The MMPI as a Predictor of Retention in a Therapeutic Community for Heroin Addicts

Abstract

Prediction of dropout from therapeutic community treatment for heroin addiction is of interest, given that premature termination is the norm. Previous literature indicated a negative association between elevation on various MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) scales and dichotomized measures of retention, as well as other outcomes indices. The predictive relationship was examined between pretreatment MMPI scores and a continuous measure of retention. The MMPI could significantly differentiate groups staying less than and more than 20 days in treatment, but had no power to predict to more precise ranges of retention.