The neuropsychiatric symptoms of complex PTSD: Evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of MMPI scale 8 items to identify adult survivors of childhood abuse
The present study integrated psychological and neuroscience research regarding the effects of childhood trauma in order to advance assessment with this population. Recently, researchers proposed new criteria for complex PTSD based on years of interdisciplinary research, identifying symptoms that have an empirical association with survivors of childhood trauma. The criteria reflect alterations in regulating affect, dissociation, executive functioning, somatization, and chronic characterlogical changes. These content areas are compatible with recent neuroscience research with this population and illustrate the interplay between mind-brain interactions, chronic stress, and neurodevelopment. Prior research suggested that scale 8 of the MMPI was most sensitive to neurological dysfunction. Therefore, can complex PTSD be detected by the MMPI? Item analyses were performed comparing abused and nonabused subjects. Stage 1 of the analysis, identified 11 items which differentiated groups. In stage 2, the study attempted to construct a preliminary scale which correctly classified 81\% of participants and 89\% of subjects with a history of abuse. The content of identified items reflect problems with impulsivity, affect regulation, and disrupted cognitive processes. A theoretical explanation is provided in discussion section. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved)
https://www.upress.umn.edu/test-division/bibliography/2000-2009/2007/wolf_neuropsychiatric_2007
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Gregory K Wolf
(2007)
The neuropsychiatric symptoms of complex PTSD: Evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of MMPI scale 8 items to identify adult survivors of childhood abuse
PhD thesis.