An MMPI-based clinical typology for inpatient alcoholic males: Derivation and interpretation

Abstract

A “customized” clinical typology of six types (for 10% to 30% of the sample each) was derived on 150 inpatient alcoholic veterans as part of a more comprehensive clinical research project. The types were derived on 18 variates, which included the 13 clinical and validity scales of the MMPI, 2 intellectual estimates, 2 perceptual estimates, and an employment rating, using Ward's procedure. The MMPI clinical profiles for the types matched closely known MMPI actuarial patterns, as well as those from prior alcoholism typing research. The non‐MMPI variates seemed to add importantly to the clinical meaningfulness of the derived types. Type contrasts on a number of demographic and index variables were also significant and provided additional descriptive and validation data. The desirability and utility of combining several common measures as a basis for types that would be a central part of ongoing clinical programming and research are discussed.

Personality differences of first-time and repeat offenders arrested for driving while intoxicated.

“…Using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Mulligan, Steer, and Fine (1978) identified three personality types of DWI offenders, and Sutker, Brantley, and Allain (1980) delineated four different types. Personality types similar to those of persons arrested for DWI also have been reported for persons in treatment for alcohol abuse/dependence (Alfano, Nerviano, & Thurstin, 1987;Pfost, Kunce, & Stevens, 1984).…”

A multi-test alcoholic taxonomy: Canonical coefficient clusters

“…These included Chronic Severe Distress (MMPI code type 2-7-8); Passive-Aggressive and Sociopathic (4 and secondary 2); Antisocial-Sociopathic (4-9); Reactive Acute Depression (2 and secondary 4); Severely Neurotic Psychophysiological (1 -2-3-4); Mixed Character Dysphoria (2-4-7); and Paranoid-Alienated (8-4-7-2-6-9). Alfano et al (1987) administered the MMPI, two intellectual estimates, two perceptual estimates, and an employment rating to inpatient alcoholic veterans and derived six subtypes. These subtypes appear similar to those found in the Nerviano and Gross review.…”

Normal and psychopathological personality characteristics of individuals in alcohol rehabilitation.

“…Kanfer, 1986; Nathan & Kinstad, 1987). Research using the MMPI indicates the presence of three or more relatively pervasive alcohol-dependent personality types, such as the “impulsive” drinker, the “guilty” drinker and the “passive–dependent” drinker (e.g., Alfano, Nerviano, & Thurstin, 1987; Goldstein & Linden, 1969; Pfost, Kunce, & Stevens, 1984; Whitelock, Overall, & Patrick, 1971). The need for individualized and differential treatment modalities for such types appears to be well recognized and accepted (Donovan & Marlatt, 1988; Miller & Hester, 1986; Pattison, 1980).…”