Validation of MMPI Scales for Personality Disorders: A 'Pilot' and other Aviator Study

Abstract : The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), long a psychometric staple, has not been readily compatible with the third Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III and DSM-III-R; 1, 2). Morey, Waugh, and Blashfield (8) rationally/ empirically constructed MMPI personality disorder scales to assess these DSM-III Axis II conditions, but adequate outpatient validation remains to be accomplished. The present study, based on 104 male aviators referred to a consultation service, found significant (p < 0. 001) positive correlations in nine of 11 personality disorder scale comparisons between the MMPI and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) , a test that attempts to more closely correspond to the criterion of the DSM-III/DSM-III-R. The Antisocial and Compulsive personality disorder scales failed to significantly correlate. The MMPI personality disorder scales; however, did not significantly identify which subjects had psychiatrically noted maladaptive personality traits. DSM-III/DSM-III-R, MCMI, Psychological testing.