Incremental validity of the MMPI-2 Content Scales in the assessment of personality and psychopathology by self-report

J Pers Assess. 1993 Dec;61(3):557-75. doi: 10.1207/s15327752jpa6103_12.

Abstract

The incremental contribution of the MMPI-2 Content Scales to the prediction of scores on self-report measures of personality and psychopathology was investigated. The MMPI-2, Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Personality Inventory, and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised were administered to 596 subjects: 339 women and 257 men. Zero-order correlational analyses indicated that both clinical and Content Scales correlated with each of the criterion measures. In all but one case, an MMPI-2 Content Scale was found to have the highest correlation with the extratest variables. Combined hierarchical, stepwise regression analyses demonstrated that the MMPI-2 Content Scales possess incremental validity vis-à-vis the clinical scales for both genders in relation to all of the criterion measures. Additional analyses indicated that the MMPI-2 clinical scales also possess incremental validity vis-à-vis the Content Scales. However, the incremental contribution of the clinical scales was of lesser magnitude. Implications of these findings for test interpretation and future research with the MMPI-2 are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • MMPI*
  • Male
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self-Assessment*