Differentiating Internalizing Psychopathology Symptoms: Associations Between MMPI-3 and MEDI Scales
Advisor(s)
Andrew J. Kremyar
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 10:50 AM
Abstract
In dimensional models of psychopathology, internalizing psychopathology is broadly characterized by emotional dysfunction, but can also manifest as specific symptoms (i.e., depressed mood, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, etc.). The ability to measure both broad and specific symptoms with a commonly used clinical instrument could be helpful for treatment planning. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-3) is one such commonly used measure of personality/psychopathology with scales that measure both broad and specific internalizing symptoms. However, there remains a need to examine whether MMPI-3 scale scores can differentiate between specific internalizing symptoms. Consequently, the goal of the current study was to examine if MMPI-3 scales can differentially predict specific internalizing symptoms, as measured the Multidimensional Emotional Disorder Inventory (MEDI). A sample of 198 undergraduate students completed the MMPI-3 and MEDI, among a battery of other measures. Zero-order correlations between scores on MMPI-3 substantive scales and MEDI subscales were calculated. Regression analyses were used to identify the strongest predictors of MEDI scales across MMPI-3 scale families. Results showed distinct patterns of prediction, with theoretically relevant MMPI-3 scales in Internalizing, Somatic, Interpersonal, and Thought Dysfunction best predicting MEDI scale scores. In summation, the results of the current study indicate that MMPI-3 scales can differentiate internalizing psychopathology symptoms, as measured by the MEDI. Future research directions, limitations, and implications are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Brewer, Rhyan M.; Myler, Zoie L.; Vorst, Claire A.; Kremyar, Andrew J.; and Ben-Porath, Yossef S., "Differentiating Internalizing Psychopathology Symptoms: Associations Between MMPI-3 and MEDI Scales" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 15.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/15
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Differentiating Internalizing Psychopathology Symptoms: Associations Between MMPI-3 and MEDI Scales
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
In dimensional models of psychopathology, internalizing psychopathology is broadly characterized by emotional dysfunction, but can also manifest as specific symptoms (i.e., depressed mood, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, etc.). The ability to measure both broad and specific symptoms with a commonly used clinical instrument could be helpful for treatment planning. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-3) is one such commonly used measure of personality/psychopathology with scales that measure both broad and specific internalizing symptoms. However, there remains a need to examine whether MMPI-3 scale scores can differentiate between specific internalizing symptoms. Consequently, the goal of the current study was to examine if MMPI-3 scales can differentially predict specific internalizing symptoms, as measured the Multidimensional Emotional Disorder Inventory (MEDI). A sample of 198 undergraduate students completed the MMPI-3 and MEDI, among a battery of other measures. Zero-order correlations between scores on MMPI-3 substantive scales and MEDI subscales were calculated. Regression analyses were used to identify the strongest predictors of MEDI scales across MMPI-3 scale families. Results showed distinct patterns of prediction, with theoretically relevant MMPI-3 scales in Internalizing, Somatic, Interpersonal, and Thought Dysfunction best predicting MEDI scale scores. In summation, the results of the current study indicate that MMPI-3 scales can differentiate internalizing psychopathology symptoms, as measured by the MEDI. Future research directions, limitations, and implications are discussed.