The Native American child molester: An exploration of psychopathology as measured by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory

This study examined Native American psychopathology as measured by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI). The research specifically focused on endorsement rates of alcohol abuse and depression scales, as well as test-taking response styles. Another aspect of this study involved determining if the MMPI and MCMI were validity instruments for use on Native American child molesters. Participants included 40 Native American and 39 Caucasian child molesters. Data were collected from psychosexual evaluations performed by a licensed clinical psychologist.;The analysis supported several of the study's hypotheses. Overall, Native American child molesters endorsed more alcohol abuse problems than did Caucasian child molesters. The study's findings demonstrated that there were no differences between response styles of Native American and Caucasian child molesters on any of the MMPI or MCMI validity indicators. In addition, results of a multitrait, multimethod matrix indicated that the MMPI and MCMI are valid instruments for assessing Native American child molester psychopathology. Although the overall findings regarding endorsement of depressive symptoms were somewhat ambiguous, the data did not reflect significant differences between Native American and Caucasian child molesters.;The most significant contribution of this study was its determination that the MMPI and MCMI are valid instruments for assessing Native American child molester psychopathology. Prior to this study, there was no research to substantiate the validity of these instruments for this population. It is hoped that this research has increased the fund of knowledge regarding Native American child molester psychopathology and will enable mental health professionals to improve their ability to assess and treat this population.