Discriminating clinic from control groups of deaf adults using a short form of the Brauer-Gallaudet American Sign Language translation of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory.

Abstract

This study tested whether an American Sign Language (ASL) MMPI short form, the Brauer-Gallaudet MMPI-168 (B-G MMPI-168), could discriminate between groups of deaf adults with and without psychopathology. B-G MMPI-168 and MMPI-168 profiles were also compared in deaf adults without a history of psychopathology. Independent variables were history of mental health treatment, language of administration and reading ability. Dependent variables were MMPI-168 and B-G MMPI-168 validity and clinical scale evaluations. Fifty-nine deaf adults from the community and outpatient counseling services completed demographic information on a questionnaire developed especially for this study. Subjects were divided into Clinic and Control groups based on history (Clinic) or no history (Control) of mental health treatment. Reading Comprehension scores (Advanced Stanford Achievement Test) of Control subjects determined placement in Control (I), (11th grade and above) and Control (II), (6-11 grade) groups. All subjects took the B-G MMPI-168. Control subjects took the MMPI-168 at home within two weeks. Ten dollars was earned for participation. Results indicated that Clinic and Control (II) groups were not accurately discriminated by B-G MMPI-168 profiles. The "hit rate" for the Clinic group was 96.5 percent, but only 40.0% of the Control subjects were correctly classified as Not Disturbed. This version of the B-G MMPI-168 was judged unacceptable for clinical use until items are revised. Level of reading ability was not a significant factor in the clinical validity of the MMPI-168. The "hit rates" of correct classification of Control (I) and Control (II) subjects as Not Disturbed, 58.8 and 46.2, respectively, were unacceptable. Language of administration was not a significant factor in the clinical validity of Control group "168" profiles. B-G MMPI-168 profiles showed more psychopathology than MMPI-168 profiles, but both tests had unacceptably high percentages of Control subjects classified as Disturbed. Revision of B-G MMPI-168 items was recommended so that profiles can accurately discriminate between Clinic and Control groups. The MMPI-168 was recommended for use as part of a personality assessment battery for deaf adults having 12th grade equivalent or higher reading level.