An Investigation of a Computerized Sequential Depression Module of the MMPI-2

Abstract

The current study investigated the utility and validity of a computerized “depression” module of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–Second version (MMPI-2), with and without sequential testing rules, with a college student sample. Participants completed one of three MMPI-2 test–retest administrations (i.e., conventional–conventional, conventional–module, or conventional–sequential module) as well as 15 criterion measures across two testing sessions exactly 1 week apart. The findings pointed to statistically significant and clinically meaningful time-savings in administering selected MMPI-2 scales (for both full-length and variable-length versions). Criterion measures rationally selected to represent similar (depression, anhedonia, anxiety) and dissimilar (behavioral, thought, and somatic dysfunction) psychological constructs were administered to assess the convergent and discriminant validity of the depression module. The criterion correlations suggested minimal differences in discriminant and convergent validity across administration modes, suggesting limited to no impact of administering targeted MMPI-2 scales in terms of construct validity.