Psychological Reports, 1992, 71, 1027-1038.
O Psychological Reports 1992
CORRELATES OF TRIDIMENSIONAL PERSONALITY QUESTIONNAIRE SCALES W I T H SELECTED MINNESOTA MULTIPHASIC PERSONALITY INVENTORY SCALES')' RICHARD D. WETZEL
MARY ANN KNESEVICH
Washington Universi~School of Medicine
St. Paul Medical Center Southwestern Medical Center, Dalkas
STEPHEN L. BROWN
HAROLD A. WOLFF
University of Wyoming School of Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine
CHARLES J. HORN, SR.
AND
C. ROBERT CLONINGER
Washington University School of Medicine Summary.-The pattern of correlations between selected MMPI scales and the scales of the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire were examined in a convenience sample of 88 patients who had received both tests. T i e between tests (usually less than one year) did not affect the correlations, but MMPI response-set variables (L, F, K, F-K) did. The Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire harm avoidance scale and subscales had many correlates on the MMPI. The Novelty seeking scale and subscales showed a number of moderate correlations with a smaller number of MMPI scales; these correlations did not significantly exceed the correlations with MMPI response-set variables. The Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire reward dependence scale and subscales had few, if any, significant MMPI correlates. It was also noted that no Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire scales were related to MMPI repression factor scores.
The Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (Cloninger, Przybeck, & Svrakic, 1991) is a 100-item true-false test ordnarily self-administered. The test seeks to measure three dimensions of temperament (harm avoidance, novelty seeking, and reward dependence) that Cloninger posits are genetically transmitted. These dimensions interact to help each individual develop a learning style. The learning style interacts with the environment and produces personality. Extremes on the personality dimensions may be less adaptive across a wide variety of environments and may lead to a personahty disorder. Cloninger's theory posits eight mutually exclusive personality disorders. While it uses many of the names used for diagnoses on Axis 11, it represents a challenge to the current system of personality classification (Cloninger, 1986, 1987). If it functions as hoped, the questionnaire will yield more valid Axis I1 diagnoses than are currently available. 'This study was su ported in part by a grant from the MacArthur Foundation and by Grant
F,MH31102 a n l ~ ~ 0 1 5 8 C.8 . Robert Cloninger, Principal Investigator.
Address communications and reprint requests to Richard D. Wetzel, Ph.D., Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 4940 Audubon Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110.
1028
R. D. WETZEL, E T A L .
The objective of this paper is to clarify what the scales and subscales measure by inspecting the patterns of correlations between the questionnaire and the MMM. While a high positive correlation between two scales designed to measure the same state or trait does not prove they measure that which they purport to measure, disagreement between them would clearly identify a problem.
Procedure The names of patients who were given the MMPI (no MMPI-2s were used) contained in the Psychological Assessment Laboratory of the Psychiatry Department of Washington University were cross-indexed with the names of patients given the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire through the laboratory. One hundred two patients were identified who had completed both tests. Forty-eight patients were inpatients and 54 were outpatients. Valid and therefore useful tests for the purpose of this study were chosen as follows: (1) one the MMPI: F-K< 12, Q < 3 0 , (2) on the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire: missing items < 6, and (3) when multiple tests were available for the same person (almost always the duplicates were MMPI tests), the choice that minimized the time interval between a MMPI and a questionnaire was used. By these standards, 88 pairs of questionnaires and MMPIs were chosen. No more than one pair of tests was taken from a given patient. Thirteen percent of the test pairs were completed on the same day and 60% of those chosen were completed within 30 days of each other. The average interval was 176 days. Regression analysis (SAS procedure regression; SAS Institute, 1985), using a log transformation of time interval in days, showed that, in the range used here, time between tests did not have a significant effect on any correlations between questionnaire and MMPI scales. The charts of patients selected in this fashion were pulled and reviewed by one of us (MAK, a psychiatrist). Demographic and clinical data were abstracted by her. The MMPIs were scored by computer program; five vahdity scales (Q, L, F, K, Tr), the usual 10 standard clinical scales, 5 K-corrected scales, 12 supplementary scales (A, R, Es, Lb, Ca, Do, Dy, Re, MAC, 8-6, Thw, and Wbw), and 10 subtle-obvious scales, the 28 Harris-Lingoes scales, 13 Wiggins problem scales, 5 Gilberstadt scales (PI, P3, P4, P6, and P 7 ) , 5 Rosen scales (Sm,AY, Cr, Pr, and Dr), and the 4 Eichman factor scales were scored (97 scales). Norms obtained from a national probability sample of 1200 persons were used for the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire; separate norms for men and women and for whites and blacks were used (Cloninger, et af., 1991). All questionnaire variables were converted to T-scores using norms for each sex by race group.
MMPI VS TRIDIMENSIONAL PERSONALITY
1029
All statistical analyses were done with the Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute, 1985). Subjects
Table 1 reports the demographic data available. The patients included 27 white men, 40 white women, 10 black men, and 11 black women. The mean age of the patients was 40.0 15.0 yr. The range was 16 to 82 years.
*
TABLE 1 CHARACTERISTICS OF SAMPLEOF PATENTS DEMOGRAPHIC Subjects
Age, yr.
N M
White Men White Women Black Men Black Women
Total
27 40
40.2
10 11 88
32.3 35.8
42.9 40.0
SD 13.5 17.4 11.2 8.8
15.0
Table 2 shows the chart (usually not research or check-list based) diagnoses recorded for the patients. Thirty-five patients had primary affective disorders-32 were depressed, 2 had mixed affective states, and 1 was manic. Twenty-eight had a unipolar dlness and seven were bipolar. Five of the 35 were psychotic at the time of testing, including the one manic state patient. An additional three patients had delusional disorders. Fourteen were diagnosed as primarily personality disordered patients, usually with a secondary depression (10 cases). Twenty patients had chemical dependency diagnoses (7 substance abuse, 17 alcohol abuse). In the chemical dependency patients, depression was also common (12 cases). Six patients had diagnoses of somatization disorder, two had anxiety disorders in the absence of any of the above diagnoses, four were thought to have adjustment reactions, and four had no psychiatric diagnosis although they were in treatment. TABLE 2 CHARTDIAGNOSES OF PATIENTS PRODUCING V m TESTS(N = 88) n
28
Unipolar Major Affective Disorder-Depressed 4 Psychotic Unipolar Depressions 1 with Psychosis, Chronic Pain and Personality Disorder 1 wirh Psychosis, OCD and Personality Disorder 1 with Delusional Disorder and Possible Schizophrenia 24 Nonpsychotic Unipolar Depressions 19 with Depression 1 with mild Dementia 4 with Anxiety Disorders 1 with chronic pain (continued on next oaee)
1030
R. D . WETZEL, ETAL. TABLE 2 (CONT'D) CHARTDIAGNOSES OF PATIENTSPRODUCING VAL^ TESTS(N= 88)
n
7 Bipolar Affective Disorder
3
14
7
13
2
6
4
4
1 Manic with Substance Abuse and Antisocial Personality 2 Mixed-1 with Cerebral Palsy 4 Depressed 1 with Steroid Abuse, 1 with Alcohol Abuse and Substance Abuse Other Psychosis 3 Delusional Disorder-1 with Depression Personality Disorder 1 with Borderline mental retardation 10 Depression 1 with bulimia, 1 with O C D Substance Abuse 4 with Alcohol Abuse 1 Drug-induced Psychosis, l-Depression 2 with Personality Disorder 3 with Personality Disorder 1 Depression, l-Depression and Stroke Ncohol AbuseIDependence 2 with Personality Disorder 9 with Depression 5 Personality Disorder 1 with Bulimia 1 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Anxiety Disorders 1 Panic Disorder 1 Agoraphobia Somatization Disorder 3 with Depression 2 with Personality Disorder Adjustment Reaction-Mixed 1 with Personality Disorder-Borderline Mental Retardation No Psychiatric Disorder
The above distribution of diagnoses differs significantly from the usual mix of psychiatric inpatients and outpatients in the medical center by including only one possible schizophrenic; in more than 50% of inpatients and a sizeable minority of outpatienrs the diagnosis of schizophrenia is made. Tridimensional Personality Questionnaires were frequently requested for patients for whom the physician or therapist thought they might be helpful, i.e., patients likely to have an Axis I1 diagnosis. Patients with personality disorder, alcohol and substance abuse are highly overrepresented.
RESULTS Validity Scales Openness or defensiveness in the testing situation, as measured by the
MMPI VS TRIDIMENSIONAL PERSONALITY
1031
and K scales on the MMPI (since the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire has no equivalent validity scales), was signiiicantly correlated with a number of questionnaire scales and subscales. It was noted that time interval between the MMPI and the questionnaire did not affect the correlation between the MMPI validity scales and questionnaire scales, indicating that approach to the testing situation may be stable over a period of months. A higher F-K value (indicating a willingness to admit or dramatize problems) was positively correlated with score on the Novelty Seelung scale (r = .32, p = .005). The Impulsiveness (NS2) subscale (r = .38, p = .001) and Disorderliness (NS4) subscale (r = .33, p = .005) also were correlated with the F-X ratio. Exploratory Excitability (NS1) and Extravagance (NS3) were not significantly correlated with F-K. Extravagance (NS3) showed a modest negative correlation with L (r = -.29, p = .01). The Harm Avoidance scale and three of its four subscales were also significantly associated with the F-K ratio. The Harm Avoidance scale correlated .39 (p = ,001) with wangness to report problems. Worry and Pessimism (HA1 Y = .38, p = .001), Shyness with Strangers (HA3 r = .26, p = .02), and Fatigability and Asthenia (HA4 r = .42, p = .0001) also correlated with F-K. The Tension about Uncertainty subscale (HA2) was not correlated with F-K. Only one subscale of Reward Dependence, Attachment (RD3), was signlficantly correlated with the F-K ratio (r = -.24, p = .05). There was a tendency for patients who reported all their ~roblemsnot to portray themselves as close to and intimate with others. A high score on Reward Dependence was correlated with a low score on F ( r = -.26, p = .01). The same negative correlation was seen between Persistence (RD2 r = -.23, p = .05) and E Clinical and Personality Scales The MMPI scales examined have overlapping content. Scales D, D - 0 , D-S, Dl-D5, etc. all use the same items. To complicate the picture further, different scales (F and Sc, Hs and Hy) also share items. Naturally, a sizeable correlation with one MMPI scale requires that the components of that scale (Harris-Lingoes scales or the Obvious Subtle scales) will have some correlation as well. The point of the redundancy is to pinpoint to some extent that element of the scale which is the most responsible for the correlation. Harm Avoidance had many strong correlations (62 of 87 clinical scales-the K-corrected scales were omitted as redundant) with the MMPI scales. The highest correlation was with Gilberstadt's P7 (Purified 278 r = .71, p = .0001). There were strong positive correlations (.60 + ) with D l (Subjective Depression), D - 0 (Depression-Obvious), D (Depression), DEP (Wiggins' Depression Scale), and D5 (Worry and Brooding). It also is strongly correlated with Hy3 (Lassitude-Malaise), SI (Social Introversion), Dy (Dependency), and CA (Caudality, a measure of emotional lability-reactivity). Based on the MMPI, one would describe individuals high on harm
L,
1032
R. D. WETZEL, ET AL.
TABLE 3 MMPI SCALESCORRELATING WITH EACHQUESTIONNAIRE SCALEAND SUBSCALE* TENHIGHEST Novelty Seeking
Exploratory Excitability
Impulsiveness
Extravagance
RE -44 DR -44 MA2 43 MA 42 39 MA-0 37 HOS HYP 37 PD2 36 FAM 36 34 SCZC 32 F-K Harm Avoidance
MA3 D3 SOC P6 R PDZ D MA2 PD3
32 -30 -29 29 -29 29 -28 27 26 HYP 24 ns Worry and Pessimism
MA2 DR RE MA-0 SC2C SC3 SC MA ORG PD
42 -42 -41 40 39 37 35 35 35 35 38 Tension About Uncertainty
MA1 L MA RE REL MA-0 PD2 DR MA3
P7 D-0 D1 D HY3 D5 SI DEP
P7 D1 DEP D D-0 D5 MOR P3 DY A
P3
DY CA
F-K Reward Dependence
IV
-31 -25 -24 -23 23
ns Shyness With Strangers
68 67 66 63 63 61 59 59 59 59 38 Sentimentality
41 40 P6 -39 -37 PD3 D 34 MA-S -34 I 33 D-0 31 MA -31 PHO 30 ns Persistence
HY1 SI SOC PD3 P7 Dl I MOR DY A
MOR DY I D5 P4 I11
MA1 REL
SOC HY2 PI HY-S IV SM PD4B PD3 PD-0 SI
29 28 26 24 -24 21
SI
-29 24
31 -29 27 -27 -25 25 24 -23 22
Attachment
Disorderliness RE DR MA MA2 HOS FAM SC MA-0 D-S AUT
-39 -38 38 36 36 35 32 32 -32 32 33 Fatigability and Asthenia
Dependence
-33 none 33 33 31 -30 29 -28 27 -26 -25 F-K ns ns ns -24 "See text for actual names of scales and their meaning (p. 1030ff). Decimals omitted. SOC SClA PZ PD3
ns
avoidance as depressed, worried, brooding, fatigued, introverted, and easily upset. Harm avoidance subscale HA1 (Worry and Pessimism) shares many of these correlates with depression (D, D l , D5, D-0, DEP, P3, and P7). Its highest 10 correlates also include Dy (Dependency), MOR (low morale), and
MMPI VS TRIDIMENSIONAL PERSONALITY
1033
Welsh's A (anxiety). This subscale does seem to reflect worry and anxiety as well as depression. The top 10 correlations vary from .68 to .59. Harm avoidance subscale HA2 (tension about uncertainty) has a lower range of correlations with the highest correlation being .41 (P3-Purified 2-7). It is also positively correlated with Si (Social Introversion), phobia (Wiggins' PHO), Eichman's Factor I (anxiety), D (depression), and D - 0 (depression-obvious). It is negatively correlated with P6 (purified scale 6), PD3 (social imperturbability), Ma (hypomania), and Ma-S (hypomania subtle). High scores on HA2 correlated with low energy, low tolerance for social pressure, introversion, and depression and anxiety. Subscale HA3 (Shyness with Strangers) had 67 significant correlations. The highest negative correlations were with HY1 (Denial of Social Anxiety .64) and PD3 (Social Imperturbability -.61). It was positively correlated with Si (Social Introversion .62) and SOC (Social Maladjustment .62), P7 (Purified 278 .55). It also had moderate (.40s) correlations with anxiety and depression (Dl-Subjective Depression, MOR-Denial of Good Morale, Eichman's I-an anxiety factor, Welsh's Factor A). It was correlated moderately with dependency. The MMPI correlates suggest strongly that this subscale may indeed measure what its name suggests it does. HA4 (Fatigability and Asthenia) was moderately correlated with HY3 (Lassitude-Malaise .66) and with THW (Tied Housewife .60). It was also correlated with Hy-0 (Hysteria-Obvious) and Hs (Hypochondriasis). It was strongly correlated with numerous depression scales ( D - 0 Depression-Obvious, Dl-Subjective Depression, D4-Mental Dullness, D5-Worry and Brooding, SCZB-loss of control of emotions, and P7-Purified 278). These correlates suggest that the HA4 subscale does measure to some extent an hysterical/hypochondriacal tiredness and somatic concern. Novelty Seeking (NS) correlated significantly with 32 of the 87 clinical and personality scales scored on the MMPI. The correlations were generally lower than those for Harm Avoidance and its subscales. Moderate negative correlations were noted with Re (Responsibility -.44) and Dr (Depressive Reaction -.44). High Novelty Seeking scores are not associated with stability or responsibility. Moderate positive correlations are noted with several mania scales (MA2-Psychomotor Acceleration, Ma-Hypomania, Ma-0-Mania Obvious, and HYP-Wiggins' Hypomania scale). Slightly lower positive correlations were noted with a variety of social problem scales (HOS-Wiggins' Hostility scale, PD2-Authority problems, FAM-Wiggins' Family Comfort scale, and SC2C-loss of ego control of behavior). Exploratory Excitability (NS1) has a number of weak (.30s) correlations. MA3 (Imperturbability) correlated with this scale '32 while PD3 (Imperturbability) is .26. It correlated weakly with energy level (MA2-Psychomotor Acceleration and HYP-hypomania), psychoticism (P6-purified scale 6),
1034
R. D. WETZEL. ET AL.
and authority problems (PD2). Exploratory excitability is weakly negatively correlated with depression (D3-Somatic Symptoms, D-Depression), repression (R-Welsh's Repression factor), and with fear of criticism (SOC-Social Maladjustment). Impulsiveness (NS2) was positively correlated moderately with mania scales (MA2-Psychomotor Acceleration, MA-0-Mania-Obvious, MA-Hypomania), with schizophrenia scales (SC2C-loss of ego control of behavior, SC3Bizarre Sensory Experience .37, and Sc-Schizophrenia). I t was associated with lack of stability and responsibility (DR-Depressive Reaction, RE-Responsibility) and problem behaviors (PD-Psychopathic Deviant, ORG-Somatic Complaints). The third subscale of Novelty Seeking, Extravagance (NS3), had only eight significant correlates. The highest (.31) was with MA1, Amorality. It was also weakly correlated with three other mania scales (Ma-Hypomania, Ma-0-Mania-Obvious, and MA3-Imperturbability). PD2 (Authority prob. . lems) also was mildly related to extravagance. Extravagance was negatively correlated with responsibility (RE), fundamental religion (REL), and stability (DR). I t is not surprising to see a correlation between mania and extravagance in a clinical population. Disorderliness (NS4) was negatively correlated to a moderate degree with responsibility and stabibty (Re-Responsibility, DR-Depressive Reaction, and D-S-Depression-Subtle). I t was positively correlated with mania (Ma-hypomania, MA2-psychomotor acceleration, and MA-0-Mania-Obvious), schizophrenia (Sc-Schizophrenia) and problem behavior in general (HOS-Hosthty, FAM-Family Problems, and AUT-Authority Problems). Reward Dependence (RD) had the fewest significant (only 5 where 4.4 expected by chance) correlations of the three questionnaire dimensions. The correlations also tended to be quite weak. Rd was weakly correlated in a negative direction with Eichman's scale IV (acting out of impulses), and with SOC (Social Maladjustment), with S C l A (Social Alienation), P Z (Psychoticism), and positively correlated with PD3 (Imperturbability). Sentimentality (RD1) was weakly, positively correlated with MOR (Denial of Good Morale), DY (Dependency), I (Eichman's anxiety factor scale), D 5 (Worry and Brooding), and I11 (Eichman's Somatic over-concern factor scale). I t was negatively correlated with IV (Eichman's acting out of impulses factor scale). None of these correlations are particularly expected except the negative correlation with acting out. Subscale RD2 (Persistence) has only two significant, weak correlations. It is positively correlated with REL (fundamental religion) and negatively correlated with MA1 (Amorality). Perhaps this subscale has some association with the "protestant work ethic." Attachment (RD3) had 19 significant correlations, all weak. I t was nega-
MMPI VS TRIDIMENSIONAL PERSONALITY
1035
tively correlated with SOC (Social Maladjustment), IV (Eichman's acting out of impulses factor scale), PD4B (Emotional Alienation), P D - 0 (Psychopathic Deviant-Obvious), Si (Social Introversion), and PD4B (Social Alienation). High scores on attachment were positively correlated with HY2 (Need for Affection), P1 (Purified 13 scale), HY-S (Hysteria-Subtle), SM (Somatization Reaction), and PD3 (Imperturbability). The fourth subscale of Reward Dependence, Dependence (RD4), had no significant correlations with any MMPI scale. I t correlated with DY (Dependency) .20 ( p < .07).
Factor Structure The factor structure of the MMPI-item ~ o o isl somewhat controversial; however, Eichman (1962) found four factors (anxiety, repression, somatic over concern, and acting out of impulses). H e developed scales to represent each factor (Dahlstrom, Welsh, & Dahlstrom, 1972). Welsh found two factors, anxiety and repression, and also developed special scales to measure them. Cloninger intended the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire to measure three dimensions and generally succeeded in that goal (Cloninger, et al., 1991). The subscales of Harm Avoidance and Novelty Seeking generally have loaded on the expected higher order factors quite nicely. This has been true with both orthogonal and oblique methods of rotation. Reward Dependence has been more unstable in factor analyses. The subscale persistence has been observed to be a separate factor in several studies. A factor analysis (SAS-proc factor) was done using as MMPI factor markers Eichman's four scales (I, 11, 111, IV) and Welsh's two scales (A-anxiety and R-repression). Six Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire scales were also entered [Harm Avoidance, Novelty seelung, Sentimentality-(RDl), Persistence-(RD2), Attachment-(RD3), and Dependence-(RD4)l. Table 4 shows the rotated four factor structure which was obtained. The first factor was clearly an anxiety factor with very high loadings on both Welsh's and Eichman's anxiety scales. High loadings were also found on this factor for Eichman's factors I11 and IV (somatic over-concern and acting out of impulses) and for Harm Avoidance. Attachment (RD3) had a small negative loading on this factor. The second factor was defined by the two repression scales (I1 and R). Harm avoidance showed a weak positive loading on Factor 2, while acting out of impulses had a weak negative loading. Essentially this factor is unrepresented by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire scales. Item analysis suggests that the factor reflects statements indicating that one can cope or function in society in many ways. The third factor was a reward dependence factor with moderately high loadings of Sentimentality (RDl), Attachment (RD3), and Dependence (RD4). Persistence (RD2) showed a weak positive loading on this factor as
1036
R. D. WETZEL, ETAL.
TABLE 4 V m m ROTATED FACTORPATTERN:FOURMMPI FACTOR SCALES (EICHMAN), WELSH'S MMPI FACTORSCORES,HARMAVOIDANCE, NOVEL^ SEEKING,AND FOURREWARDDEPENDENCE SUBSCWS Measures
Factor 1
Anxiety-Welsh Anxiety-Eichman Somatic Concern Harm Avoidance Acting Out Impulses
0.92 0.86 0.68 0.68 0.63
Factor 2
Factor 3
Factor 4
0.38 -0.30
Repression-Eichman Repression-Welsh Sentimentality (RD1) Attachment (RD3) Dependence (RD4)
-0.38
Persistence (RD2) Noveltv Seekine
well. Reward Dependence, as presented by Cloninger, is not represented by the usual MMPI scales. Factor 4 was a bipolar factor with Novelty Seeking with a very high positive loading and persistence with a strong negative loading. None of the MMPI factor scales loaded on this factor.
DISCUSSION The validation of a new personality test requires an enormous amount of work. A test must be quite interesting and have a potential to provide significant new advantages to the clinician to justify the effort. Cloninger's theory which underlies the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire is an ambitious attempt to link genetics, neurochemistry, learning style, personality dimensions, and personality disorders. The questionnaire is a first effort at operationalizing three constructs thought to be genetically transmitted personality dimensions, namely, harm avoidance, novelty seeking, and reward dependence. The items chosen for the questionnaire have high face validity. This study attempted to assess whether the scales and subscales seem to measure what they were intended to assess. ' Harm avoidance and novelty seelung in Cloninger's theory seem farniliar. O n e can conceptualize them easily as rotated versions of neuroticism and introversion-extroversion. The first test would seem to be to prove that harm avoidance is not just neuroticism and novelty seeking is not just extroversion. I n Eysenckls well known system, neuroticism and extraversion are or'In Document NAPS-04989 are filed names of all scales used in this research and a table of means and standard deviations. Remit $10.75 for photocopy or $4.00 for fiche to National Auxiliary Publications Service, c/o Microfiche Publications, POB 3513, Grand Central Station, New York. NY 10163.
MMPI VS TRIDIMENSIONAL PERSONALITY
1037
thogonal. Harm avoidance on the questionnaire at first glance could look like a reasonable neuroticism scale. It has strong correlations with anxiety scales, depression scales, and hysteria scales on the MMPI. However, harm avoidance has just as strong a correlation with social introversion-extroversion (.64) as it does with these scales (.73 to .62). This might suggest that harm avoidance is not simply neuroticism; unfortunately Si correlates quite highIy with the two anxiety factor scales as well, making the meaning of this correlation between Si and harm avoidance unclear. Subscale 1 of harm avoidance, Worry and Pessimism, certainly measures these named qualities to some extent as the correlations with depressive subscales (D5 .61) and Pt (Psychasthenia .58) on the MMPI show. Subscale 2, Tension about Uncertainty, shows weaker correlations. The most convincing are the negative correlations with social imperturbability scales. Subscale 3, Shyness with Strangers, seems one of the best established subscales from this study. The strong positive correlation with Wiggin's SOC scale and the equally strong negative correlation with Denial of Social Anxiety (HY1) seem quite supportive. Fatigability and Asthenia, Subscale 4, seems in an equally strong position. The correlations with Lassitude-Malaise, Hypochondriasis, and the Tired Housewife scales are strongly confirmatory. This study does seem to provide some basis for regarding harm avoidance and its subscales as valid to some extent. Evidence for the sensitivity of the scale exists; no statement can be made as yet about specificity. Novelty seeking is clearly not introversion-extroversion, at least as the MMPI's Si scale measures this. Novelty seeking is associated with high energy, a lack of responsibility and stabihty, with some interpersonal problems. The correlations for the exploratory excitability subscale are lower than most. Social imperturbability, a lack of fear of criticism and energy seem to play a modest role in exploratory excitability. Responsibility or a lack of responsibility d o not seem necessary for exploration. Slightly higher correlations are seen with the impulsiveness subscale. Energy, lack of responsibihty and stability show modest correlations. The correlations with extravagance are quite weak and do not characterize the subscale well. Disorderliness is modestly correlated with lack of responsibility, energy, and interpersonal problems. I t seems to be linked to family conflict, which is not surprising. Reward Dependence is very weakly represented on the usual clinical scales scored on the MMPI. Only five of the 87 scored correlate significantly, possibly a chance result. Low negative correlations with acting out, social maladjustment and anxiety, alienation, and psychoticism suggest reward dependence is socially valued but not much else. No correlations were noted with RD4, dependence. The weak correlations with sentimentality are equally uninformative. Attachment, on the other hand, is associated with many scales. People high on attachment are people who say they need peo-
1038
R. D. WETZEL, ET AL.
ple, do not expect criticism from others, are mildly extraverted, and avoid both acting out and alienation. This study, while only correlative in nature, has presented some evidence for the validity of harm avoidance and novelty seeking. In addition, some of the subscales of these two dimensions do seem to tap what they were designed to measure. The factor analytic scales show that the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire taps two dimensions not well measured by the MMPI scales scored. If these questionnaire scales can be validated, the full questionnaire may add useful new information to that produced by the MMPI. REFERENCES
CLONINGER, C. R. A unified biosocial theory of personality and its role in the development of anxiety states. Psychiatric Developments, 1986, 3, 167-226. CLONMGER, C. R. A systematic method for clinical description and classification of personality variants. Archives of General Psychiatry, 1987, 44, 573-588. CLONINGER, C. R., PRZYBECK, T. R., & SVRAKIC,D. M. The Tridimensional Personality Quest~onnaire:U.S.normative data. Psychological Reports, 1991, 69, 1047-1057. DAHLSTROM, W G., WELSH,G. S., & DA~LLSTROM, L. E. An MMPI handbook. Vol. 1. Clinical inlerprc~ufron.Minneapolis, MN: Univer. of Minnesota Press, 1972. EICHMAN, W. J. Factored scales for the MMPI: a clinical and statistical manual. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 1962, 18, 363-395. SAS INSTITUTE. SAS user's guide: statistics, version I edition. Cary, NC: Author, 1985. Accepted October 20, 1992
O Psychological Reports 1992
CORRELATES OF TRIDIMENSIONAL PERSONALITY QUESTIONNAIRE SCALES W I T H SELECTED MINNESOTA MULTIPHASIC PERSONALITY INVENTORY SCALES')' RICHARD D. WETZEL
MARY ANN KNESEVICH
Washington Universi~School of Medicine
St. Paul Medical Center Southwestern Medical Center, Dalkas
STEPHEN L. BROWN
HAROLD A. WOLFF
University of Wyoming School of Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine
CHARLES J. HORN, SR.
AND
C. ROBERT CLONINGER
Washington University School of Medicine Summary.-The pattern of correlations between selected MMPI scales and the scales of the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire were examined in a convenience sample of 88 patients who had received both tests. T i e between tests (usually less than one year) did not affect the correlations, but MMPI response-set variables (L, F, K, F-K) did. The Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire harm avoidance scale and subscales had many correlates on the MMPI. The Novelty seeking scale and subscales showed a number of moderate correlations with a smaller number of MMPI scales; these correlations did not significantly exceed the correlations with MMPI response-set variables. The Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire reward dependence scale and subscales had few, if any, significant MMPI correlates. It was also noted that no Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire scales were related to MMPI repression factor scores.
The Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (Cloninger, Przybeck, & Svrakic, 1991) is a 100-item true-false test ordnarily self-administered. The test seeks to measure three dimensions of temperament (harm avoidance, novelty seeking, and reward dependence) that Cloninger posits are genetically transmitted. These dimensions interact to help each individual develop a learning style. The learning style interacts with the environment and produces personality. Extremes on the personality dimensions may be less adaptive across a wide variety of environments and may lead to a personahty disorder. Cloninger's theory posits eight mutually exclusive personality disorders. While it uses many of the names used for diagnoses on Axis 11, it represents a challenge to the current system of personality classification (Cloninger, 1986, 1987). If it functions as hoped, the questionnaire will yield more valid Axis I1 diagnoses than are currently available. 'This study was su ported in part by a grant from the MacArthur Foundation and by Grant
F,MH31102 a n l ~ ~ 0 1 5 8 C.8 . Robert Cloninger, Principal Investigator.
Address communications and reprint requests to Richard D. Wetzel, Ph.D., Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 4940 Audubon Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110.
1028
R. D. WETZEL, E T A L .
The objective of this paper is to clarify what the scales and subscales measure by inspecting the patterns of correlations between the questionnaire and the MMM. While a high positive correlation between two scales designed to measure the same state or trait does not prove they measure that which they purport to measure, disagreement between them would clearly identify a problem.
Procedure The names of patients who were given the MMPI (no MMPI-2s were used) contained in the Psychological Assessment Laboratory of the Psychiatry Department of Washington University were cross-indexed with the names of patients given the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire through the laboratory. One hundred two patients were identified who had completed both tests. Forty-eight patients were inpatients and 54 were outpatients. Valid and therefore useful tests for the purpose of this study were chosen as follows: (1) one the MMPI: F-K< 12, Q < 3 0 , (2) on the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire: missing items < 6, and (3) when multiple tests were available for the same person (almost always the duplicates were MMPI tests), the choice that minimized the time interval between a MMPI and a questionnaire was used. By these standards, 88 pairs of questionnaires and MMPIs were chosen. No more than one pair of tests was taken from a given patient. Thirteen percent of the test pairs were completed on the same day and 60% of those chosen were completed within 30 days of each other. The average interval was 176 days. Regression analysis (SAS procedure regression; SAS Institute, 1985), using a log transformation of time interval in days, showed that, in the range used here, time between tests did not have a significant effect on any correlations between questionnaire and MMPI scales. The charts of patients selected in this fashion were pulled and reviewed by one of us (MAK, a psychiatrist). Demographic and clinical data were abstracted by her. The MMPIs were scored by computer program; five vahdity scales (Q, L, F, K, Tr), the usual 10 standard clinical scales, 5 K-corrected scales, 12 supplementary scales (A, R, Es, Lb, Ca, Do, Dy, Re, MAC, 8-6, Thw, and Wbw), and 10 subtle-obvious scales, the 28 Harris-Lingoes scales, 13 Wiggins problem scales, 5 Gilberstadt scales (PI, P3, P4, P6, and P 7 ) , 5 Rosen scales (Sm,AY, Cr, Pr, and Dr), and the 4 Eichman factor scales were scored (97 scales). Norms obtained from a national probability sample of 1200 persons were used for the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire; separate norms for men and women and for whites and blacks were used (Cloninger, et af., 1991). All questionnaire variables were converted to T-scores using norms for each sex by race group.
MMPI VS TRIDIMENSIONAL PERSONALITY
1029
All statistical analyses were done with the Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute, 1985). Subjects
Table 1 reports the demographic data available. The patients included 27 white men, 40 white women, 10 black men, and 11 black women. The mean age of the patients was 40.0 15.0 yr. The range was 16 to 82 years.
*
TABLE 1 CHARACTERISTICS OF SAMPLEOF PATENTS DEMOGRAPHIC Subjects
Age, yr.
N M
White Men White Women Black Men Black Women
Total
27 40
40.2
10 11 88
32.3 35.8
42.9 40.0
SD 13.5 17.4 11.2 8.8
15.0
Table 2 shows the chart (usually not research or check-list based) diagnoses recorded for the patients. Thirty-five patients had primary affective disorders-32 were depressed, 2 had mixed affective states, and 1 was manic. Twenty-eight had a unipolar dlness and seven were bipolar. Five of the 35 were psychotic at the time of testing, including the one manic state patient. An additional three patients had delusional disorders. Fourteen were diagnosed as primarily personality disordered patients, usually with a secondary depression (10 cases). Twenty patients had chemical dependency diagnoses (7 substance abuse, 17 alcohol abuse). In the chemical dependency patients, depression was also common (12 cases). Six patients had diagnoses of somatization disorder, two had anxiety disorders in the absence of any of the above diagnoses, four were thought to have adjustment reactions, and four had no psychiatric diagnosis although they were in treatment. TABLE 2 CHARTDIAGNOSES OF PATIENTS PRODUCING V m TESTS(N = 88) n
28
Unipolar Major Affective Disorder-Depressed 4 Psychotic Unipolar Depressions 1 with Psychosis, Chronic Pain and Personality Disorder 1 wirh Psychosis, OCD and Personality Disorder 1 with Delusional Disorder and Possible Schizophrenia 24 Nonpsychotic Unipolar Depressions 19 with Depression 1 with mild Dementia 4 with Anxiety Disorders 1 with chronic pain (continued on next oaee)
1030
R. D . WETZEL, ETAL. TABLE 2 (CONT'D) CHARTDIAGNOSES OF PATIENTSPRODUCING VAL^ TESTS(N= 88)
n
7 Bipolar Affective Disorder
3
14
7
13
2
6
4
4
1 Manic with Substance Abuse and Antisocial Personality 2 Mixed-1 with Cerebral Palsy 4 Depressed 1 with Steroid Abuse, 1 with Alcohol Abuse and Substance Abuse Other Psychosis 3 Delusional Disorder-1 with Depression Personality Disorder 1 with Borderline mental retardation 10 Depression 1 with bulimia, 1 with O C D Substance Abuse 4 with Alcohol Abuse 1 Drug-induced Psychosis, l-Depression 2 with Personality Disorder 3 with Personality Disorder 1 Depression, l-Depression and Stroke Ncohol AbuseIDependence 2 with Personality Disorder 9 with Depression 5 Personality Disorder 1 with Bulimia 1 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Anxiety Disorders 1 Panic Disorder 1 Agoraphobia Somatization Disorder 3 with Depression 2 with Personality Disorder Adjustment Reaction-Mixed 1 with Personality Disorder-Borderline Mental Retardation No Psychiatric Disorder
The above distribution of diagnoses differs significantly from the usual mix of psychiatric inpatients and outpatients in the medical center by including only one possible schizophrenic; in more than 50% of inpatients and a sizeable minority of outpatienrs the diagnosis of schizophrenia is made. Tridimensional Personality Questionnaires were frequently requested for patients for whom the physician or therapist thought they might be helpful, i.e., patients likely to have an Axis I1 diagnosis. Patients with personality disorder, alcohol and substance abuse are highly overrepresented.
RESULTS Validity Scales Openness or defensiveness in the testing situation, as measured by the
MMPI VS TRIDIMENSIONAL PERSONALITY
1031
and K scales on the MMPI (since the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire has no equivalent validity scales), was signiiicantly correlated with a number of questionnaire scales and subscales. It was noted that time interval between the MMPI and the questionnaire did not affect the correlation between the MMPI validity scales and questionnaire scales, indicating that approach to the testing situation may be stable over a period of months. A higher F-K value (indicating a willingness to admit or dramatize problems) was positively correlated with score on the Novelty Seelung scale (r = .32, p = .005). The Impulsiveness (NS2) subscale (r = .38, p = .001) and Disorderliness (NS4) subscale (r = .33, p = .005) also were correlated with the F-X ratio. Exploratory Excitability (NS1) and Extravagance (NS3) were not significantly correlated with F-K. Extravagance (NS3) showed a modest negative correlation with L (r = -.29, p = .01). The Harm Avoidance scale and three of its four subscales were also significantly associated with the F-K ratio. The Harm Avoidance scale correlated .39 (p = ,001) with wangness to report problems. Worry and Pessimism (HA1 Y = .38, p = .001), Shyness with Strangers (HA3 r = .26, p = .02), and Fatigability and Asthenia (HA4 r = .42, p = .0001) also correlated with F-K. The Tension about Uncertainty subscale (HA2) was not correlated with F-K. Only one subscale of Reward Dependence, Attachment (RD3), was signlficantly correlated with the F-K ratio (r = -.24, p = .05). There was a tendency for patients who reported all their ~roblemsnot to portray themselves as close to and intimate with others. A high score on Reward Dependence was correlated with a low score on F ( r = -.26, p = .01). The same negative correlation was seen between Persistence (RD2 r = -.23, p = .05) and E Clinical and Personality Scales The MMPI scales examined have overlapping content. Scales D, D - 0 , D-S, Dl-D5, etc. all use the same items. To complicate the picture further, different scales (F and Sc, Hs and Hy) also share items. Naturally, a sizeable correlation with one MMPI scale requires that the components of that scale (Harris-Lingoes scales or the Obvious Subtle scales) will have some correlation as well. The point of the redundancy is to pinpoint to some extent that element of the scale which is the most responsible for the correlation. Harm Avoidance had many strong correlations (62 of 87 clinical scales-the K-corrected scales were omitted as redundant) with the MMPI scales. The highest correlation was with Gilberstadt's P7 (Purified 278 r = .71, p = .0001). There were strong positive correlations (.60 + ) with D l (Subjective Depression), D - 0 (Depression-Obvious), D (Depression), DEP (Wiggins' Depression Scale), and D5 (Worry and Brooding). It also is strongly correlated with Hy3 (Lassitude-Malaise), SI (Social Introversion), Dy (Dependency), and CA (Caudality, a measure of emotional lability-reactivity). Based on the MMPI, one would describe individuals high on harm
L,
1032
R. D. WETZEL, ET AL.
TABLE 3 MMPI SCALESCORRELATING WITH EACHQUESTIONNAIRE SCALEAND SUBSCALE* TENHIGHEST Novelty Seeking
Exploratory Excitability
Impulsiveness
Extravagance
RE -44 DR -44 MA2 43 MA 42 39 MA-0 37 HOS HYP 37 PD2 36 FAM 36 34 SCZC 32 F-K Harm Avoidance
MA3 D3 SOC P6 R PDZ D MA2 PD3
32 -30 -29 29 -29 29 -28 27 26 HYP 24 ns Worry and Pessimism
MA2 DR RE MA-0 SC2C SC3 SC MA ORG PD
42 -42 -41 40 39 37 35 35 35 35 38 Tension About Uncertainty
MA1 L MA RE REL MA-0 PD2 DR MA3
P7 D-0 D1 D HY3 D5 SI DEP
P7 D1 DEP D D-0 D5 MOR P3 DY A
P3
DY CA
F-K Reward Dependence
IV
-31 -25 -24 -23 23
ns Shyness With Strangers
68 67 66 63 63 61 59 59 59 59 38 Sentimentality
41 40 P6 -39 -37 PD3 D 34 MA-S -34 I 33 D-0 31 MA -31 PHO 30 ns Persistence
HY1 SI SOC PD3 P7 Dl I MOR DY A
MOR DY I D5 P4 I11
MA1 REL
SOC HY2 PI HY-S IV SM PD4B PD3 PD-0 SI
29 28 26 24 -24 21
SI
-29 24
31 -29 27 -27 -25 25 24 -23 22
Attachment
Disorderliness RE DR MA MA2 HOS FAM SC MA-0 D-S AUT
-39 -38 38 36 36 35 32 32 -32 32 33 Fatigability and Asthenia
Dependence
-33 none 33 33 31 -30 29 -28 27 -26 -25 F-K ns ns ns -24 "See text for actual names of scales and their meaning (p. 1030ff). Decimals omitted. SOC SClA PZ PD3
ns
avoidance as depressed, worried, brooding, fatigued, introverted, and easily upset. Harm avoidance subscale HA1 (Worry and Pessimism) shares many of these correlates with depression (D, D l , D5, D-0, DEP, P3, and P7). Its highest 10 correlates also include Dy (Dependency), MOR (low morale), and
MMPI VS TRIDIMENSIONAL PERSONALITY
1033
Welsh's A (anxiety). This subscale does seem to reflect worry and anxiety as well as depression. The top 10 correlations vary from .68 to .59. Harm avoidance subscale HA2 (tension about uncertainty) has a lower range of correlations with the highest correlation being .41 (P3-Purified 2-7). It is also positively correlated with Si (Social Introversion), phobia (Wiggins' PHO), Eichman's Factor I (anxiety), D (depression), and D - 0 (depression-obvious). It is negatively correlated with P6 (purified scale 6), PD3 (social imperturbability), Ma (hypomania), and Ma-S (hypomania subtle). High scores on HA2 correlated with low energy, low tolerance for social pressure, introversion, and depression and anxiety. Subscale HA3 (Shyness with Strangers) had 67 significant correlations. The highest negative correlations were with HY1 (Denial of Social Anxiety .64) and PD3 (Social Imperturbability -.61). It was positively correlated with Si (Social Introversion .62) and SOC (Social Maladjustment .62), P7 (Purified 278 .55). It also had moderate (.40s) correlations with anxiety and depression (Dl-Subjective Depression, MOR-Denial of Good Morale, Eichman's I-an anxiety factor, Welsh's Factor A). It was correlated moderately with dependency. The MMPI correlates suggest strongly that this subscale may indeed measure what its name suggests it does. HA4 (Fatigability and Asthenia) was moderately correlated with HY3 (Lassitude-Malaise .66) and with THW (Tied Housewife .60). It was also correlated with Hy-0 (Hysteria-Obvious) and Hs (Hypochondriasis). It was strongly correlated with numerous depression scales ( D - 0 Depression-Obvious, Dl-Subjective Depression, D4-Mental Dullness, D5-Worry and Brooding, SCZB-loss of control of emotions, and P7-Purified 278). These correlates suggest that the HA4 subscale does measure to some extent an hysterical/hypochondriacal tiredness and somatic concern. Novelty Seeking (NS) correlated significantly with 32 of the 87 clinical and personality scales scored on the MMPI. The correlations were generally lower than those for Harm Avoidance and its subscales. Moderate negative correlations were noted with Re (Responsibility -.44) and Dr (Depressive Reaction -.44). High Novelty Seeking scores are not associated with stability or responsibility. Moderate positive correlations are noted with several mania scales (MA2-Psychomotor Acceleration, Ma-Hypomania, Ma-0-Mania Obvious, and HYP-Wiggins' Hypomania scale). Slightly lower positive correlations were noted with a variety of social problem scales (HOS-Wiggins' Hostility scale, PD2-Authority problems, FAM-Wiggins' Family Comfort scale, and SC2C-loss of ego control of behavior). Exploratory Excitability (NS1) has a number of weak (.30s) correlations. MA3 (Imperturbability) correlated with this scale '32 while PD3 (Imperturbability) is .26. It correlated weakly with energy level (MA2-Psychomotor Acceleration and HYP-hypomania), psychoticism (P6-purified scale 6),
1034
R. D. WETZEL. ET AL.
and authority problems (PD2). Exploratory excitability is weakly negatively correlated with depression (D3-Somatic Symptoms, D-Depression), repression (R-Welsh's Repression factor), and with fear of criticism (SOC-Social Maladjustment). Impulsiveness (NS2) was positively correlated moderately with mania scales (MA2-Psychomotor Acceleration, MA-0-Mania-Obvious, MA-Hypomania), with schizophrenia scales (SC2C-loss of ego control of behavior, SC3Bizarre Sensory Experience .37, and Sc-Schizophrenia). I t was associated with lack of stability and responsibility (DR-Depressive Reaction, RE-Responsibility) and problem behaviors (PD-Psychopathic Deviant, ORG-Somatic Complaints). The third subscale of Novelty Seeking, Extravagance (NS3), had only eight significant correlates. The highest (.31) was with MA1, Amorality. It was also weakly correlated with three other mania scales (Ma-Hypomania, Ma-0-Mania-Obvious, and MA3-Imperturbability). PD2 (Authority prob. . lems) also was mildly related to extravagance. Extravagance was negatively correlated with responsibility (RE), fundamental religion (REL), and stability (DR). I t is not surprising to see a correlation between mania and extravagance in a clinical population. Disorderliness (NS4) was negatively correlated to a moderate degree with responsibility and stabibty (Re-Responsibility, DR-Depressive Reaction, and D-S-Depression-Subtle). I t was positively correlated with mania (Ma-hypomania, MA2-psychomotor acceleration, and MA-0-Mania-Obvious), schizophrenia (Sc-Schizophrenia) and problem behavior in general (HOS-Hosthty, FAM-Family Problems, and AUT-Authority Problems). Reward Dependence (RD) had the fewest significant (only 5 where 4.4 expected by chance) correlations of the three questionnaire dimensions. The correlations also tended to be quite weak. Rd was weakly correlated in a negative direction with Eichman's scale IV (acting out of impulses), and with SOC (Social Maladjustment), with S C l A (Social Alienation), P Z (Psychoticism), and positively correlated with PD3 (Imperturbability). Sentimentality (RD1) was weakly, positively correlated with MOR (Denial of Good Morale), DY (Dependency), I (Eichman's anxiety factor scale), D 5 (Worry and Brooding), and I11 (Eichman's Somatic over-concern factor scale). I t was negatively correlated with IV (Eichman's acting out of impulses factor scale). None of these correlations are particularly expected except the negative correlation with acting out. Subscale RD2 (Persistence) has only two significant, weak correlations. It is positively correlated with REL (fundamental religion) and negatively correlated with MA1 (Amorality). Perhaps this subscale has some association with the "protestant work ethic." Attachment (RD3) had 19 significant correlations, all weak. I t was nega-
MMPI VS TRIDIMENSIONAL PERSONALITY
1035
tively correlated with SOC (Social Maladjustment), IV (Eichman's acting out of impulses factor scale), PD4B (Emotional Alienation), P D - 0 (Psychopathic Deviant-Obvious), Si (Social Introversion), and PD4B (Social Alienation). High scores on attachment were positively correlated with HY2 (Need for Affection), P1 (Purified 13 scale), HY-S (Hysteria-Subtle), SM (Somatization Reaction), and PD3 (Imperturbability). The fourth subscale of Reward Dependence, Dependence (RD4), had no significant correlations with any MMPI scale. I t correlated with DY (Dependency) .20 ( p < .07).
Factor Structure The factor structure of the MMPI-item ~ o o isl somewhat controversial; however, Eichman (1962) found four factors (anxiety, repression, somatic over concern, and acting out of impulses). H e developed scales to represent each factor (Dahlstrom, Welsh, & Dahlstrom, 1972). Welsh found two factors, anxiety and repression, and also developed special scales to measure them. Cloninger intended the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire to measure three dimensions and generally succeeded in that goal (Cloninger, et al., 1991). The subscales of Harm Avoidance and Novelty Seeking generally have loaded on the expected higher order factors quite nicely. This has been true with both orthogonal and oblique methods of rotation. Reward Dependence has been more unstable in factor analyses. The subscale persistence has been observed to be a separate factor in several studies. A factor analysis (SAS-proc factor) was done using as MMPI factor markers Eichman's four scales (I, 11, 111, IV) and Welsh's two scales (A-anxiety and R-repression). Six Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire scales were also entered [Harm Avoidance, Novelty seelung, Sentimentality-(RDl), Persistence-(RD2), Attachment-(RD3), and Dependence-(RD4)l. Table 4 shows the rotated four factor structure which was obtained. The first factor was clearly an anxiety factor with very high loadings on both Welsh's and Eichman's anxiety scales. High loadings were also found on this factor for Eichman's factors I11 and IV (somatic over-concern and acting out of impulses) and for Harm Avoidance. Attachment (RD3) had a small negative loading on this factor. The second factor was defined by the two repression scales (I1 and R). Harm avoidance showed a weak positive loading on Factor 2, while acting out of impulses had a weak negative loading. Essentially this factor is unrepresented by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire scales. Item analysis suggests that the factor reflects statements indicating that one can cope or function in society in many ways. The third factor was a reward dependence factor with moderately high loadings of Sentimentality (RDl), Attachment (RD3), and Dependence (RD4). Persistence (RD2) showed a weak positive loading on this factor as
1036
R. D. WETZEL, ETAL.
TABLE 4 V m m ROTATED FACTORPATTERN:FOURMMPI FACTOR SCALES (EICHMAN), WELSH'S MMPI FACTORSCORES,HARMAVOIDANCE, NOVEL^ SEEKING,AND FOURREWARDDEPENDENCE SUBSCWS Measures
Factor 1
Anxiety-Welsh Anxiety-Eichman Somatic Concern Harm Avoidance Acting Out Impulses
0.92 0.86 0.68 0.68 0.63
Factor 2
Factor 3
Factor 4
0.38 -0.30
Repression-Eichman Repression-Welsh Sentimentality (RD1) Attachment (RD3) Dependence (RD4)
-0.38
Persistence (RD2) Noveltv Seekine
well. Reward Dependence, as presented by Cloninger, is not represented by the usual MMPI scales. Factor 4 was a bipolar factor with Novelty Seeking with a very high positive loading and persistence with a strong negative loading. None of the MMPI factor scales loaded on this factor.
DISCUSSION The validation of a new personality test requires an enormous amount of work. A test must be quite interesting and have a potential to provide significant new advantages to the clinician to justify the effort. Cloninger's theory which underlies the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire is an ambitious attempt to link genetics, neurochemistry, learning style, personality dimensions, and personality disorders. The questionnaire is a first effort at operationalizing three constructs thought to be genetically transmitted personality dimensions, namely, harm avoidance, novelty seeking, and reward dependence. The items chosen for the questionnaire have high face validity. This study attempted to assess whether the scales and subscales seem to measure what they were intended to assess. ' Harm avoidance and novelty seelung in Cloninger's theory seem farniliar. O n e can conceptualize them easily as rotated versions of neuroticism and introversion-extroversion. The first test would seem to be to prove that harm avoidance is not just neuroticism and novelty seeking is not just extroversion. I n Eysenckls well known system, neuroticism and extraversion are or'In Document NAPS-04989 are filed names of all scales used in this research and a table of means and standard deviations. Remit $10.75 for photocopy or $4.00 for fiche to National Auxiliary Publications Service, c/o Microfiche Publications, POB 3513, Grand Central Station, New York. NY 10163.
MMPI VS TRIDIMENSIONAL PERSONALITY
1037
thogonal. Harm avoidance on the questionnaire at first glance could look like a reasonable neuroticism scale. It has strong correlations with anxiety scales, depression scales, and hysteria scales on the MMPI. However, harm avoidance has just as strong a correlation with social introversion-extroversion (.64) as it does with these scales (.73 to .62). This might suggest that harm avoidance is not simply neuroticism; unfortunately Si correlates quite highIy with the two anxiety factor scales as well, making the meaning of this correlation between Si and harm avoidance unclear. Subscale 1 of harm avoidance, Worry and Pessimism, certainly measures these named qualities to some extent as the correlations with depressive subscales (D5 .61) and Pt (Psychasthenia .58) on the MMPI show. Subscale 2, Tension about Uncertainty, shows weaker correlations. The most convincing are the negative correlations with social imperturbability scales. Subscale 3, Shyness with Strangers, seems one of the best established subscales from this study. The strong positive correlation with Wiggin's SOC scale and the equally strong negative correlation with Denial of Social Anxiety (HY1) seem quite supportive. Fatigability and Asthenia, Subscale 4, seems in an equally strong position. The correlations with Lassitude-Malaise, Hypochondriasis, and the Tired Housewife scales are strongly confirmatory. This study does seem to provide some basis for regarding harm avoidance and its subscales as valid to some extent. Evidence for the sensitivity of the scale exists; no statement can be made as yet about specificity. Novelty seeking is clearly not introversion-extroversion, at least as the MMPI's Si scale measures this. Novelty seeking is associated with high energy, a lack of responsibility and stabihty, with some interpersonal problems. The correlations for the exploratory excitability subscale are lower than most. Social imperturbability, a lack of fear of criticism and energy seem to play a modest role in exploratory excitability. Responsibility or a lack of responsibility d o not seem necessary for exploration. Slightly higher correlations are seen with the impulsiveness subscale. Energy, lack of responsibihty and stability show modest correlations. The correlations with extravagance are quite weak and do not characterize the subscale well. Disorderliness is modestly correlated with lack of responsibility, energy, and interpersonal problems. I t seems to be linked to family conflict, which is not surprising. Reward Dependence is very weakly represented on the usual clinical scales scored on the MMPI. Only five of the 87 scored correlate significantly, possibly a chance result. Low negative correlations with acting out, social maladjustment and anxiety, alienation, and psychoticism suggest reward dependence is socially valued but not much else. No correlations were noted with RD4, dependence. The weak correlations with sentimentality are equally uninformative. Attachment, on the other hand, is associated with many scales. People high on attachment are people who say they need peo-
1038
R. D. WETZEL, ET AL.
ple, do not expect criticism from others, are mildly extraverted, and avoid both acting out and alienation. This study, while only correlative in nature, has presented some evidence for the validity of harm avoidance and novelty seeking. In addition, some of the subscales of these two dimensions do seem to tap what they were designed to measure. The factor analytic scales show that the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire taps two dimensions not well measured by the MMPI scales scored. If these questionnaire scales can be validated, the full questionnaire may add useful new information to that produced by the MMPI. REFERENCES
CLONINGER, C. R. A unified biosocial theory of personality and its role in the development of anxiety states. Psychiatric Developments, 1986, 3, 167-226. CLONMGER, C. R. A systematic method for clinical description and classification of personality variants. Archives of General Psychiatry, 1987, 44, 573-588. CLONINGER, C. R., PRZYBECK, T. R., & SVRAKIC,D. M. The Tridimensional Personality Quest~onnaire:U.S.normative data. Psychological Reports, 1991, 69, 1047-1057. DAHLSTROM, W G., WELSH,G. S., & DA~LLSTROM, L. E. An MMPI handbook. Vol. 1. Clinical inlerprc~ufron.Minneapolis, MN: Univer. of Minnesota Press, 1972. EICHMAN, W. J. Factored scales for the MMPI: a clinical and statistical manual. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 1962, 18, 363-395. SAS INSTITUTE. SAS user's guide: statistics, version I edition. Cary, NC: Author, 1985. Accepted October 20, 1992
