Cherokee Nation Represented at National Psychology Meeting

NEW ORLEANS Northeastern State University and the Cherokee Nation were represented at the 114th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, held Aug. 9-12 in New Orleans, La.

Brady Garrett, a graduate student in the NSU Counseling Psychology program, Dr. Kenny Paris, NSU associate professor of Psychology and Counseling, and Dr. John Gastorf, director of Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health, presented their research titled, Comparing MMPI-2 Profiles of Native American and Nonnative Police Officers.

The study, the first of its nature, looked at mean profile differences between the two groups on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2. The MMPI-2 is the most widely used psychological assessment instrument and is frequently utilized in employee screening. It is required for employment as a police officer or armed security personnel in the state of Oklahoma.

This pilot project has potentially important implications, said Paris. There have been relatively few studies examining the use of the MMPI-2 with Native Americans, and none looking at Native American law enforcement personnel specifically. While our results found many similarities between the two groups, there were also some meaningful differences. Due to the popularity of the MMPI-2 and the paucity of knowledge about its use with Native Americans, our research attracted interest and inquiries from students, faculty and practicing psychologists from across the nation.

The American Psychological Association is the worlds oldest and largest organization of psychologists. Convention highlights included Dr. Phil McGraws first APA appearance and an Evening With Bill Cosby, with proceeds donated to New Orleans Public Schools.