Evaluating the Interpersonal Content of the MMPI–2–RF Interpersonal Scales

Abstract

Convergence between the MMPI–2 Restructured Form (MMPI–2–RF; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008) interpersonal scales and 2 interpersonal circumplex (IPC) measures was examined. University students (N = 405) completed the MMPI–2 and 2 IPC measures, the Interpersonal Adjectives Scales Revised Big Five Version (IASR–B5; Trapnell & Wiggins, 1990) and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems Circumplex (IIP–C; Horowitz, Alden, Wiggins, & Pincus, 2000). Internal consistency was adequate for 3 of the 6 scales investigated. The majority of scales were located in their hypothesized locations, although magnitude of correlations was somewhat weaker than anticipated, partly owing to restricted range from using a healthy sample. The expected pattern of correlations that defines a circular matrix was demonstrated, lending support for the convergent and discriminant validity of the MMPI–2–RF interpersonal scales with respect to the assessment of interpersonal traits and problems.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by the York University Research Cost Fund, the York University Faculty of Arts Research Grant, and two Small Social Science and Research Council of Canada grants. Lindsay E. Ayearst, Martin Sellbom, and R. Michael Bagby receive continuous grant funding from the University of Minnesota Press, the MMPI–2–RF publisher.

Notes

For a more detailed description of the structural summary method and formulae for calculating the parameters, see Gurtman and Pincus (2003) and Wright, Pincus, Conroy, and Hilsenroth (2009).

We say “the additional three dimensions of the FFM” because Extraversion and Agreeableness from the FFM have been shown to be isomorphic rotations of dominance and nurturance, the two orthogonal dimensions of the ICM (e.g., McCrae & Costa, 1989).

Formulae presented for calculating dominance and nurturance are described in more detail in Gurtman (1992) and Wright et al (2009).

Calculations of structural summary parameters are from Ansell, Kurtz, DeMoor, and Markey (2011) but originally reported in Wiggins and Broughton (1991).

This is equivalent to the formula for vector length reported in Wiggins and Broughton (1991).

Items loading on Demoralization were dropped, except when they were part of a facet reflecting actual demoralization variance (e.g., suicidal ideation), in which case a separate scale was created (see Tellegen & Ben-Porath, 2008).

Based on SD ² (averaged across gender) as reported in the technical manual for an outpatient community mental health center.

The IIP manual does not include clinical norms for comparison purposes so a direct comparison of variance in scores in a clinical sample versus the present sample was not possible. Descriptive statistics for the IAS and IIP–C in this sample are available from the first author on request.