Diagnostic Implications from Clinical Assessment of Movement Pathology Across Contexts Using the Movement Psychodiagnostic Inventory: A Comparison Study

The Movement Psychodiagnostic Inventory (MPI) is an assessment tool, that uses movement observation for the purpose of diagnosing individuals with mental illnesses. The MPI requires extensive training as well as access to a videotape of a seated interview and several hours to carefully observe an individual in conversation. In 2007, a short-form version of the MPI was created for the clinical use of the instrument in dance/movement therapy (DMT) assessment. To date, no known use of this novel instrument has been published. In this pilot study, one rater with extensive experience with the MPI used both forms of the MPI to assess videotaped sessions one individual in both a DMT assessment session as well as a seated interview during his stay in an inpatient psychiatric facility. Both instruments were used in each context, and the researcher compared the data across all contexts. In this study, the results indicated that each assessment instrument when used in its intended context uncovered similar movement patterns in the same individual, suggesting that the novel instrument could be applicable in a DMT setting. Because this study had an N of 1, the results are not generalizable nor did the study test the validity of the instrument. The findings of this pilot study, however, suggest that further research should be conducted by multiple raters in several different contexts using multiple participants. In addition to further research, a publication of guidelines for use and available trainings would make the short-form MPI a valuable assessment tool for dance/movement therapists working in a clinical setting with people with mental illness.M.A., Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling -- Drexel University, 201