Application of MMPI alcoholism scales to older alcoholics and problem drinkers.

Methodological issues and the construct validity of the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale: A response to the rebuttal and constructive comments of Merenda and Sparadeo.

“…It should be noted that Merenda and Sparadeo did not even mention what we considered to be one of the most important findings in our studythat our data failed to provide any support for the contention by others (Apfeldorf & Huntley, 1975;Ruff, Ayers, & Templer, 1975) that the MAC measures a general dimension of antisociality. Instead, they centered their criticism on our use of phi coefficients in our factor analysis of the MAC items.…”

Construct validity of the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale.

“…Prior research has indicated that the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale (MAC; Mac-Andrew, 1965) is an extremely useful measure for differentiating alcoholics from nonalcoholics in both outpatient (Mac-Andrew, 1965 ;Rhodes, 1969;Fowler, Note 1) and inpatient settings (Apfeldorf & Huntley, 1975;DeGroot & Adamson, 1973;Kranitz, 1972;Lachar, Herman, Grisell, & Schooff, 1976;Rich & Davis, 1969;Ruff, Ayers, & Templer, 1975;Uecker, 1970;Vega, 1971;Whisler & Cantor, 1966). Although the exact classification rates have differed from study to study, there have been no published reports of failure of the MAC to differentiate between alcoholics and equivalent nonalcoholic controls.…”

Racial Variations on the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale of the MMPI.

“…Hence, the scale may have little clinical utility. Several other studies also have observed that the Hoyt/Sedlacek scale fails to discriminate between inpatient alcoholics and nonalcoholics (Apfeldorf & Hunley, 1975;Vega, 1971) .…”

“…However, other studies have ascertained that more appropriate cutting scores can be derived depending upon such factors as treatment setting (DeGroot & Adamson, 19 73;Huber & Danahy, 1973;Uecker, 1970;Vega, 1971;V^isler & Cantor, 1966), age (Apfeldorf & Hunley, 1975), and sex (Rich & Davis, 1969;Schwartz & Graiiam, 1979) . The major studies which have investigated the MAC, along with suggested cutting scores and accuracy of classification ratings, can be found in Table 1.…”

“…VJhile several studies have questioned the utility of 13 the MAC in a domiciliary (Whisler & Cantor, 1966) or inpatient (Uecker,19 70) population, a number of more recent studies have strongly supported its validity in a variety of settings. The percentage of accurate classifications (alcoholic-nonalcoholic) using the MAC has fluctuated between 60 and 82% (Apfeldorf & Hunley, 1975;Clopton, Weiner, & Davis, 19 80;Conley & Kammeier, 19 80;DeGroot & Adamson, 1973;Hoffmann et al, 1974;MacAndrew, 1965MacAndrew, , 1979bRhodes, 1969;Rhodes & Chang, 1978;Uecker, 1970;Vega, 1971;VThisler & Cantor, 1966) . Studies on the MAC in state hospitals (Clopton et al, 1980;Rich & Davis, 1969;VJilliams, McCourt, & Schneider, 1971;VJillis, Wehler, & Rush, 1979) A group of researchers (Hoffmann et al, 1974; studied the MMPI scores of a group of male alcoholics tested during their freshman year in college, who had an average elapsed time of 13 years between college entrance and commencement of treatment for alcoholism.…”