Predictive Validity of the MMPI–2 Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales in a Batterers' Intervention Program

Abstract

We examined the convergent and discriminant validity of the MMPI-2 Restructured Clinical (RC) scales in predicting relevant historical variables, treatment success, and recidivism in offenders enrolled in a batterers' intervention program. We used a sample studied previously by Petroskey, Ben-Porath, and Erez (2002), which included an ethnically diverse group of 483 men enrolled in a psychoeducational batterer's intervention program. We coded various historical variables (e.g., criminal history, substance abuse problems, mental health treatment, anger problems, and amount of partner violence), treatment dismissal, and recidivism up to 1 year posttreatment. Correlational analyses with the historical variables provided evidence of convergent and discriminant validity of the RC scales in this forensic sample. Regression analyses showed that these scales added to the historical variables in predicting treatment failure and recidivism. Relative risk analyses indicated the extent to which individuals entering treatment with elevated scores on RC4 and RC9 were at increased risk for these negative outcomes.

The Utility of MMPI-2-RF Substantive Scales in Prediction of Negative Treatment Outcomes in a Community Mental Health Center

“…Regarding the multivariate analyses, the present findings regarding the relationship between externalizing scales (JCP and BXD) and treatment-related variables corroborate the findings of Mattson et al (2012), who found that the externalizing scales, and JCP in particular, were related to noncompletion of a drug court treatment, as well as Sellbom et al's (2008) findings that RC4 and RC9 predicted dismissal from a domestic violence intervention. The present study represents generalization of these findings in a university-based community mental health clinic providing ESTs.…”

“…In both Graham (2012) and BenPorath (2012), statements regarding treatment outcome are made about scale elevations on numerous scales. Consistent with the findings of Mattson et al (2012) and Sellbom et al (2008), externalizing spectrum psychopathology has been linked to poor treatment adherence in the general psychopathology literature (e.g., de Haan, Boon, de Jong, Hoeve, & Vermeiren, 2013;Kazdin, Mazurick, & Bass, 1993;Marlowe, Kirby, Festinger, Husband, & Platt, 1997). As such, MMPI-2-RF scales assessing various aspects of externalizing traits and behaviors are theorized to also be related to lack of motivation for treatment (BXD, DISC-r), poor compliance and poor rapport (RC4), and poor treatment engagement (JCP, Activation [ACT] Based on the findings in the existing literature, as well as the predictions made by interpretative texts, we hypothesized that the following 15 scales would be related to both premature termination and increased numbers of no-show appointments: BXD, RC2, RC3, RC4, RC6, RC8, RC9, MLS, NFC, JCP, AGG, ACT, DSF, DISC-r, and INTR-r. We further predicted that these relationships would be demonstrated both at a univariate level and at the multivariate level, when accounting for clinical and demographic predictors of premature termination (client age, therapist experience, severity of client psychopathology at intake, personality disorder diagnosis at intake).…”

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF)predictors of police officer problem behavior and collateral self-report test scores.

“…Tellegen et al (2003) developed the Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales to address these limitations. Sellbom et al (2007) demonstrated that the psychometrically enhanced RC Scales have improved predic tive validity in assessments of male police officers, a finding that converges with studies from other settings (Arbisi, Sellbom, & Ben-Porath, 2008;Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008;Forbey & BenPorath, 2007;Handel & Archer, 2008;Sellbom, Ben-Porath, Baum, Erez, & Gregory, 2008;Sellbom, Graham, & Schenk, 2006;Wallace & Liljequist, 2005). Sellbom and colleagues (2007) found statistically significant zero-order correlations that ranged in magnitude from .15 to .19 between MMPI-2 Clinical Scale scores and future problems such as deceptiveness, conduct unbecoming, and inappropriate sexual atti tudes.…”

Let's Not Get Hysterical: Comparing the MMPI-2 Validity, Clinical, and RC Scales in TBI Litigants Tested for Effort

“…Several studies have been published supporting improved psychometric characteristics of the RC scales over the traditional clinical scales (Arbisi, Sellbom, & Ben-Porath, 2008;Forbey & Ben-Porath, 2008;Osberg, Haseley, & Kamas, 2008;Sellbom, Ben-Porath, Baum, Erez, & Gregory, 2008;Tellegen et al, 2003;Wallace & Liljequist, 2005). However, Nichols (2006) has criticized the development of the RC scales for failing to maintain useful constructs of psychopathology.…”