Hardin A. Collins

An Empirical Typology of Heroin Abusers.

The MMPI profiles of 59 participants in a VA Drug Abuse Program were analyzed. A total of eight types were defined by factor analysis. Three of the groups accounted for 60% of the Ss. The three groups had profiles that involved elevations on scales 2, 4, 8, and 9.

Relationships between MMPI and CPI Types for Male Heroin Abusers

The similarity between typological systems based on the MMPI and CPI was investigated in a sample of male heroin users. The typologies had fairly high classification rates (85 and 75%, respectively) and evidenced relationships that seem consistent with psychological theory. Methods of using the two inventories and the respective typological systems in tandem were suggested, and the possibility of predicting the configural patterns of one inventory from those of the other was explored.

Personality patterns of drug abusers as shown by MMPI profiles

MMPI and 16 PF patterns of a group of drug abusers who were participating in a voluntary VA Drug Abuse Program were investigated. The MMPI profiles of 91 male veterans who ranged in age from 18-45 years were classified according to two-point code types. A comparison was made of the most frequently occurring code types among drug abusers, medical patients, and psychiatric patients. The two modal profile types among drug abusers were the 4-9/9-4 and the 2-4/4-2, which accounted for 32% of the sample. An additional comparison between the two modal types and responses to the 16 PF was made. Results indicate a closer resemblance to psychiatric patients than to medical patients, and the variety of high point code types is discussed. The similarity between the present sample of modal code types with research on drug abusers undertaken 20 years previously also is discussed.

PERSONALITIES OF ADDICTS

To investigate personality types among a group of drug abusers participating in a VA voluntary treatment program MMPI profiles were obtained for 59 male veterans. Three most frequently appearing types were obtained. The results suggest that these veterans are not a unique group of drug abusers. They are similar to classifications of 40 years ago.

THE VOCATIONAL INTERESTS OF DRUG-DEPENDENT PATIENTS

To investigate the Strong Vocational Interest Blank profiles of a group of drug abusers participating in a voluntary VA Drug Abuse Program profiles were obtained for 65 male veterans ranging in age from 18 to 44 yr. Mean scores are reported for the Basic Interest Scales, the Occupational Scales, and the Non-occupational Scales. The responses by the patients did not yield significant numbers of high or low scores. Among the Occupational Scales there was not a single mean standard score in the “A” range. The profiles were basically bland but suggested a people orientation with manipulative aspirations. An interpretation of the high and low scores is discussed. It appeared that the profiles were relatively stable and were not likely to change substantially over time.

Vocational interests of heroin-dependent patients.

Minnesota Vocational Interest Inventory profiles of 114 male drug abusing (18 to 44 yr.) participants in a voluntary VA Drug Abuse Program were obtained. Mean scores are reported for the occupational scales and area scales. The profiles are more indicative of avoidance rather than similarities of interests.

Vocational Interests of Substance Abusers

The vocational interests of male polydrug, alcohol, and heroin abusers were compared using the Minnesota Vocational Interest Inventory. Findings indicated that the form of substance abuse is not related to occupational preference. When compared with tradesmen-in-general, substance abusers are more interested in verbal, aesthetic, people-oriented, and feminine kinds of activities. Interpretations are made in the context of John Hollands theory of personal orientations and occupational environments.