FACTORIAL ELEMENTS IN MILLONS PERSONALITY THEORY

The authors factor analyzed the test items for each of the 13 personal ity scales of the MCMI-II, using a sample of 1,229 men and women psych iatric patients. The scree test and an apriori determination of the nu mber of factors that were theoretically expected was used in choosing the number of factors. The 13 analyses generated from one to five fact ors depending on the scale. The factors, the labels proposed for those factors, and the actual test items loading on the factors are offered . The authors discuss each of the scales in terms of factors obtained. The information demonstrated that the MCMI-II generally provides a lo yal reflection of Millon's conceptualization of the personality in ter ms of the factors that should be present in the different scales. Cont ent of the factors, for instance, closely matched Millon's personality prototype descriptions in five of the eight areas that have been stip ulated. Interpersonal aspects of Millon's theory were also well suppor ted by the factorial structure. However, Millon's stipulations concern ing unconscious mechanisms, internalized content, and intrapsychic org anization were not well represented. The work has practical value sinc e it helps with the interpretation of scale elevations obtained by par ticular patients.