Validity of an MMPI classification of problem drinker-drivers.

An empirical typology of problem drinker-drivers based on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was evaluated. Relationships were demonstrated between this typology and several kinds of external criteria: alcoholism symptoms, reasons for drinking, treatment participation and outcome and medical complications. Indicators of typological validity were further evaluated in the context of alternative means of scoring and categorizing MMPI profiles. Relationships of criteria with the drinker-driver typology were generally stronger than with other uses of the MMPI. They were, however, weaker than those formed with an unweighted combination of three scales: Psychopathic Deviate, Depression and the K (test-taking attitude) validity scales. Results suggest that the typology divides the population of drinking drivers meaningfully and more powerfully than several, but not all, alternative uses of MMPI profiles.