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Key determinants of the MMPI‐PTSD subscale: Treatment considerations
Author(s) -
Hyer Lee,
Boudewyns Patrick A.,
O'Leary William C.,
Harrison William R.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/1097-4679(198705)43:3<337::aid-jclp2270430306>3.0.co;2-u
Subject(s) - minnesota multiphasic personality inventory , psychology , stressor , clinical psychology , locus of control , anxiety , incremental validity , mood , psychiatry , psychometrics , test validity , personality , developmental psychology , social psychology
Seventy‐five “in country” Vietnam combat psychiatric inpatients were given a battery of measures upon admission to the medical center. These included the MMPI, VETS Adjustment Scale, State‐Trait Anxiety Scale, Rotter Locus of Control, Profile of Mood Scale, and a variation of the Figley Stress Scale that measures current stress. Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was determined by the MMPI‐PTSD subscale. Ten of the battery variables were used as predictors for a multiple regression analysis on the MMPI‐PTSD subscale. Results yielded a multiple R of .89 for two predictors, Figley Stress Scale and Rotter Locus of Control (external). Patients with PTSD, therefore, suffer most from perceived and experienced current stressors and a low sense of control. Arguments are made for more present‐centered and interpersonal strategies in the treatment of PTSD combat veterans.