MMPI-3 Indicators of Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in Post-9/11 Veterans

Abstract

Suicide remains a serious concern among post-9/11 U.S. military veterans, highlighting the need for effective tools to identify those at risk. This study examined whether the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3), a commonly used psychological test, can help assess suicide risk in this population. I analyzed responses from 189 post-9/11 veterans, a group largely reflective of the current veteran population, who completed the MMPI-3 and other measures looking at their mental health and history of suicidal thoughts or attempts. I focused on the MMPI-3’s Suicidal/Death Ideation (SUI) scale, along with other MMPI-3 scales that measure internalizing symptoms (such as depression and anxiety) and externalizing traits (such as impulsivity and aggression). Veterans who reported suicidal thoughts or past attempts scored higher on the SUI scale than those who did not. The SUI scale also helped distinguish between veterans with suicidal thoughts and those who had attempted suicide. Internalizing scales were more helpful in identifying veterans with suicidal thoughts, while externalizing scales helped distinguish those who had acted on these thoughts. The SUI scale showed strong connections with other well-established measures of suicidal thinking and self-harm. It also added unique value beyond other MMPI-3 scales when predicting suicide-related experiences. These findings suggest that the MMPI-3—especially the SUI scale—can play a useful role in identifying suicide risk in veterans. It may help mental health professionals better understand both emotional distress and behavioral risk factors that contribute to suicide, improving prevention and intervention efforts