Dimension of Seriousness in Attempted Suicide: Significance of the MF Scale in Suicidal MMPI Profiles

Abstract

Survivors of suicide (184) were classified clinically into serious, ambivalent, and gesture pre-and post-suicidal states. It was noted that the MMPI profile interpretation concurs with this classification and shows the Masculinity-Femininity trend. The profile interpretation makes use of the individual interscale relationships and actuarial profiles. The relationship with the psychiatric clinical diagnostic category is also necessary. The MasculinityFemininity Scale is essential in MMPI profile interpretation and is significant in statistical terms in differentiating the serious (high risk) attempters from the other groups. The Masculinity-Femininity Scale in conjunction with intrapsychic factor indicators (Scales 2, 4, G. 7. 8 ) contributes to the profile interpretation to such an extent that one can significantly differentiate suicidal from non-suicidal depressives, schizophrenics, and personality disorders. In qualitative terms, the Masculinity-Femininity Scale suggests that the serious suicide attcmpters are psychosexually maladjusted, lack self-confidence, and healthy selfesteem. This is due to a disturbance in their developmental characterological s:ructure.

Suicide and the MMPI: A cross-validation of predictors

“…Despite the general absence of cross-validated evidence, some (e.g., Farberow & Devries, 1967;Leonard, 1977;Sendbuehler et al, 1979) have concluded that various MMPI measures have the ability to identify high suicide risks. Despite the general absence of cross-validated evidence, some (e.g., Farberow & Devries, 1967;Leonard, 1977;Sendbuehler et al, 1979) have concluded that various MMPI measures have the ability to identify high suicide risks.…”

“…In reviewing the eight studies of this type that are know t o us (Clopton & Jones, 1975;Farberow, 1950;Foster, 1975;Leonard, 1977;Ravensborg & Foss, 1969;Rosen, Hales, & Simon, 1954;Sendbuehler, Kincel, Nemeth, & Oertel, 1979;Simon & Gilberstadt, 1958), we found that 1 1 of the 13 standard M M P I scales-all but Lie and Hypomania-have been implicated as positive or negative suicide indicators. Three types of M M P I suicide-prediction research have appeared.…”

The clinical utility of the MMPI–2–RF Suicidal/Death Ideation Scale.

“…However, most of the studies during this time period concluded that the MMPI was unable to differentiate between individuals who attempted or died by suicide and individuals with suicidal ideation alone or between individuals with or without suicidal ideation (Clopton & Baucom, 1979; Clopton & Jones, 1975; Clopton, Post, & Larde, 1983; Daigle, 2004; Kinsinger, 1973; Pallis & Birtchnell, 1977; Ravensborg & Floss, 1969; Sendbuehler, Kincel, Nemeth, & Oertel, 1979). …”

The Role of Objective Personality Inventories in Suicide Risk Assessment: An Evaluation and Proposal

“…Scant MMPI data was offered by the authors, and the overly inclusive criteria (threatening or attempting at any time in one's life) most certainly diminished any actual differences between groups. Sendbuehler, Kincel, Nemeth, and Oertel(1979) gathered MMPI data from 221 consecutive suicide attempters in danger of dying upon admission to a surgical unit. Valid MMPIs were obtained from 184 patients (127 female, 57 male) within 3 days of admission.…”