MMPI-2 Personality Disorder Spectra Scales

Authors

Abby L. Mulay, Medical University of South CarolinaFollow
Mark H. Waugh, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Michael T. M. Finn, Vanderbilt University
Jenna E. Gilmore, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Marisa L. Whitley, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Nicole M. Cain, Rutgers University
Robert M. Gordon
Christopher J. Hopwood, University of California, Davis
Alvin Jones, Womack Army Medical Center
David S. Nichols
Gina M. P. Rossi, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
David L. Streiner, McMaster University; University of Toronto

Abstract

We describe updated and revised MMPI-2 scales for personality disorder (PD) using Loevinger’s (1957) integrated construct validation (CV) approach to guide scale development. Dimensionalized PD “Spectra” scales were constructed out of the item pool of all previous MMPI-2 PD scales using content validity, item-analytic, and external criterion comparisons. Relationships between MMPI-2 PD Spectra scales and known marker variables and other self-report PD scales were studied in multiple, international data sets. We also examined the scale properties when scored from the MMPI-2-RF. PD Spectra scale items were cross-walked with the DSM-5 Alternative Model of Personality Disorder (AMPD) pathological personality traits, permitting convergent and discriminant validation with published PD prototypes. Our results indicated PD Spectra scales demonstrate strong substantive, structural, and external CV, including convergent and divergent correlations with external PD variables, incremental validity, and correspondences with dimensional PD prototypes. We also provide normative data for clinical and community populations. In conclusion, the PD Spectra scales enhance contemporary MMPI-2 assessment of PD, retain the clinical utility of familiar PD categories, and show meaningful correspondences with the AMPD.

Recommended Citation

Mulay, Abby L.; Waugh, Mark H.; Finn, Michael T. M.; Gilmore, Jenna E.; Whitley, Marisa L.; Cain, Nicole M.; Gordon, Robert M.; Hopwood, Christopher J.; Jones, Alvin; Nichols, David S.; Rossi, Gina M. P.; and Streiner, David L. (2019) "MMPI-2 Personality Disorder Spectra Scales," Archives of Assessment Psychology: Vol. 9, Article 1.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/psyassessment/vol9/iss1/1