MMPI-2-RF and MMPI-3 : Implications on treatment engagement

Nicole recently presented research summarizing a paper we have out for review examining the utility of the MMPI-2-RF and MMPI-3 to predict treatment use and treatment-related attitudes in a short-term longitudinal sample of individuals with moderate to severe depressive symptoms. This was presented at the 2020 MMPI symposium and the PowerPoint may be FOUND HERE [CLICK]

Abstract

Literature surrounding the MMPI-2-RF has started to demonstrate convergence about which scales best predict treatment engagement and outcomes; however, it is also limited in several ways. For instance, externalizing scales frequently emerge as indicators of treatment dropout (Anestis et al., 2015; Mattson et al., 2012; Tylicki et al., 2019); however, is not always true (Arbisi et al., 2013; Tarescavage et al., 2015). Moreover, studies have frequently focused on outcomes using clients who have already initiated treatment across different settings, while only one has examined the capacity of the MMPI-2-RF scales to predict treatment initiation (Arbisi et al., 2013). As such, there is notable variability in scale-specific findings as well as in the type of behaviors that are predicted on the MMPI-2-RF. In addition, the soon-to-be released MMPI-3 underscores the necessity of establishing a similar research base for this new instrument. While many of its scales are based on existing MMPI-2-RF scales, the new and revised scales have yet to undergo extensive validation. This is the first such study which examines treatment use and engagement among those who would likely benefit from those services but who are not recruited from treatment locations (e.g., some are in therapy and some are not).

Big Takeaways

1. The MMPI-3 has stronger and broader relationships among criterion measures, suggesting probable improvement over the MMPI-2-RF scales.
2. Measures within the internalizing and interpersonal domains are the strongest and most predictors, and externalizing scales are also useful.

An overview of general scale-related findings are summarized below:

MMPI-2-RF

MMPI-3