Psychological assessment in abuse and neglect cases: The utility of the MMPI-2.

Abstract

The psychological assessment of parents involved in proceedings about their parental rights is often ordered by the Court in order to determine personality traits linked to potential problems in parental competences. We compared the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)-2 scores of this specific sample with a comparison group of parents involved in child custody litigations, considering a total of 429 individuals undergoing personality evaluations ordered by several Italian courts. The results showed moderate elevations on clinical scales 4 (Psychopathic Deviate) and 6 (Paranoia) in the first group. Results for the Diamond's Axes, supplementary scales, content scales, and PSY-5 point to other psychological concerns, which were not considered widely in the literature we reviewed. This paper creates a comparative norm set for the MMPI-2 in Italian parental assessment, comparing the MMPI-2 scores of parents in custody litigations versus those whose parental fitness was under investigation. Public Significance StatementThis study compares the MMPI-2 scores of a sample of parents involved in proceedings about their parental rights with a comparison group of parents involved in child custody litigations. Results showed a clinically useful relationship between some personality characteristics and parental competency vulnerability.

MMPI‐2 and 16PF‐5 Personality Traits of Parents Involved in Personality Assessment

“…Moreover, they tend to take imprudent risks and may have problems related to alcohol or drug abuse (Nichols, 2011). In general, the MMPI‐2 findings are consistent with prior results in child custody literature (e.g., Roma et al, 2014; Carstairs et al, 2012) and in child abuse and neglect cases (Stredny et al, 2006; Ezzo et al, 2007; Resendes & Lecci, 2012; Gambetti et al, 2019).…”

“…As hypothesized (Hypothesis 1), this sample showed a defensive approach to assessment, common in a parental competency evaluation setting (Carr et al, 2005; Cooke, 2010; Roma et al, 2014; Gambetti et al, 2019), as shown by moderate range ( T‐scores = 55 to 65) elevations in the L (Lie) and TRIN (True Response Consistency Scale) scales of the MMPI‐2 and in the IM (Impression Management) scale of the 16PF‐5 (below the cut‐off point at the percentile score of 95, which corresponds to raw scores of 19 in females and 21 in males). In particular, they tended to respond in a socially desirable way, presenting themselves in a morally and culturally favorable light, over‐reporting “good behavior” or under‐reporting undesirable behavior (Cattell & Schuerger, 2003; Handel et al, 2006; Nichols, 2011).…”

“…The MMPI‐2 (Butcher, Graham, Ben‐Porath, Tellegen, & Dahlstrom, 2001) is one of the most widely used and standardized psychometric tests for the assessment of psychological characteristics of parents in child custody evaluation over the past 75 years (Butcher et al, 2015). First of all, studies conducted on the response patterns of parents undergoing capacity evaluations showed that these individuals tend to present themselves in a positive light and that the MMPI‐2 validity scales effectively identify such response patterns (Carr, Moretti, & Cue, 2005; Stredny, Archer, & Mason, 2006; Ezzo, Pinsoneault & Evans, 2007; Resendes & Lecci, 2012; Gambetti et al, 2019). Research has also found that those who perpetrate child maltreatment showed a tendency to sensitivity, mistrust, and guardedness in interpersonal relationships, indicated by a moderate elevation (T‐scores = 55 to 65) of the MMPI‐2 clinical scale 6 (Paranoia) (Stredny et al, 2006; Ezzo et al, 2007) .…”

“…Research has also found that those who perpetrate child maltreatment showed a tendency to sensitivity, mistrust, and guardedness in interpersonal relationships, indicated by a moderate elevation (T‐scores = 55 to 65) of the MMPI‐2 clinical scale 6 (Paranoia) (Stredny et al, 2006; Ezzo et al, 2007) . Furthermore this personality trait was found to be associated with the inclination to show, when frustrated, irritation and aggression or other socially maladaptive behavior, including the manipulation of others, as shown by a moderate elevation in the MMPI‐2 clinical scale 4 (Psychopathic Deviate) (Stredny et al, 2006; Ezzo et al, 2007; Gambetti et al, 2019). Recently these results were confirmed by Resendes and Lecci (2012), who showed moderate range elevations in scales relating to antisocial behaviour and substance abuse ( 4, Mac‐R, AAS, ASP , and Ho ) in individuals involved in child abuse and/or neglect cases, compared to those without problematic parenting behavior.…”

“…Thus, the current study aimed to help fill the gap in this research area. Hypothesis 1 : we hypothesized that this population show: a) moderate elevations in the MMPI‐2 clinical scales 4 and 6 (see Stredny et al, 2006; Ezzo et al, 2007; Resendes & Lecci, 2012; Gambetti et al, 2019); b) moderate elevations in PSY‐5 Psychoticism (which has a high positive correlation with scale 6 and measures the tendency to present unusual beliefs or experiences, overindulging in daydreaming, that could lead to compromised functioning and alienated relationships) and PSY‐5 Disconstraint (which is high positively correlated with scale 4 and measures traits as risk‐taking, behavioural disinhibition and rule‐breaking); c) low scores of the 16PF SC global factor; d) elevations of the Lie validity scale of the MMPI‐2 (see Carr et al, 2005; Stredny et al, 2006; Ezzo et al, 2007; Resendes & Lecci, 2012; Gambetti et al, 2019) and of the Impression Management of the 16PF‐5.…”