MMPI-2 profiles of bariatric surgery patients: a replication and extension.
BACKGROUND
Maddi et al. (Obes Surg, 7:397-404, 1997) reported significant elevations on several MMPI-2 scales in a morbidly obese population. Since the number of patients presenting for bariatric surgery has increased significantly in the decade since this study, we replicated the original Maddi et al. study to investigate if there have been any appreciable changes in these patients' psychological profiles within the past 10 years.


METHODS
First, we replicated the original Maddi et al. study using the same definition of profile elevations used by these investigators. Second, we extended these findings to include a fourth classification of extremely elevated profiles. Finally, we included several measures of different emotional states/characteristics in an attempt to further delineate what these elevated profiles may actually represent.


RESULTS
Our findings generally support the results of the original Maddi et al. study. Additionally, a number of significant relationships were found between our additional measures and MMPI-2 elevations.


CONCLUSIONS
Many morbidly obese patients presenting for bariatric surgery have elevated MMPI-2 profiles, some of which would be considered "invalid" profiles. We recommend procedures for obtaining more valid profiles from such patients. We also urge the use of other measures in addition to the MMPI-2 to more specifically clarify the personality traits/characteristics in these patients.
Kinder
Bill N
BN
Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
Walfish
Steven
S
Scott Young
M
M
Fairweather
Angela
A
D000328:Adult; D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000523:psychology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008950:MMPI; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010551:Personality; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult