Factor Analysis of the Dutch-Language Version of the MCMI–III

Abstract

We analyzed the factor structure of the Dutch-language version of the MCMI–III (Millon, Millon, Davis, & Grossman, 2006) using exploratory factor analysis on data obtained from a heterogeneous White sample (n = 1,210). We identified 4 factors: General Maladjustment, Aggression/Social Deviance, Paranoid/Delusional Thinking, and Emotional Instability/Detachment. This structure was invariant across scale composition (linear dependent vs. independent scales), factor analytic method (principal factor vs. principal component solutions), and sample characteristics (gender ‘male-female’ and setting ‘clinical-forensic.’ Studies that have used previous MCMI (Millon, 1969/1983b) versions have also found 4 similar factors, whereas studies that have used the American version of the MCMI–III have only found 3 factors. However, differences between the Dutch and American version were completely determined by factor analytic decisions. The factor structure of the MCMI–III appeared to be cross-culturally invariant.

Notes

¹Parametric tests can be used for the data because skewness and kurtosis levels were within an acceptable range (in absolute values, the range for skewness and kurtosis were, respectively, 0.07 to 1.19 and 0.33 to 1.36).

²We also performed Procrustes rotation using default settings, which allows oblique rotation but no magnification or translation of the loading matrix, and found very similar results. Interested readers may obtain these results on request.

³We obtained similar results when we did analyses on raw scores.