The University of Minnesota Press and Pearson Assessments
Introduce The MMPI-2™ Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales

Nine New Scales Represent the First Variant Version of the Clinical Scales

January 29, 2003, MINNEAPOLIS—Building upon the rich history of the existing MMPI-2 Clinical scales, Auke Tellegen, PhD, consultant to the University of Minnesota Press developed nine Restructured Clinical (RC) scales. Development of the restructured scales began shortly after the restandardization of the original MMPI^® test was completed in 1989. The new scales preserve the valuable descriptive features of the existing Clinical scales while enhancing their distinctiveness.

Development of the RC Scales

Tellegen explains how he developed the RC scales. "As a first step I constructed a Demoralization scale, extracting the general complaint or malaise factor represented to some degree in each of the Clinical scales and in virtually all the other MMPI-2 scales. I then identified the major dimensions of eight of the ten Clinical scales, excepting scales 5 and 0. Based on these analyses and using the entire MMPI-2 item pool, I developed a set of scales representing these dimensions:

• Demoralization
• Somatic Complaints
• Low Positive Emotions
• Cynicism
• Antisocial Behavior
• Ideas of Persecution
• Dysfunctional Negative Emotions
• Aberrant Experiences
• Hypomanic Activation

Validation and Refinement

Yossef S. Ben-Porath, PhD, MMPI consultant to the University of Minnesota Press, joined Tellegen during the crucial validation and refinement phase. "We conducted extensive validation analyses with several large outpatient and inpatient samples," says Ben-Porath. "We found that in comparison with their original Clinical scale counterparts, the RC scales possess substantially enhanced discriminant validity and comparable or improved convergent validity. Thus the RC scales can clarify which of the Clinical scale correlates should be emphasized, in much the same way that the Harris-Lingoes subscales, the Content scales, and the Supplementary scales do."

Composition of the RC Scales

The RC scales are composed of 183 items from the existing MMPI-2 item pool. There is no item overlap between the scales. It is recommended that the RC scales profile be used to refine the interpretation of the Clinical scales profile.

RC Scales Provided in the MMPI-2 Extended Score Report

In January 2003, the RC scales profile will be provided in the Extended Score Report along with the existing Validity/Clinical scales profile. Also, a new profile form and answer keys for the RC scales have been added to MMPI-2 hand-scoring materials. MICROTEST Q™ software customers can request a free upgrade CD with the new Restructured Clinical scales from Pearson Assessments by calling 1-800-627-7271, ext. 3225.

Additional RC Scales Information

Additional information concerning the RC scales, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and an interactive email forum with the authors, will be available on our web site at:

http://www.pearsonassessments.com/tests/mmpi2rcscales.htm

Obtain RC Scales Documentation and Instruction

A publication by the University of Minnesota Press, authored by Tellegen, Ben-Porath, McNulty, Arbisi, & Graham (2003) and titled "RC Scales Test Monograph" containing information on the development and interpretation of the RC scales, including validity and reliability data, will be available from Pearson Assessments in March, 2003 by calling 1-800-627-7271, ext. 3225.

Also, instruction on the RC scales is provided in the MMPI-2/MMPI-A™ workshops offered through the University of Minnesota Press and Kent State University. Information about upcoming workshops is on their workshop web site at:

www.upress.umn.edu/tests/workshops.html

Research and the RC Scales

As Dr. Ben-Porath points out, "Further research will ultimately determine what role the RC scales will play in MMPI-2 test interpretation. Because the scales were created from the MMPI-2 item pool, studies can be conducted on previously collected MMPI-2 data. We encourage researchers and practitioners to explore the utility of the RC scales." Interested researchers can contact Beverly Kaemmer, manager of the Test Division at the University of Minnesota Press for information on possible research opportunities with the RC scales:

Email: kaemm002@umn.edu

Mailing address
Beverly Kaemmer
Manager, Test Division
University of Minnesota Press
111 Third Avenue South, Suite 290
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401-2520

Requesting RC Scales or Obtaining Additional Information

For more information or to place an order, please call a Client Relations representative at Pearson Assessments at (800) 627-7271, extension 3225.

About Pearson's Assessment group

Pearson's Assessment group has been a premier provider of psychological assessments and scoring solutions for more than 40 years. Pearson provides instruments for professionals in clinical, public safety, corrections, medical, forensic, adolescent, education, and career settings. For more information, please call (800) 627-7271 or visit the Pearson's Assessments group web site at www.pearsonassessments.com.

Pearson's Assessment group is a business of Pearson Education, the world’s largest integrated education company, which in turn is part of Pearson plc, the international media company.

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