A CONSOLIDATED VERSION OF THE MMPI IN JAPAN: DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRANSLATION AND EVALUATION OF EQUIVALENCE

The history of the MMPI in Japan is traced from its initial translation around 1950, through the proliferation of translations reaching approximately 12 versions, to the continued use today of at least four translations. The need for a consolidated version based on linguistic, psycho-cultural and psychometric principles is discussed and illustrated using available data on existing versions.;The best translation of each item was selected or constructed from among existing versions, or a new translation was written when none was appropriate. The criteria for selection were (1) appropriateness of the behavior for Japanese culture, and the functional equivalence of items, (2) understandability of the translations as rated by students, (3) equivalence of the frequency of the behavior in Japan and the United States as measured by item endorsement percents.;The Consolidated Version thus compiled was given to a group of Japanese college students Comparison of scale means and standard deviations showed no clinically significant differences from United States data, an improvement over previous translations. Also, analysis of "extreme items" showed a reduction over previous versions. A subgroup retook the test 1 week later. The test-retest correlations prove that test equally reliable to the original. Another subgroup in advanced English classes also took the test in English, with a 1 week interval and order counterbalanced. The bilingual test-retest correlations are somewhat lower, as expected since the test was not literally translated, but still acceptable. The English scale means are similar to those seen on previous literal translations, and are clinically elevated over the Japanese scale means.;Factor analyses indicate that the internal structure of the test is well replicated. Three factors emerged which were congruent with those found in United States data. One notable cross-cultural difference was found. Scale 5 loaded on the general Neuroticism factor only in the United States, indicating that "passivity" in the United States is maladaptive, but in Japan it is considered "indirect," a desirable characteristic.;The findings show that the Consolidated Version incorporates necessary and appropriate adjustments. Future Japanese investigators are encouraged to coordinate their efforts in advancing clinical/personality research by agreeing to use this well-documented instrument.