Personality Measurements in Selection of Applicants for an Alcohol Counselor Training Program

Abstract

Individual Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and Personality Research Form scale scores of 7 accepted and 17 rejected applicants (in early 30's, with 13 yr. education, and IQs of about 112) to a 9-mo. in-service training program were compared by t tests. No significant differences between accepted and rejected applicants' individual MMPI scale scores were observed. On the personality form, accepted applicants scored significantly lower on Abasement and Autonomy and significantly higher on Aggression, Harm-avoidance, Defendence and Social Recognition. Accepted and rejected applicants to a para-professional chemical-dependency counselor training program did not differ significantly with respect to personality measurements designed to assess psychopathology (MMPI) but could be differentiated on personality scales designed to measure motivational variables.