Validity of the MMPI‐2 basic and Harris–Lingoes subscales in a forensic sample

Abstract

The present study explored the MMPI-2 correlates of criminal history in a sample of prison inmates. Although Ma was the only basic scale to demonstrate a significant positive association to crime history, three Harris-Lingoes subscales also bore significant associations to this criterion. The Ma1 (amorality), Pd2 (authority problems), and Pd5 (self-alienation) subscales demonstrated positive associations with crime history. Hierarchical multiple-regression analyses were used to examine the incremental validity of the D, Pd, and Ma Harris-Lingoes subscales when added to their parent scales in the prediction of crime history. Only the Pd Harris-Lingoes subscales demonstrated incremental validity in the prediction of this criterion. The value of including the Ma and Pd Harris-Lingoes subscales in criminal risk assessment is discussed.

Construct Validity of the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART)

“…For both regression analyses in which adjusted balloon pumps and explosions were independently analyzed as criterion variables, the first step of the model included gender, impulsivity, authority problems, and emotional detachment. The initial three variables were entered on step 1 to control for their welldocumented associations with risk taking (Felton et al, 2003;Gray, 1987;Lilienfeld, 1999;Martins et al, 2004;Osberg & Poland, 2001) and the presently reported strong (bivariate) relationships between gender, self-reported psychopathy, and authority problems. SRP-II (Emotional Detachment) also was included to control for psychopathic characteristics presumably less associated with risk taking relative to the SRP-II (Antisocial Behavior) domain.…”

“…Psychopathic traits were assessed using the SRP-II and the Authority Problems subscale (Pd2) of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2; Harris & Lingoes, 1955). The Authority Problems subscale was utilized given data suggesting stronger associations with measures of psychopathy and antisocial behaviors relative to other Pd scales (Lilienfeld, 1999) and the documented utility of this scale in predicting high-risk behaviors (Osberg & Poland, 2001). The SRP-II was used to capture the two broader dimensions of psychopathy (Hare, 1980;Hare et al, 1991).…”