Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor in Psychology (Psy. D.)

Abstract

Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are heterogeneous, and the psychological impact of trauma varies. This underlines the need for better understanding the impact of trauma on the development of psychopathology, especially in populations where traumatic stressors are more prevalent. Specifically, the current study will evaluate how the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) can be used to measure psychopathology presentations among those who have been exposed to military trauma. Although there is myriad research supporting the use of other MMPI measures (e.g., MMPI-2-RF) in the assessment of trauma-related psychopathology in military populations, there is limited evidence supporting the use of the MMPI-3.

The sample includes 190 post-9/11 military personnel (Mean Age = 34.48; 75.3% Men; 71.6% White). Participants completed a series of measures, including the MMPI-3 and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Participants also answered demographic and personal history questions, which included questions about deployment, military status, active combat exposure, and sexual trauma in the military. First, we will use t-tests to examine scale score differences on the MMPI-3 between those with and without military trauma. Relative risk ratios will be calculated to determine the likelihood of a scale elevation given a particular trauma exposure. In addition, in order to examine the relationship between MMPI-3 scores and PTSD symptoms more specifically, we will examine correlations between the MMPI-3 substantive scales and scores on the PCL-5.

Faculty Mentor

Dustin Wygant, PhD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Theresa Botts, PhD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Michael McClellan, PhD

Department Affiliation

Psychology

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