Convergent validity of select scales of the MMPI and the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist-Youth Self-report

The convergent validity of select clinical scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist-Youth Self-report was evaluated in a sample of 188 adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Clinical scales of the MMPI (Scales 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 0) and of the Youth Self-report subscales of Somatic Complaints, Depressed, Aggressive, Delinquent, Thought Disorder, and Unpopular were selected for comparison based on their conceptual similarity. The extent to which scores for self-reported behavior on the Youth Self-report converged with scores on related clinical scales of the MMPI was evaluated by correlations and multiple regression. Concurrent validity for most comparisons between similar scales of the two measures was indicated and support the validity of the Youth Self-report as a self-report measure with an heterogeneous clinical sample of adolescents. The results establish a clear link between self-reported behaviors on the Youth Self-report and scores obtained on the select MMPI clinical scales which would conceptually be associated with those behaviors.

Body shape satisfaction in female exercisers and nonexercisers

Twenty-eight high frequency exercisers, twenty-six moderate frequency exercisers, and twenty nonexercisers were recruited to examine the relationship between exercise and body shape satisfaction in women. All subjects were within average body weight and body fat percentage, and those subjects who reported the clinical features of anorexia nervosa and/or bulimia nervosa were not included in the data analysis. Results showed that the high frequency exercisers had a significantly more negative view of their body shape than a group of moderate exercisers and nonexercisers. In addition, high frequency exercisers were more likely to continue to exercise even when feeling ill than were moderate exercisers. Group differences between moderate and high frequency exercisers were not found for exercising while injured. Differences in exercise attitudes and habits of the two groups are discussed in addition to their reasons for exercising.

Assessment of short-term visual memory in child and adolescent psychiatric inpatients

This study provides normative data on 270 child and adolescent psychiatric inpatients using the Bender Recall technique as a measure of short-term visual memory. In addition, the authors present normative data on another immediate recall technique using the Coding section of the WISC-R. These findings are examined in light of age differences and IQ scores. Detailed instructions for administering the Coding Recall technique are presented.

Brief Rorschach records with children and adolescents

In order to determine the frequency with which children and adolescents give brief Rorschach (R less than 14) records and to test the hypothesis that brief records represent a resistance to testing, the psychological evaluations of 439 admissions to an inpatient unit were reviewed. Of the records reviewed, 16.6% were found to contain less than 14 responses. When the complete test protocol of those subjects who provided brief records were compared with those of a matched group, it was found that the group with brief records failed to complete the other parts of the evaluation significantly more often than did those subjects who did not give brief records. There was no significant difference between the two groups on IQ scores or on self-report scores of depression, anxiety, and social desirability. Result are interpreted as supporting Exner's (1988) hypothesis that brief records represent a form of resistance to being tested.