Richard H. Dana

Measured Acculturation and MMPI-168 Performance of Native American Adults

To test the hypothesis that acculturation influences MMPI performance of Native Americans, a 32-item instrument was developed to measure five components of acculturation. The MMPI-168 and the acculturation instrument were administered to 69 Rosebud Sioux. Significant elevations occurred on F and Scales 4, 6, 8, and 9. Intercorrelations among the acculturation subscales suggested a common dimension underlying social, language, and blood quantum, with values and education/occupation being relatively independent. The social, values, and language subscales were significantly related to validity scales L and F. A preponderance of significant correlations were obtained between values, language, and education/ occupation, and MMPI-168 clinical Scales 2, 4, 7, 8, and 0. These results suggest that caution be used in interpreting the MMPI profiles of Native Americans.

An update on the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI)

Reviews, commentary, and recent research on the MCMI are examined. There has been controversy over the impact on research of delayed availability of hand scoring materials, the discrepancies between Millons diagnostic conceptualizations and DSM-III, and MCMI construction idiosyncrasies. MCMI use for clinical diagnosis continues to be suspect, but clinicians now have an augmented awareness of DSM limitations as a result of this version of the Millon instrument.

Use of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) as a Screening Instrument at a Community Mental Health Center

Comparison of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) and clinician-generated DSM-III diagnoses for a sample of psychiatric outpatients (N = 72) indicated only chance agreement. The MCMI was of limited use as a screening device because of overdiagnosis and failure to identify individuals who prematurely terminated treatment. Other potential problems with the instrument included substantial intercorrelation among scales and possible pathologizing of stereotypic feminine traits. The characteristic structure of the MCMI appeared stable across patient samples; there was evidence for identification of a mean profile for psychiatric patients who voluntarily seek treatment for subjective distress.

Psychological Characteristics of Pentecostals: A Literature Review and Psychodynamic Synthesis

This article extends previous literature reviews on Pentecostalism by inclusion of studies from 1976–1985 as well as earlier studies. Psychometric and nonpsychometric investigations are considered separately. These data are then synthesized as one approach to an integration of findings that reflect a variety of nonconsensual theoretical premises. Consistently replicated psychological constructs are described, and therapeutic effects of Pentecostal psychodynamics is proposed which includes repression, regresson, and emotional release mechanisms.

Barnum Statements in Reports of Psychological Assessment

Barnum concepts have previously been studied in an experimental paradigm requiring deception and identical personality data for each subject. Three replications of a reliable methodology for identifying Barnum and non-Barnum concepts in actual psychological reports based on Rorschach data suggested some in-context dimensions of Barnum concepts. In addition, the acceptability of different kinds of concepts to assessees in a feedback procedure was related to favorability of concept. The adequacy and relevance of the traditional methodology were discussed.

An Evaluation of Three Bender-Gestalt Scoring Systems as Indicators of Psychopathology

Quantified Bender-Gestalt protocols of 120 clients using the Hutt, Pascal-Suttell, and Pauker scoring systems. Scores were correlated with two criteria of psychopathology, diagnosis of psychiatric disability and self-reported anxiety, and age and IQ. The results suggest that: (a) Ratings of B-G protocols are highly reliable; (b) B-G scores are not predictive of global psychopathology; and (c) B-G scores are correlated moderately with age and IQ. This evidence does not support the validity of B-G scoring systems as indicators of psychopathology.

INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN RORSCHACH AND MMPI SCORES FOR FEMALE COLLEGE STUDENTS

26 Klopfer scores and 6 Rorschach ratio scores were correlated with 12 MMPI standard scores for 95 female college students. Few statistically significant relationships between the Rorschach and MMPI were obtained. It was concluded that the Rorschach and the MMPI measure different variables in a normal population of female college students.

A comparison of six MMPI short forms: code type correspondence and indices of psychopathology.

Compared six MMPI short forms for their ability to identify code-types and indices of psychopathology obtained from the full length MMPI for samples of renal dialysis patients (N = 53) and paranoid schizophrenics (N = 58). Results suggest that the accuracy of the short forms fluctuates for different patient populations and diagnostic criteria. The longer abbreviated forms are generally more accurate, especially the MMPI-168 and the FAM.

When Does a Difference Make a Difference? MMPI Scores and African Americans

The group difference MMPI literature relevant to African-Americans was reexamined for major methodological issues including the criteria used for ethnic/racial group membership and socieconomic status. These issues are of sufficient magnitude to question the traditional scientific methods used in MMPI research and the current interpretations of African-American MMPI profiles. This cultural variance can be identified in item content and consistent scale elevations for African-American samples. The magnitude of cultural variance has been found to vary across samples. Recent empirical data indicate that such variance may be appreciable and significant for African-Americans who are in process of realizing a distinct cultural identity as evidenced by racial consciousness and moderator variables.

Assessment for health psychology

Abstract Four domains for health assessment are described: power and responsibility, life stress, personality, and psychiatric symptomatology. Major instruments are identified within each domain. Assessment opportunities and practices with coronary artery disease and geriatrics provide examples of application. Some implications for health assessment of the general population are presented. A general systems, or biopsychosocial framework for health assessment is suggested.