Screening Air Traffic Control Specialists for Psychopathology Using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to model and document the use of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) as a psychological screening tool for conditionally selected FAA Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCSs). A sample of 1,014 ATCSs in training voluntarily completed the MMPI-2 as part of a research program. Those data are used to estimate the number of future candidates that will be referred for follow-up psychological evaluations, given varying MMPI-2 scale cut-scores. At the individual scale level, Scale 1 (Hypochodriasis) had the lowest percentage of subjects identified across all cut scores, while Scale 9 (Hypomania) had the highest. Looking at participants with one or more scales above the cut-scores, about 15% had one or more scales at or above 65T, but only about 2% had one or more scales at or above 80T. A final algorithm of 70T or above on scales 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8, as well as 75T on scale 9, was selected. The identification rates are discussed in terms of impact on follow-up psychological evaluation referral. Initial cut scores are recommended.17.

Personality (and Psychopathology) Assessment in the Selection of Pilots

“…As illustrated by the example of the FAA's compilation of ATCS norms (King et al, 2008) and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) aviator study (King, 1994), it is useful to compile norms as reflective of the population of interest as possible (i.e., pilot candidates). Published norms based on the general population might underestimate or exaggerate psychopathology.…”

“…The FAA set the MMPI-2 clinical cut score triggering a comprehensive mental health assessment at the point of selection at the ATCS population 95th percentile, as normed on voluntary ATCS students (King, Schroeder, Manning, Retzlaff, & Williams, 2008). The MMPI-2 was used previously by the Downloaded by [Tulane University] at 19:31 27 September 2014 KING airline industry in the selection of pilots (Butcher, 1994).…”