Introduction

Personality tests are valuable tools for athletes and coaches, aiding in self-awareness and behavior refinement, ultimately enhancing performance. Standardized tests like the 16 Personality Factors (16PF), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), and the NEO Personality Inventory assess personality but operate on different levels. For instance, the MMPI focuses on personality traits and psychopathology, the NEO measures emotional and motivational styles based on the five-factor model, while the 16PF evaluates sixteen personality traits predicting behavior across various situations (Reardon & Factor, 2010).

Furthermore, these tests are useful in identifying psychological disorders among athletes, such as depression and anxiety. While “normal state anxiety” is common before competitions, major depressive disorder can lead to a disinterest in previously enjoyable activities. Regular administration of personality tests can help mitigate the risk of athletes succumbing to psychological disorders (Reardon & Factor, 2010).

Evaluation of Test Materials, Costs, and Administration Times

The MMPI is widely used in psychological assessments, particularly in collegiate counseling centers, and is relevant in identifying psychological issues prevalent among athletes (Salkind, 2007).

Evaluation of Scoring Procedures and Interpretation Guidelines

The NEO Personality Inventory utilizes a Five Factor Model, scoring traits on a 1 to 5 scale and comparing responses with population norms to provide insights into personality domains and stability levels. Similarly, the MMPI’s booklet-style answer sheet allows hand-scoring, offering insights into various scales, including energy levels and emotional functioning (Rosellini & Brown, 2011).

Evaluation of Test Technology

While computerized scoring for the 16PF may yield inconclusive results, trained professionals ensure accurate interpretation by integrating multiple data sources. Likewise, the MMPI-2 utilizes specialized software for scoring, emphasizing the need for trained psychologists in result interpretation (“How to Score the MMPI-2”).

Conclusion

Regular administration of personality tests throughout the sports season aids in monitoring athletes’ mental health and understanding their evolving attitudes and behaviors. Familiarity with test processes and benefits enhances their integration into coaching practices, fostering a supportive environment for athlete well-being.

References

Botwin, M., & Juni, S. (1995). Revised NEO Personality Inventory. The Twelfth Mental Measurements Yearbook.

Carrington-Rotto, P., & McLellan, M. J. (1995). Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire, Fifth Edition. The Twelfth Mental Measurements Yearbook.

PSY FPX 7610 Assessment 3 Evaluation of Test Materials

Floyd, A. E. (2023, April 24). Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.

Hess, A. K., & Widiger, T. A. (1992). NEO Personality Inventory. The Eleventh Mental Measurements Yearbook.

“How to Score the MMPI-2.” (2023, May 15). SportsRec.

Psych Press. (n.d.-b). NEO PI-R | Psych Press.

Reardon, C. L., & Factor, R. M. (2010). Sport psychiatry: A Systematic Review of Diagnosis and Medical Treatment of Mental Illness in Athletes. Sports Medicine, 40(11), 961-980.

Rosellini AJ, Brown TA. The NEO Five-Factor Inventory: latent structure and relationships with dimensions of anxiety and depressive disorders in a large clinical sample. Assessment, 18(1), 27-38.

Salkind, N. J. (Ed.) (2007). . (Vols. 1-0). Sage Publications, Inc.

PSY FPX 7610 Assessment 3 Evaluation of Test Materials

Stein, S. (2021). Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–Adolescent–Restructured Form. The Twenty-First Mental Measurements Yearbook.