Decolonizing personality assessment and honoring indigenous voices: a critical examination of the MMPI-2

Abstract

Utilizing a mixed methods approach located between constructivist-interpretivist and critical-ideological research paradigms (Ponterotto, 2005), the current study builds upon previous research (Pace et al., 2006) that investigated the cultural validity of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)-2 in its use with American Indians. Thirty items from MMPI-2 scales F, 1, 6, 8, and 9 were identified via item analysis as reflecting significant differences in endorsement rates between an American Indian sample and the MMPI-2 normative group. Semistructured interviews focused on these 30 items were conducted with 13 American Indian participants from an Eastern Woodlands Nation in Oklahoma. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and then coded for themes using a qualitative coding analysis. Nine themes emerged: core belief system, experiences of racism and discrimination, conflicting epistemologies, living in two worlds, community connectedness, responsibility and accountability to the community, traditional knowledge, stories as traditional knowledge, and language and historic loss. Results of the current study demonstrate how the MMPI-2 may pathologize Indigenous worldviews, knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors rather than accurately assess psychopathology. Implications for practice and future research are addressed.