The Real-world Value of Psychological Assessment for Predicting Treatment Engagement and Outcomes

Abstract

The use of objective clinical assessments of personality and psychopathology has been declining in some health care settings. This may partially reflect an underappreciation of the practical value of these instruments for predicting clinical phenomena beyond cross-sectional symptoms and diagnosis. We present results from several research and quality improvement projects evaluating people’s preferences and behaviors connected with treatment. Data were drawn from several outpatient, elevated care (e.g., intensive outpatient), and multidisciplinary clinical settings. Using measures like the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (e.g., MMPI-2-RF, MMPI-3), we demonstrate how symptom and trait individual differences can predict longitudinal engagement variables such as no-shows and subsequent dropouts. In addition, we explore how personality is associated with individual preference for types of healthcare services and is related to longitudinal variability in patient engagement over the course of treatment. Furthermore, we quantify the extent to which these measures of traits and individual differences can predict treatment engagement. Thus, we show how routine measurement of personality and psychopathology using objective self-report instruments can aid the front-line clinician in allocating treatment resources and identifying barriers (and facilitating factors) early in the treatment process.

Chair

Paul Arbisi | University of Minnesota

Goals & Objectives

1. Demonstrate the practical utility of self-report assessment tools for predicting the behaviors of people receiving treatment, especially in mental health and rehabilitation settings.
2. Assess the value of trait measures of personality and psychopathology for explaining treatment preferences and longitudinal willingness to engage in health care interventions.