Use of MMPI-A to differentiate emotionally disabled from non-disabled individuals and those considered to be socially maladjusted

Abstract

Currently, there is no psychometric tool used to identify potential pathology in adolescents prior to its emergence. Ideally, a tool would be developed with the capabilities to identify which children are “at risk” or are pre-disposed to deviant or pathological behavior in order to implement early intervention strategies prior to its emergence. One potential tool in early identification of psychopathic behavior is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory for Adolescents (MMPI-A). The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive utility of the MMPI-A in identifying emotional disability in adolescents. The study examined the MMPI-A’s ability to differentiate between three levels of educational placement, general education, emotionally disturbed students in a public education setting, and residentially placed students. Based on the analysis of the data collected, the MMPI-A is able to correctly identify and discriminate between groups. These results are based on a sample size consisting of forty-six students of varying ethnic and geographical backgrounds as well as varying age and grade levels. A Discriminant Function Stepwise Analysis (ANOVA) was completed and the results indicate that the Psychopathic Deviate Scale and the Schizophrenia Scale are the significant scales in recognizing adolescent placement in relation to educational setting. Furthermore, ANOVA results indicate that the True Response Inconsistency Scale and the Alcohol Drug Problem Proneness Scale are responsible for significant between group variance. Overall, the results illustrate that the MMPI-A has the capability to predict educational placement.