MMPI, prediction of success in National Guard enlistees

• Main Author: Johnson, Raiman K.
• Other Authors: Hayes, Robert E.
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory.; United States > National Guard > Recruiting.
• Online Access: http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/177115; http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/469338

The purpose of this study was to determine if certain mean T scores on the MMPI would vary significantly for careerists in National Guard Units when compared to typical non-clinical scores. It was also an attempt to observe differences between certain MMPI scales to determine whether further study of these scales as gross predictors of candidates more likely to succeed in a military environment appears appropriate.Eleven scales of the MMPI were selected for this purpose and this study attempted to evaluate the scales which might be used. Among the scales studied were: L (Lie); 3 (Conversion Hysteria); 4 (Psychopathic Deviate); 5 (Masculinity-Femininity); Es (Ego Strength); Re (Social Responsibility); A (Conscious Anxiety); and Dy (Dependency). Three directional hypotheses were developed: (1) careerists, in general, will score lower on the 3, 4, 5 (males only), 8, A and Dy scales while they will score higher on the L, 5 (females only) 9, Es Re and Cn than will a typical non-clinical population. (2) Certain personality characteristics, measured by the MMPI, have a significant correlation to the proclivity of an individual to enter and continue in part- or full-time military service. (3) The identified scales can then be considered for further study to determine the feasibility of their use in a screening program to predict success or failure of enlistees as reported by their intention to remain in service upon completion of their initial enlistment obligation.Participants were volunteers from Indiana National Guard Units in both rural and urban areas. Each participant was provided a copy of the self-administered MMPI and requested to complete it in accordance with the written instructions. In addition, they were provided an informed consent form containing a written explanation of the purpose for their participation and delineating the scope of the study.To analyze the data an analysis of variance was used which demonstrated significant differences between male and female careerists and their "civilian" counterparts on seven of the 11 scales, supporting the first hypothesis. After completing correlation matrices for the eleven scales and an analysis of variance, using age as the covariate for the respondents, the data were reviewed. This revealed that, for the limited female population seven of the 11 scales supported the third hypothesis but only three scales were found significant for males suggesting the need for further study to clarify this disparity.