Research Article
MMPI-2 F scale elevations in adult victims of child sexual abuse
Jill M. Klotz Flitter,
Jon D. Elhai,
Steven N. Gold,
Jill M. Klotz Flitter
Human Services Incorporated of Washington County, Oakdale, Minnesota
Search for more papers by this authorJon D. Elhai
Disaster Mental Health Institute, The University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Steven N. Gold
Center for Psychological Studies. Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Center for Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314Search for more papers by this authorJill M. Klotz Flitter,
Jon D. Elhai,
Steven N. Gold,
Jill M. Klotz Flitter
Human Services Incorporated of Washington County, Oakdale, Minnesota
Search for more papers by this authorJon D. Elhai
Disaster Mental Health Institute, The University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Steven N. Gold
Center for Psychological Studies. Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Center for Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
The present study assessed whether the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—2 (MMPI-2) F scale elevations may reflect genuine trauma-related distress and/or psychopathology, rather than malingering, in a clinical sample of adult child sexual abuse (CSA) victims. Eighty-eight women seeking outpatient treatment for CSA after-effects participated. Self-report measures of dissociation, posttraumatic stress, depression, and family environment individually correlated significantly with F, and collectively accounted for 40% of its variance. Dissociation was the strongest predictor. Findings suggest that high F elevations may reflect genuine problem areas often found among CSA victims, rather than symptom overreporting.
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