Further Validation of the MMPI-2-RF Personality Disorder Spectra Scales

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to extend research on the Personality Disorder (PD) Spectra scales developed for the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF). We evaluated the scales against measures of both the DSM-5 Section II (traditional model) and Section III (Alternative Model of Personality Disorders; AMPD) PD diagnostic criteria. The participants were 474 undergraduate students from the University of Otago who were administered a range of measures for both DSM-5 PD models. The MMPI-2-RF PD Spectra scales showed significant moderate to large correlations with traditional PD measures, with the exception of Histrionic PD, as well as evidenced incremental validity over the MMPI-2-RF Personality Psychopathology-5 (PSY-5) – the only current formal measurement of personality pathology on the MMPI-2-RF- in accounting for scores on traditional PD measures. The MMPI-2-RF PD Spectra scales also showed moderate to high correlations with most hypothesized AMPD personality trait and impairment scales used to assess DSM-5 AMPD diagnostic criteria. The findings indicated that the scales align well with both paradigms for PD assessment, situating the MMPI-2-RF in a unique position as a bridging measure.