (SVS), an informant rating form used to describe the characteristics of newly hired public safety personnel following their initial training period. We correlated SVS ratings for n = 174 police officers with aggregate scores derived from daily performance observation ratings provided by their field training officers (i.e., senior law enforcement officers assigned to train, observe, and evaluate police recruits during a formal 16-week training period). Results generally indicated moderate to strong associations between conceptually similar SVS ratings and field training officer scores, providing evidence that the SVS variables validly summarize performance-relevant data accrued during the field training period. For example, a single SVS item asking the rater to characterize the officer's overall field performance correlated highly in the expected direction (Spearman's rho = -.69) with a composite of daily ratings describing the officer's observed field performance and problem-solving skills. Taken together, these findings indicate that the SVS meaningfully and efficiently captures a range of important information regarding the performance and professional skills of new police officers, providing a useful validation criterion for predictors of police officer performance.

Comparing the Validity of MMPI-3 Scores in Prehire Psychological Screenings of Male and Female Police Officer Candidates.

Psychological testing is an important component of the screening process for public safety officers. The use of standardized measures is intended to increase the objectivity of preemployment evaluations, highlighting the importance of examining tests used in these assessments for evidence of differential validity. Differential validity is indicated when a screening measure is unequally associated with, or systematically over- or under-predicts, a criterion across demographic groups. In the current study, we examined for differential validity in Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) scores in a sample of 527 police officer candidates (455 males, 72 females). We first calculated correlations between MMPI-3 scores and job-relevant historical variables. Next, for variable pairings that yielded at least a small effect size, regression models were estimated in a multi-group framework comparing associations between MMPI-3 scores and the historical variables across men and women. The analyses yielded statistical evidence of negligible differential validity across gender in police officer screenings. Implications of these findings and limitations of this study are discussed.

Incremental Contribution of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - 3 to Predicting One-Year Postoperative Spinal Cord Surgery/Spinal Cord Stimulation Outcomes.

Pre-surgical psychological assessments are becoming common in the United States and are recommended or required prior to surgical/spinal cord stimulator intervention for chronic back pain. Psychological testing is often recommended for these evaluations and the various versions of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) have demonstrated utility for predicting outcomes in this setting. This investigation sought to extend that literature with the newest version of the MMPI, the MMPI-3. The sample comprised of 909 patients (50.5% men, 49.5% women) who consented to participating in an outcome study and took the MMPI-3 along with other self-report measures of pain, functional disability, and emotional functioning prior to surgery as part of their pre-surgical psychological assessment. Self-report measures of pain, functional disability, and emotional functioning were administered again one-year following the intervention. MMPI-3 scale scores accounted for up to 9% of additional variance in the outcomes after controlling for pre-surgical measures. Measures of emotional/internalizing dysfunction, somatic dysfunction, and, to a lesser extent, behavioral/externalizing dysfunction contributed the most to the prediction of poorer outcomes.

The Meaning and Clinical Implications of Low MMPI-3 Self-Importance Scores.

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) includes two self-concept-oriented scales: Self-Doubt (SFD), a measure of low self-esteem, and Self-Importance (SFI), a measure of beliefs that one has special attributes and abilities. Past research has demonstrated that SFD and SFI measure related but distinct constructs. The present study focused on explicating the meaning and clinical implications of low SFI scores. Using three clinical samples (private practice and community mental health and private practice neuropsychology clinics), we investigated whether the presence of interpretable low SFI scores (< 39 T) in the context of interpretable SFD elevations (≥ 65 T) is associated with distinctive MMPI-3 findings, and whether low SFI scores add clinically meaningful information in predicting relevant extra-test criteria. Consistent meaningful findings were obtained with respect to implications of low SFI scores for assessment of depression- and social engagement-related constructs. Additionally, the full range of SFI scores was meaningfully and negatively correlated with depressive disorder diagnoses and suicidal ideation but yielded very small correlations with suicide attempt and nonmeaningful correlations with diagnoses of Social Anxiety or Avoidant Personality Disorder. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses showed that SFI scores could meaningfully increment other related MMPI-3 scales in predicting diagnosed depressive disorders, albeit with small effect sizes.

Assessing posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 in a forensic disability sample.

OBJECTIVE: Previous evidence indicates that scales from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) family of instruments can measure self-reported posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology and differentiate symptom clusters, including in forensic disability assessments. However, limited research has examined assessment of PTSD symptoms with the MMPI-3, the most recent MMPI instrument. The goal of the current study was to identify the strongest MMPI-3 scale predictors of individual PTSD symptom clusters, measured via self-report. METHODS: Using a sample of 716 disability claimants (54.2% men; Mage = 42.98, SD = 10.87; 81.8% White), correlation, regression, and dominance analyses were performed to examine associations between scores on MMPI-3 scales and latent PTSD symptom cluster factors derived using confirmatory factor analyses from items of the Detailed Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress (DAPS), and to identify the strongest predictor of each symptom cluster when MMPI-3 scales were concurrently considered. RESULTS: Results indicate that conceptually expected MMPI-3 scale scores were meaningfully associated with PTSD symptom cluster factors, with the MMPI-3 Anxiety-Related Experiences (ARX) scale demonstrating the strongest and most consistent associations across symptom clusters. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study largely converge with previous empirical studies of self-reported PTSD symptoms in disability claimant settings with the MMPI instruments. Interpretive implications for the MMPI-3, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.

Examination of the Reliability and Validity of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) in a Preoperative Bariatric Surgery Sample.

Presurgical psychological assessment of bariatric surgery candidates aims to identify psychosocial risk factors and provide treatment recommendations to facilitate optimal outcomes. Such assessment typically includes psychometric testing and a clinical interview. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) has been commonly used as a broadband measure to assess a number of psychosocial domains in bariatric clinics. The newest version of the MMPI, the MMPI-3, was recently released. This study sought to (1) establish whether the MMPI-3 is comparable to the MMPI-2-RF in a sample of patients seeking bariatric surgery, (2) report reliability data for all MMPI-3 scale scores in this sample, and (3) explore associations between commonly used self-report symptom measures and substantive scales of the MMPI-3 to ascertain convergent and discriminant validity patterns. Six hundred and thirty-five presurgical patients completed the MMPI-3 in addition to the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C), and Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). The majority (79.1%) of the sample was female, 65.5% was white, and 26.6% was Black. Scores on most of the MMPI-3 Emotional/Internalizing Dysfunction scales were meaningfully associated with the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and most EDE-Q subscales (except for Restraint). Meaningful discriminant patterns were observed as well. We conclude that the substantive scales of the MMPI-3 are reliable, comparable to their MMPI-2-RF counterparts, and evidence good convergent validity with extra-test measures assessing depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and eating disorder psychopathology in a preoperative bariatric sample.

Using the MMPI-3 in Legal Settings.

In this paper, we review the historical evolution of the MMPI instruments, consider the empirical foundations for its use in Forensic Mental Health Assessments (FMHAs) with particular emphasis on the applicability of MMPI-2-RF research to these evaluations, and identify ways in which the inventory can be effectively but also inappropriately used in these assessments. We also review appellate court decisions related to forensic uses of the MMPI and discuss implications for cross-examination on MMPI-3-based testimony, emphasizing the need for forensic practitioners to be familiar with the empirical research available to guide MMPI-3 use in FHMAs. We identify areas needing further research, including the utility of the test in assessments of persons of color, investigations of the applicability of MMPI-3 results in various specific forensic assessments and rehabilitative applications, and further research on implications of the new English and Spanish-language norms. Potential contributions of studies using the updated MMPI-3 scales in descriptive research on forensic populations are also discussed. We conclude that when used properly to assess for evidence of invalid responding that may affect FMHAs, or psychological functioning relevant to answering psycho-legal referral questions, the MMPI-3 rests on solid empirical foundations that can withstand the scrutiny inherent in forensic evaluations.

Further Examining the Construct Validity of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) Personality Disorder Spectra Scales.

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) Personality Disorder (PD) Spectra scales reflect a recent effort to dimensionally measure Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5-based personality disorders. Initial studies generally support the sound psychometric properties of most scales, although the need to continue cross-validating and expanding the known empirical correlates of these scales remains. The goal of the current investigation was to replicate and extend previous research on MMPI-2-RF PD Spectra scale scores and further examine their construct validity. Using a sample of 765 undergraduate students (69.3% female; Mage = 19.95; 73.3% White), zero-order correlations between scores on MMPI-2-RF PD Spectra scales and measures of personality and psychopathology variables were calculated. Median convergent and discriminant correlations were compared using Fisher's r-to-z tests. Results indicated that hypothesized convergent associations were meaningfully stronger in magnitude than hypothesized discriminant ones, with exceptions to scales measuring Obsessive-Compulsive, Narcissistic, and Paranoid PDs. Findings generally supported the construct validity of MMPI-2-RF PD Spectra scale scores. Implications for clinical practice and research, methodological limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Distinctiveness of the MMPI-3 Self-Importance and Self-Doubt Scales.

The MMPI-3 is an updated version of the MMPI-2-RF that provides enhanced coverage of constructs related to personality and psychopathology. A new Self-Importance (SFI) scale measures individuals' beliefs that they possess special qualities. Low SFI scores indicate that test-takers report lacking such attributes. The Self-Doubt (SFD) scale, which was revised from the MMPI-2-RF, also has a self-orientation and measures a lack of self-esteem. The current study used three college student samples to investigate whether MMPI-3 SFI and SFD measure distinct constructs; in other words, are beliefs about self-importance distinct from self-esteem? SFI and SFD scores were conversely but differentially associated with measures of positive valence, self-esteem, and grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Dominance and regression analyses indicated that SFI scores generally dominated SFD scores in prediction of positive valence and grandiose narcissism (characterized by grandiosity, dominance, aggressiveness). SFD scores generally dominated SFI scores in prediction of self-esteem and vulnerable narcissism (characterized by negative affect, feelings of incompetence, inadequacy). The current findings indicated that self-importance and self-esteem are two distinct constructs and therefore appropriately measured by separate scales.

Using the MMPI-2-RF to Assess Risk of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury among College Students.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), the deliberate destruction of one's own body tissue without suicidal intent, is a prevalent problem linked to adverse outcomes. Many assessment tools designed to assess for NSSI risk are limited by their behavioral focus, which does not cover the numerous affective, cognitive, and interpersonal correlates. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) is a widely used inventory of personality and psychopathology that assesses a range of empirical correlates of NSSI risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of the MMPI-2-RF for assessing these NSSI-related constructs. On the basis of a review of the literature and item content, we pre-identified MMPI-2-RF measures of constructs associated with NSSI risk. Correlations between scores on these scales and the number of methods of NSSI identified several meaningful results, including some small but consistent gender differences in these associations. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression analyses indicated that scores on some expected MMPI-2-RF scales independently predicted NSSI variability. Relative risk ratio analyses demonstrated the potential clinical utility of MMPI-2-RF scale scores for assessing risk of engagement in NSSI. These findings indicate that the MMPI-2-RF may be a useful tool for assessing risk for NSSI among college students.

External Correlates of the MMPI-2-Restructured Form across a National Sample of Veterans.

This study examines the convergent validity of the substantive scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) in the Veteran Affairs (VA) population. The sample includes test protocols drawn from all administrations of the MMPI-2-RF or MMPI-2 entered into the electronic medical record system between January 1, 2008 and May 31, 2015 at any VA across the United States. After excluding invalid protocols, substantive scale scores were correlated with external measures of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder if they were administered within |14| days of the MMPI-2/-RF. Results supported the convergent validity of the MMPI-2-RF emotional dysfunction domain scores. Discriminant validity for the remaining MMPI-2-RF substantive scale scores was also adequate. Limitations and implications of these findings are discussed.

Evaluating the Measurement Invariance of MMPI-2-RF Restructured Clinical Scale 4 (Antisocial Behavior) between American and Korean Clinical Samples: Exploring Cultural and Translation Issues Affecting Item Responding.

Establishing the cross-cultural measurement invariance of psychometric scales is considered an essential step before scale means are compared across cultures. Although the MMPI instruments have been extensively researched, few studies have examined the measurement equivalence of MMPI scales in cross-cultural research. This study examined the measurement invariance of MMPI-2-RF Restructured Clinical Scale 4 (RC4; Antisocial Behavior) using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis with American and Korean clinical samples by (a) comparing a rationally-derived four-factor model (School Problems, Substance Abuse, Family Problems, and Violation of Social Norms) with a one-factor model, and (b) examining the measurement invariance of the RC4 four-factor model. After adjusting for age and gender, partial scalar invariance was achieved, and six non-invariant items were identified, most of which centered around substance abuse. Results support the generalizability of the four factors across cultures; however, special attention is needed when using substance abuse items with Korean clinical populations. Plausible sources of item non-invariance were explored in the context of translation challenges and observed patterns of relationship with external measures.

Associations among psychopathology and eating disorder symptoms and behaviors in post-bariatric surgery patients.

PURPOSE: A considerable number of post-bariatric surgery patients report problematic eating behaviors (PEBs) and/or eating disorders (EDs). Examining psychosocial variables associated with ED symptoms may identify targets for postoperative interventions to reduce these behaviors and improve surgical outcomes. METHODS: A total of 161 participants completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) and the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Participants were classified into ED risk or no ED risk groups and subjective binge eating (SBE) or no SBE groups. Independent-sample t tests were computed to examine mean differences in total weight loss (%TWL) and MMPI-2-RF scale scores between the ED groups. Relative Risk Ratios (RRRs) were computed to determine which MMPI-2-RF scales were associated with increased risk of ED group membership. RESULTS: The ED risk group lost significantly less weight (19.36% TWL) than the no ED risk group (25.18% TWL). The SBE group lost significantly less weight (17.98% TWL) than the no SBE group (25.57% TWL). Participants in the ED groups scored significantly higher on internalizing and externalizing MMPI-2-RF scales than the no ED groups. These scales were associated with increased risk (1.55-2.55 times the risk) of being classified into the ED groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who experienced postoperative ED symptoms lost significantly less weight than patients without ED symptoms. Postoperative ED symptoms are related to, and may be impacted by, higher levels of internalizing and externalizing dysfunction after surgery. Postoperative assessment of and interventions targeting psychosocial dysfunction could decrease ED symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Reliability and Validity of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - 2 - Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) in Spine Surgery and Spinal Cord Stimulator Samples.

It is not uncommon for patients to report diminished outcomes as a result of spine surgery or a spinal cord stimulator implant. Presurgical psychological evaluations are increasingly used to identify patients at increased risk for such outcomes and use of personality assessment instruments in these evaluations provides incremental information beyond a clinical interview and medical chart review. This investigation explores the psychometric properties of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) in a sample of spine surgery patients (n = 810) and in a sample of spinal cord stimulator patients (n = 533). Results indicated that MMPI-2-RF substantive scale scores are reliable, with evidence of good convergent and discriminant validity in both samples. Incorporating the MMPI-2-RF as part of the presurgical evaluation of spine surgery and spinal cord stimulator patients can provide meaningful insight into patients' functioning and help guide pre- and postsurgical treatment in these settings.

Flexible and Conditional Administration of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form in Presurgical Psychological Evaluations of Spine Surgery Candidates.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a flexible and conditional administration (FCA) for the MMPI-2-RF in archival samples of spine surgery and spinal cord simulator candidates presenting for presurgical psychological evaluations. The sample included 1,477 spine surgery candidates (709 male, 276 female) and 476 spinal cord stimulator candidates (178 male, 298 female). Using a simulation design, the results of this study indicated that an FCA of the MMPI-2-RF closely approximates the amount of information gained from a standard MMPI-2-RF administration. In addition, time savings were substantial in both samples, particularly the spine surgery sample, as item savings varied from 40% to 80%, depending on the number of substantive domains flexibly administered. Overall, the results of the study lend support for the feasibility of the FCA approach in presurgical evaluations of spine surgery candidates, in particular for those situations where the length of the test would otherwise preclude its use.

Comparing MMPI-2-Restructured Form Scores by Service Era for Veterans Assessed Within the Veteran Affairs Healthcare System.

This study compares profiles of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) scale scores from 1492 VA test-takers who served during the Vietnam or Gulf War service eras. The sample includes all such cases collected at any VA posttraumatic stress disorder Clinical Teams across the United States between January 1, 2008 and May 31, 2015 using the MMPI-2 or MMPI-2-RF (via the VA Mental Health Assistant suite). Associations between gender and score differences were also examined. In contrast to past research using the MMPI-2, results of this study suggest that veterans are generally homogeneous in their MMPI-2-RF profiles across different periods of service. Specifically, the magnitudes of mean differences are small and not clinically significant. Thus, responses on the MMPI-2-RF do not appear influenced by service era. Implications for the clinical use of, and research with, the MMPI-2-RF are discussed within the VA healthcare system.

Associations among eating disorder symptoms and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) in college students.

PURPOSE: To identify associations between eating disorder (ED) attitudes and behaviors and scores on the MMPI-2-RF in college students. METHODS: The study included 425 undergraduate students (38.5% males and 61.5% females) with a mean age of 19.13 (SD = 1.77). Measures included the MMPI-2-RF and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Correlations and relative risk ratios were computed between MMPI-2-RF scores and ED variables. RESULTS: Scores on several MMPI-2-RF Scales were associated with the presence of subthreshold ED symptoms. Manifestations of emotional/internalizing dysfunction were associated with all ED symptom presentations. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study identified narrowly defined personality and psychopathology constructs relevant to, and found across college students experiencing various subthreshold ED symptoms. Considering this additional information in ED screening or treatment planning could reduce the likelihood of subthreshold symptoms worsening and increase the effectiveness of ED interventions with at-risk college student populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Uses and Misuses of Ted Kaczynski's MMPI.

Although case studies can be a helpful didactic aid when teaching personality assessment and illustrating use of a test, they can, of course, not be used as "evidence" that a test "works" or does not work. This article, however, reviews and discusses the far more problematic uses instantiated in a case study of Ted Kaczynski's Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). A series of errors of omission and commission are identified in Butcher, Hass, Greene, and Nelson's ( 2015 ) effort to criticize the MMPI-2-RF. These include not disclosing that Butcher's interpretive Minnesota Report for Forensic Settings indicates that the protocol is invalid, not including most of the MMPI-2 and MMPI-2-RF scores that contradict the authors' assertions, and mischaracterizing the MMPI-2-RF findings. Proper use of a case study is then illustrated by a discussion of diagnostic considerations indicated by the MMPI-2-RF findings.

Of Fallacies and Errors, New and Repeated: A Rejoinder to Butcher et al. (2018).

Butcher, Hass, Greene, Nelson, Nichols, and Williams ( 2018 ) responded to my (Ben-Porath, 2018 ) critique of Butcher, Hass, Greene, and Nelson's (2015) analysis of Ted Kaczynski's MMPI-2-RF, purporting to find logical fallacies in my arguments and shortcomings in my interpretation of MMPI-2-RF scales. Butcher et al. ( 2018 ) repeated several previously refuted arguments and opinions, while failing to acknowledge, let alone consider, prior responses to their claims. In this rejoinder I refute (again) Butcher et al.'s assertion that empirical data raise questions about the "clinical sensitivity" of MMPI-2-RF scales, identify an extensive literature relevant to forensic use of the MMPI-2-RF that Butcher and colleagues have systematically ignored, and identify a series of logical and factual fallacies along with new and repeated errors of omission and commission in Butcher et al.'s response.

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

We 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.