Investigating the MMPI-2 trauma profile in treatment-seeking peacekeepers.

Most available research on MMPI-2 (Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989) scores in combat veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has focused on Vietnam veterans. No data are available from peacekeepers suffering from PTSD. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PTSD and the MMPI-2 in a sample of 120 treatment seeking peacekeeping veterans. Results show that relative to a non-PTSD reference group, veterans who screened positive for PTSD scored higher on Scales F, 2 (D), 4 (Pd), 6 (Pa), 7 (Pt), 8 (Sc), and 0 (Si) of the MMPI-2. Scales 2 (D), 7 (Pt), and 8 (Sc) were highest in the mean PTSD profile but no 2- or 3-point code type could be defined. Moderate correlations were found between a self-report measure for PTSD symptoms and scores on MMPI-2 clinical scales 1 (Hs), 2 (D), 6 (Pa), 7 (Pt), and 8 (Sc). The MMPI-2 proved to be useful in assessing the broad range of symptoms typically present in trauma populations as well as the severity of posttraumatic morbidity.