title: The utility of K-correction to adjust for a defensive response set on the MMPI.
abstract: This study examined the utility of the K-correction procedure to adjust for a defensive response set on the MMPI. The sample consisted of 61 patients with end-stage lung disease undergoing psychosocial evaluation for transplantation. Participants were separated into defensive and non-defensive groups using a median split on the K scale (defensive group T score 59) as the cutoff score. The MMPI was scored once in the standard manner and then rescored omitting all K-scale items from the clinical scales. As hypothesized, raw score analysis after omitting K-scale items showed the defensive group endorsed significantly fewer items on all five scales involving K-correction (Scales Hs, Pd, Pt, Sc, Ma). Analysis of K-corrected T scores on Scales Hs, Pd, Pt, and Sc using standard procedures showed a significant group difference only on Scale Hs with a higher T score found among the defensive group. The defensive and nondefensive groups were not significantly different in demographic, medical, or psychiatric characteristics suggesting that the tendency to respond in a defensive manner is the major characteristic that distinguishes the two groups. Taken together, these results provide support for the use of the K-correction procedure when examining MMPI clinical profiles among patients with end-stage pulmonary disease undergoing evaluation for transplantation.
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Neurophysiology Laboratory, 35294-4551, USA.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Putzke
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Daniel
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Boll
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D015982:Bias; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D008950:MMPI / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013727:Terminal Care