MMPI correlates of performance on a behavior therapy ward

In a behavioral treatment program for acute psychiatric patients, points were earned for adaptive behavior (e.g. self-care, attending ward activities) and lost for maladaptive behavior (e.g. assaults, verbal abuse). Points earned could be spent for a variety of goods and services (e.g. passes, extra staff time). Statistically significant correlations were found between MMPI scale scores and point-earning behavior. High scores on the F, 5, 6 and 8 scales were associated with low point gain for adaptive behavior, high point loss for maladaptive behavior, a high proportion of points spent to points earned, and a low overall net point earnings. Low score on F scale in combination with high score on 2 scale best predicted point-gain behavior, whereas high score on 8 scale in combination with low score on 1 scale best predicted point-loss behavior. Overall net points were best predicted by low score on F scale in combination with high scores on 0 and 9 scales. When subjects were grouped into common psychiatric profile types, differences were found in point-gain behaviors for items related to personal care and attending ward activities. At least some of these differences could be attributed to two factors: high scores on the 2, 3 and 7 scales were associated with higher than average point earnings, while high scores on the 8 scale were associated with lower than average point earnings.