Methodological Note on Deriving Behavioral Correlates for MMPI Profile Patterns: Case of the Female 4-5-6 Configuration

Abstract

An attempt was made to identify the empirical correlates of an MMPI configuration involving Scales 4 (Pd), 5 (Mf), and 6 (Pa) in a sample of 21 female psychiatric outpatients. Two sets of comparisons were derived. In the first comparison, 21 4-5-6 and control patients were matched on age and contrasted on selected behavioral and self-report measures. Results suggested that 4-5-6 patients displayed greater ambivalence, depression, and lack of social skills than control patients. In the second comparison, 18 4-5-6 and control females were matched on profile similarity (excluding Scales 4, 5, and 6) using the D² procedure and then compared on various behavioral and self-report measures. This comparison showed fewer and somewhat different (indecision, need for affection) correlates relative to the age-matched group. These findings are discussed in terms of implementing appropriate procedures when defining control groups for the study of MMPI profile patterns.