Alcoholism and the MMPI. A review.

Abstract

The literature [132 items] on the use of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) in the study of alcoholism was reviewed. There is almost no empirical support for using the MMPI to predict improvement during treatment for alcoholism or drinking behavior after the treatment. Much diversity was found in the MMPI patterns obtained from alcoholics. Similarly, spouses of alcoholics have diverse personality patterns and varying degrees of maladjustment. Two specially developed MMPI alcoholism scales had value in identifying individuals who misuse alcohol. More studies are needed that examine the relationship between MMPI scale scores and the outcome of treatment for alcoholism.