| The goal of this empirical study was to establish criterion-related validity for seven MMPI-2 scales of defensiveness by investigating Pearson coefficient correlations between the MMPI-2 scales and two independent, clinical measures of defensiveness. The seven MMPI-2 scales included the Lie scale, K scale, Superlative scale, Repression scale, Positive Malingering scale, Social Desirability scale, and Denial scale. The independent, clinical measures of defensiveness included the Phrase Association Test and the Defense Mechanism Manual of the Thematic Apperception Test. The results revealed significant gender effects in regards to the manifestation of defense as assessed in the self-report and clinical measures of defensiveness. Males were found to have higher Cramer projection and denial scores, higher score on the Positive Malingering and Denial scales of the MMPI-2, and higher Phrase Association Test interference defense scores. Post hoc analysis of relationships between the MMPI-2 scales of defensiveness and the clinical measures of defensiveness was conducted for two homogeneous sub-samples: female Caucasians and male Caucasians. A significantly different pattern of relationships were revealed for the two homogeneous samples, suggesting that gender may have a moderating impact on the relationships between the MMPI-2 scales of defensiveness and the clinical measures of defensiveness. The results provide modest and preliminary support for the criterion-related validity of the K, Superlative, Positive Malingering, Social Desirability, and Denial scales of the MMPI-2. Discussion includes considerations into the complicated nature of assessing defensiveness, and highlights avenue of further research. |
