Can Specific MMPI-2 Scales Predict Treatment Response Among Missionaries?(Report‪)‬

While the MMPI-2 is unsurpassed in its ability to identify psychopathology and aid in diagnosis and treatment planning, its value in predicting treatment response is less established. We administered the Outcome Questionnaire-45 (Lambert et al., 2004) to a final sample of 112 Christian missionaries on three occasions: pre-treatment, post-treatment, and three month follow up. The sample also completed the MMPI-2 at the pre-treatment assessment. Multiple regression analyses controlling for pre-treatment adjustment and response style (F scale) indicated that only the Depression (DEP) content scale explained significant variance among symptom improvement at post-treatment. In addition, post hoc analyses revealed the Negative Treatment Indicators (Trt) content scale and Paranoia (Pa) clinical scale added significantly to the explanation of treatment outcome at follow up after accounting for pre-treatment adjustment. Missionaries who achieved reliable change at post-treatment had pre-treatment scores that were higher for the Depression (D), Psychasthenia (Pt), Social Inhibition (Si) clinical scales, higher for the DEP anxiety (ANX), and Trt content scales, and lower for the Correction (K) validity scale and Ego Strength (Es) supplementary scale. At follow up, reliable change was sustained only by missionaries higher in pre-treatment ANX and Trt. These results suggest that although the MMPI-2 may provide some clues in predicting treatment outcomes for missionaries, it should not be used in isolation of other instruments for this purpose. Missionaries have been identified as a high risk group for trauma and PTSD by psychologists due to the natural stressors and exposure to traumatic events inherent in their work (Bagley, 2003; Goode, 1995; Grant, 1995; Stamm, 1997; Jensma, 1999). Many mission agencies, churches and other mission organizations recognize that the demands of missionary work can affect missionaries detrimentally, both physically and psychologically (O'Donnell, 1997). Ignoring such stressors can eventually lead to attrition, which is costly and exhausting for missions and missionaries alike (Jensma, Pike, Duerksen, & Strauss, 1997); therefore, many mission agencies and churches provide member care.