We’ve described how some personality tests are either problematic or just not all that accurate or helpful. So which tests are valid personality tests? And what makes those tests effective?
Personality tests need to demonstrate a few key criteria to be considered effective. You may remember some of this from research methods classes in undergrad or grad school. But either way, we’ll bring in our methods nerdiness in for this one.
Any tests need to demonstrate validity and reliability to ensure they are helpful. Validity is the degree to which a test measures what it claims to measure. For example, does a test or a question about unconscious tensions actually show that someone experiences those tensions or not.
Reliability is the degree to which a test or items on a test are consistent with each other, over multiple times someone takes the test, or in other ways. We’ll say more, but available therapist resources delve deeply into these concepts and specific tests.
Unfortunately, some very popular tests do not reach these benchmarks or may only reach them part of the time. Despite their popularity, The Enneagram and Myers-Briggs both demonstrate problems with validity and/or reliability. (A classic example of “popular does not always equal effective” or helpful).
So what are some valid personality tests? Multiple tests demonstrate both validity and reliability. These help when training to conduct valid personality tests or when needing to refer a client for testing. They measure mental health functioning, so they can help understand and rule out client diagnoses to inform treatment. But they also describe basic personality dimensions.
The first test is the quite classic Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, now in its 3rd edition (MMPI-3). Thousands of studies validate the MMPI since its creation in the 1930s. This helps clinicians know they are getting some good intel on their clients. This test was based on some old concepts in its first few editions, but the last two editions have concepts that line up with more modern psychological concepts.
The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) is also a well-established test that has gained more prominence in the past few decades. It is common in clinical and forensic settings. The questions and subscales conveniently line up well with DSM concepts. It even has many scales that assess certain difficulties directly (e.g., substance abuse, anxiety, trauma scales, etc).
The Millon Multiaxial Clinical Inventory, 4th Ed. (MCMI-IV) is also well established. It uses some older constructs and explaining its results can sometimes be nebulous. But overall, it has demonstrated reliability and validity. Clinicians use it in clinical and forensic settings.
Valid personality tests help understand client experiences more deeply. Or they are helpful referrals to seek to meet required client needs (e.g., when court mandated or to qualify for some programs). Valid and reliable personality tests are an effective and accurate way to go!
