Comparison of the MMPI-2 Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5), the NEO-PI, and the NEO-PI-R

This study examined relations between Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5; A.R. Harkness, J.L. McNulty, & Y.S. Ben-Porath, 1995), NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI; P.T. Costa & R.R. McCrae, 1985), and the revised NEO-PI (NEO-PI-R; P.T. Costa & R.R. McCrae, 1992b)scores in community (N = 170) and clinical (N = 57) samples. In the clinical sample, the temporal stability of the scales and their associations with personality disorder symptom counts were also assessed. Correlations between the two instruments demonstrated meaningful relations between the two sets of constructs in both samples. Both instruments showed substantial stability over 6 months, and both were significant and substantial predictors of symptom counts for most personality disorders. The data support the reinterpretation of personality disorders in terms of underlying dimensions of personality.

Duke Scholars

Author Paul T. Costa Jr. Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care