Psychometric properties of the MMPI-2-RF Somatic Complaints (RC1) scale

Psychol Assess. 2010 Sep;22(3):492-503. doi: 10.1037/a0019229.

Abstract

The MMPI-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF; Tellegen & Ben-Porath, 2008) was designed to be psychometrically superior to its MMPI-2 counterpart. However, the test has yet to be extensively evaluated in diverse clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the MMPI-2-RF Somatic Complaints (RC1) scale in a clinically relevant population. Participants were 399 patients diagnosed with either epilepsy or psychogenic nonepileptic seizures on the basis of video-electroencephalograph monitoring. The internal structure of the MMPI-2-RF was evaluated using taxometric, confirmatory factor analysis, and item response theory procedures. Data from 4 content-specific scales directly related to RC1 (Malaise, Gastrointestinal Complaints, Head Pain Complaints, and Neurological Complaints) indicated that the latent construct of somatization is a dimensional variable with a bifactor structure. However, consistent with the scale's construction, a unidimensional model also provided adequate fit. A 2-parameter logistic item response theory model better accounted for observed item responses than did 1- or 3-parameter models. Results suggest that the RC1 scale is most precise for T score estimates between 55 and 90. Overall, the scale appears to be well suited for the assessment of somatization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology
  • Epilepsy / psychology
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / psychology
  • Headache / psychology
  • Humans
  • MMPI* / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Psychometrics
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / psychology*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Somatoform Disorders / psychology