J Korean Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry.  2023 Oct;34(4):268-274. 10.5765/jkacap.230039.

Clinical Utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent Restructured Form in the Assessment of Internalizing and Externalizing Disorders in Adolescents: A Preliminary Approach

• Yun HJ
• Park EH
• Hong HJ

• KMID: 2546900
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5765/jkacap.230039

Abstract

Objectives
This study investigated whether the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent Restructured Form (MMPI-ARF) can differentiate between two groups of adolescents, one diagnosed with internalizing disorders and another with externalizing disorders, and examined the clinical utility of the MMPI-A-RF by examining which subscales can significantly discriminate between these two groups.
Methods
A total of 105 adolescents aged 13–18 years completed the MMPI-A-RF (53 internalizing disorder and 52 externalizing disorder groups). Independent t-test, chi-square test ( χ 2 ), and discriminant analysis were used to examine whether MMPI-A-RF can distinguish between the two groups.
Results
Sixteen MMPI-A-RF scales best predicted differences between the groups with internalizing and externalizing disorders. Fourteen scales (Higher-Order Scale [Emotional/Internalizing Dysfunction], Restructured Clinical [RC] Scale [RC demoralization, Somatic Complaints (RC1), and Low Positive Emotions (RC2)], Personality Psychopathology Five Scale [Introversion/Low Positive Emotionality-Revised, Negative Emotionality/Neuroticism-Revised], Somatic/Cognitive Scale [Malaise, Head Pain Complaints, and Gastrointestinal Complaints], Internalizing Scale [Stress/Worry, Self-Doubt], Externalizing Scale [Negative School Attitudes], Interpersonal Scale [Social Avoidance, Shyness]) were associated with the internalizing disorder group, whereas two scales (Externalizing Scale [Conduct Problems, Negative Peer Influence]) were associated with the externalizing disorder group.
Conclusion
The MMPI-A-RF can be an efficient assessment tool for a quick diagnosis as it can classify individuals with internalizing and externalizing disorders in clinical settings that lack a variety of assessment tools for children and adolescents.

Keyword

Adolescent; MMPI-A-RF; Internalizing; Externalizing; Discriminant analysis