Empirical Correlates of Low Scores on MMPI-2/MMPI-2-RF Restructured Clinical Scales in a Sample of University Students

Abstract

In the present study, the authors explored the meaning of low scores on the MMPI-2/MMPI-2-RF restructured clinical (RC) scales. Using responses of a sample of university students (N = 811), the authors examined whether low (T < 39), within-normal-limits (T = 39-64), and high (T > 65) score levels on the RC scales are differentially associated with multidimensional personality questionnaire (MPQ)-defined personality descriptions. Eleven primary MPQ scales and three higher order MPQ scales (negative emotionality, positive emotionality, and constraint) were used to yield these descriptions. MANOVAs were conducted for each RC scale and followed up by univariate ANOVAs and post hoc Dunnett T3 tests to identify reliable RC-scale-defined group differences for the individual MPQ scales. For those cases that exhibited significant differences between the low and within-normal subgroups on the Dunnett T3 tests, effect sizes were computed. The authors identified and discussed meaningful MPQ-based personality characteristics of the low scoring subjects.

Incremental Validity of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire in the Preemployment Assessment of Police Officer Candidates

“…The concurrent validity results were generally consistent with previous MPQ and MMPI-2-RF research (Avdeyeva et al, 2012;Sellbom & Ben-Porath, 2005;Tellegen & Ben-Porath, 2008). The PEM superfactor and primary trait scales were generally negatively associated with MMPI-2-RF EID and especially RC2, as expected.…”

Assessing DSM-5 Section III Personality Traits and Disorders With the MMPI-2-RF

“… 2. This proportion of invalid protocols is consistent with other MMPI-2 and MMPI-2-RF research studies using university samples (see, e.g., Avdeyeva, Tellegen, & Ben-Porath, 2011; Sellbom, Ben-Porath, Lilienfeld, Patrick, & Graham, 2005). …”

Examining the Validity of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire in the Assessment of Police Candidates

“…Furthermore, Harkness, Tellegen, and Waller (1995) reported a median correlation of .48 between MPQ primary scales and informant ratings on these traits. Finally, several studies have demonstrated a pattern of associations between the MPQ scales and MMPI-2-RF scale scores that conform to conceptual expectations (Avdeyeva, Tellegen, & Ben-Porath, 2012; Sellbom & Ben-Porath, 2005; Tellegen & Ben-Porath, 2008/2011). For instance, WB is negatively correlated with Low Positive Emotions; SP negatively with Interpersonal Passivity; SC negatively with Social Avoidance; Stress Reaction with Dysfunctional Negative Emotions; AG with AG; AL with Ideas of Persecution; CO and HA with Disconstraint; and AB with Aberrant Experiences.…”