MMPI-2 Interpretation

Interpretation Scales gives results in T-Scores in which the mean is 50 with a standard deviation of 10. Check the validity of the test administration.

Cannot Say Scale (?) Items left unanswered or double answered. 1-2 are normal. Interpret with caution any protocol with 10 or more Cannot Say items. Do not interpret any protocols with more than 30 Cannot Say items (you can go back to encourage your client to complete the items.

Cannot Say Scale cont’d Hypotheses for elevated scores: Defensiveness Indecisiveness Fatigue, low mood Carelessness Low reading skill Perceived irrelevance of items

Lie (L) Scale This scale attempts to detect a deliberate & unsophisticated attempt of the client to present himself/herself in a favorable light. T-Scores of 65 or higher are indicative of individuals who: Try to create a favorable impression of themselves by not being totally honest. May be defensive, denying, and repressing. May be confused.

L Scale cont’d 4. May be self-controlled & manifests little or no insight into their motivations. 5. Show little awareness of consequences to other people resulting from their behavior. 6. Tend to overvalue their own worth. 7. Tend to be conventional & socially conforming. 8. Are unoriginal in thinking & flexibility in problem solving. 9. Are rigid & moralistic.

L Scale cont’d 10. Have prior tolerance for stress & pressure. 11. May be unsophisticated & trying to make a favorable impression. T-Scores between 56-64 are indicative of individuals who: Are more conforming than usual. Have a tendency to resort to denial mechanisms.

L-Scale cont’d T-Scores <45 are indicative of individuals who: Probably responded frankly to the items Are confident enough about themselves to be able to admit to minor faults. In some cases, may be exaggerating negative characteristics. Are perceptive & socially reliant. Are seen as strong & relaxed. Are self-reliant & independent.

L-Scale cont’d 7. Can function effectively in leadership roles. 8. Communicate ideas effectively. 9. May be described by others as cynical & sarcastic. Profiles with T-Scores of >65 should not be interpreted as they are invalid.

Infrequency (F) Scale This scale reflects infrequently endorsed items & is a measure of symptom exaggeration (faking bad). T-scores of >100 are indicative of individuals who: May have responded randomly to MMPI-2 items. May have responded either all True or all False. May have been faking bad responses.

F-Scale cont’d T-Scores of 80-99 are indicative of individuals who: May be malingering May be exaggerating symptoms & problems as a plea for help May be quite resistant to the testing procedure May be clearly psychotic by the usual criteria

F-Scale cont’d T-Scores of 65-79 are indicative of individuals who: May have very deviant social, political, or religious convictions May manifest clinically severe neurotic or psychotic disorders If relatively free of psychopathology, are usually described as moody, restless, dissatisfied, changeable, unstable, curious, complex, opinionated, opportunistic

F-Scale cont’d Low scores on the F-Scale (T<50) are indicative of individuals who: Answered items as most normal people do Are likely to be free of disabling psychopathology Are socially conforming May have faked good

Infrequency Back (Fb) Scale Assesses the endorsement of low frequency items on the latter part of the MMPI-2. Measures the same constructs as the F-Scale. T-Scores >100 1. Indicate an invalid protocol, especially if F-Scale is >110

Fb Scale cont’d T-Scores <89 If F-Scale T-Score is <89, indicate a valid approach to the test If F-Scale T-Score is >89, do not interpret Content or Harris –Lingoes Scales

Correction (K) Scale Measures of test defensiveness. Assesses the willingness of the client to disclose personal information & to discuss his/her problems. K-Score is used to adjust Hs, Pd, Pt, Sc, & Ma scales.

K-Scale cont’d T-Scores >65 are indicative of individuals who: May have responded false to most of the items May have tried to fake good May be trying to give an appearance of adequacy, control, & effectiveness Are shy & inhibited Are hesitant about becoming emotionally involved with people

K-Scale cont’d 6. Are intolerant & unaccepting of unconventional attitudes & beliefs in others. 7. Lack insight & self-understanding 8. Are not likely to display overt delinquent behavior 9. If clinical scales are also elevated, may be seriously disturbed psychologically but have not awareness of it 10. If not seriously disturbed psychologically, may have above-average ego strength & other positive characteristics

K-Scale cont’d T-Scores 56-64 are indicative of individuals who: Are being defensive & unwilling to acknowledge psychological distress May exhibit denial & hysteroid defenses (especially in lower SES)

K-Scale cont’d T-Scores 41-55 are indicative of individuals who: Maintain a healthy balance between positive self-evaluation & self-criticism Are psychologically well-adjusted Show few overt signs of emotional disturbance Are independent & self-reliant Are capable of dealing with problems in day-to-day life

K-Scale cont’d 6. Exhibit wide interests 7. Are ingenious, enterprising, versatile, & resourceful 8. Are clear thinking & approach problems in reasonable & systematic ways 9. Are good mixers socially 10. Are enthusiastic & verbally fluent 11. Take ascendant roles in relationships

K-Scale cont’d T-Scores of 35-40 are indicative of individuals who: Are experiencing severe distress that is being openly acknowledged Have poor self-concepts & are strongly self-dissatisfied but lack either interpersonal skills or techniques necessary to alter the situation In lower SES, may indicate a moderate disturbance In higher SES, indicates more serious distress

K-Scale cont’d T-Scores < 35 are indicative of persons who: May have responded True to most of the items May have faked bad May be exaggerating problems as a cry for help May exhibit acute psychotic or organic confusion Are critical of self & others & are dissatisfied with self

K-Scale cont’d 6. Are ineffective in dealing with problems of daily life 7. Show little insight into their own motives & behaviors 8. Are socially conforming 9. Are overly compliant with authority 10. Have a slow personal tempo 11. Are inhibited, retiring, & shallow 12.Are socially awkward 13. Are blunt & harsh in social situations 14. Are cynical, skeptical, caustic, & disbelieving. 15. Are suspicious about the motivations of others

Clinical Scales Scale 1: Hypochondriasis (Hs) Items focus on bodily concerns with a physiological basis or individuals who exaggerate bodily concerns T-Scores of >65 are indicative of individuals who: Have excessive bodily concerns Describe somatic complaints that are generally vague. Complain of chronic weakness, lack of energy, & sleep disturbance

Scale 1 cont’d 4. If medical patients, they may have a strong psychological component to their illness 5. Are likely to be diagnosed as having somatoform pain, depressive, or anxiety disorders 6. Seem selfish, self-centered, & narcissistic 7. Are unhappy & dissatisfied 8. Make others miserable 9. See themselves as medically ill & seek medical treatment

Scale 1 cont’d T-Scores 58-64 are indicative of individuals who: Have some concern about bodily functioning Are likely to be seen as immature, stubborn, & lacking drive Scores in the lower end of this range are typical for individuals with physical handicaps & individuals with actual physical disease

Scale 1 cont’d Normal range T-Scores 40-57 T-Scores <40 are indicative of individuals who: Are free of somatic preoccupation Are alert, sensitive, & insightful Are generally effective in their daily lives Scores in this range are typical of individuals in helping professions

Scale 2: Depression (D) Items reflect the feelings of discouragement, pessimism, & hopelessness, as well as the personality feature of hyper-responsibility, high personal standards, and intrapunitiveness. T-Scores >65 are indicative of individuals who: Display depressive symptoms Feel blue, unhappy, dysphoric

Scale 2 cont’d 3. Are quite pessimistic about the future 4. Have self-deprecatory & guilty feelings 5. Are agitated & tense 6. Are described as irritable, high strung, & prone to worry 7. Lack self-confidence 8. Feel useless & unable to function 9. Have lifestyles characterized by withdrawal & lack of involvement 10. Have difficulty making decisions

Scale 2 cont’d T-Scores 58-64 are indicative of individuals who: Are dissatisfied with something or with themselves but may not recognize this state as depression May not be overly concerned about what is happening to them May have learned to adjust to a chronically depressed existence

Scale 2 cont’d T-Scores 58-64 are indicative of individuals who: Do not experience much tension, anxiety, guilt or depression Feel relaxed & at ease Are self-confident Are emotionally stable & capable of effective functioning in most situations Are alert active & energetic

Scale 3: Hysteria (Hy) Items reflect physical complaints & troubling disorders & others which reflect denial of problems & a lack of social anxiety. T-Scores >65 are indicative of individuals who: React to stress & avoid responsibility through the development of physical symptoms Have symptoms that may appear & disappear suddenly

Scale 3 cont’d 3. May report headaches, stomach discomfort, chest pains, weakness, & tachycardia 4. Do not report severe emotional turmoil 5. Lack insight concerning causes of symptoms 6. Lack insight about their own motives & feelings 7. Are psychologically immature, childish, & infantile 8. Expect a great deal of attention & affection from others

Scale 3 cont’d T-Scores 58-64 are indicative of individuals who: Are likely to be exhibitionistic extroverted, & superficial Are naïve, self-centered, & deny any problems They prefer to look on the optimistic side of life & avoid any unpleasant issues

Scale 3 cont’d T-Scores 40-57: Normal range T-Scores <40 are indicative of individuals who: Do not worry excessively about their health Do not present somatic symptoms Are constricted, conventional, & conforming Are cold & aloof May display blunted affects Have limited social interests & participation Are suspicious & have difficulties trusting others

Scale 4: Psychopathic Deviate (Pd) Items assess a lack of concern about most social & moral standards of conduct. T-Scores of >65 are indicative of individuals who: Have difficulty incorporating values & standards of society into their lives May engage in social & antisocial acts Are rebellious toward authority figures Blame family members for their difficulties Have histories of underachievement

Scale 4 cont’d 6. Are impulsive & strive for immediate gratifications of impulses 7. Are impatient, have limited frustration tolerance 8. Show poor judgment; take risks 9. Are seen by others as immature & childish 10. Are insensitive to the needs & feelings of others 11. Have shallow & superficial relationships 12. Are extroverted & outgoing

Scale 4 cont’d T-Scores 58-64 are indicative of individuals who May be genuinely concerned about social problems & issues May be responding to situational conflicts May have adjusted to a habitual level of interpersonal & social conflict T-Scores 40-57: Normal range

Scale 4 cont’d T-Scores <40 are indicative of individuals who Tend to be conventional, conforming, & accepting of authority Are passive, submissive, & unassertive Are concerned about how others will react to them Tend to be sincere & trusting in relationships Have a narrow range of interests

Scale 5: Masculinity-Femininity (Mf) Items are intended as a measure of gender role development, including emotional reactions, interests, attitudes & feelings in which men & women differ For men: T-Scores >65 are indicative of men who: May have sexual problems & concerns May be experiencing conflicts in sexual identity & insecurity about masculine adequacy May display clear effeminate behaviors. May lack stereotypical male interests Have aesthetic & artistic interests

Scale 5 cont’d T-Scores 58-64 are indicative of men who: Tend toward aesthetic interests, such as art, music, & literature Are rather passive & prefer to work through problems in a covert & indirect manner This is the typical range for most college-educated males

Scale 5 cont’d T-Scores 40-57: Normal range T-Scores <40 are indicative of men who: Are presenting themselves as extremely masculine Have stereotypical masculine interests Overemphasize strength & physical prowess Are described by others as aggressive, thrill-seeking, adventurous, & reckless May show coarse, crude, vulgar talk & behavior

Scale 5 cont’d For women: T-Scores >65 are indicative of women who: Are not interested in appearing or behaving according to traditional female roles Have interests that tend to be stereotypically more masculine Are active, vigorous, assertive, competitive, aggressive, & dominating Are outgoing, uninhibited, & self-confident

Scale 5 cont’d T-Scores 45-64 are indicative of women who: Are less traditionally oriented towards a feminine role Have an interest in both masculine & feminine activities

Scale 5 cont’d T-Scores 35-44 are indicative of women who: Are genuinely interested in traditional feminine interests & activities May be passive in their roles

Scale 5 cont’d T-Scores <34 are indicative of less educated women who: Are presenting themselves as stereotypically feminine Are coy, seductive, & appear helpless May be compensating for doubts about their own adequacy as women Tend to be passive, submissive, & yielding Are described as constricted, sensitive, modest, & idealistic

Scale 5 cont’d T-Scores <34 are indicative of more educated women who: Have a balanced view of gender role behavior See themselves as capable, competent, conscientious Are described by others as intelligent, capable, conscientious, forceful, considerate, easygoing, insightful, & unprejudiced

Scale 6: Paranoia (Pa) Items reflect marked interpersonal sensitivities & a tendency to misinterpret the motives & intentions of others. T-Scores >70 are indicative of individual who: May exhibit psychotic behavior Have disturbed thinking, delusions of persecution or grandeur, & ideas of reference Feel mistreated & picked on Feel angry & resentful Harbor grudges Use projection as a defense mechanism Often receive diagnoses of schizophrenia or paranoid disorder

Scale 6: Paranoia (Pa) T-Scores from 60-70 are indicative of individual who: Have paranoid predisposition Tend to be excessively sensitive & overly responsive to others’ opinions Feel they’re getting a raw deal out of life Tend to rationalize & blame others for their problems Are suspicious & guarded Display hostility, resentment in an argumentative manner Are moralistic & rigid in opinions & attitudes

Scale 6: Paranoia (Pa) T-Scores from 50-60 are indicative of individual who: Have a paranoid orientation toward life See the environment as demanding & not supportive Are very sensitive to what other people think of them Are suspicious of the motives of others Commonly feel angry & resentful

Scale 6: Paranoia (Pa) T-Scores from 35-50 are indicative of individual who: Are socially interested Face life’s situations adequately Are seen as balanced, orderly, & reasonable Tend to be cautious, conventional, & self-controlled

Scale 6: Paranoia (Pa) T-Scores from <35 are indicative of individual who: Have narrow interests Tend to be sensitive to & unaware of the motives of other people Tend to be evasive, defensive, & guarded May be shy, secretive, & withdrawn

Scale 7: Psychasthenia (Pt) Items reflect generalized anxiety & distress, the avowal of high moral standards, self-blame for things that go wrong, & rigid efforts to control impulses. T-Scores >85 are indicative of individuals who: 1. Have agitated ruminations & obsessions that no longer control anxieties

Scale 7 cont’d T-Scores >65 are indicative of individuals who: Experience psychological turmoil & discomfort Feel anxious, tense, & agitated Are worried, fearful, apprehensive, high-strung, & jumpy Report difficulties in concentrating Often receive anxiety disorder diagnoses Are introspective Feel insecure & inferior Lack self-confidence Are self-critical, self-conscious, & self-degrading Tend to be very rigid & moralistic

Scale 7 cont’d T-Scores 58-64 are indicative of individuals who: Are generally punctual in meeting their obligations & may worry if unable to do so Do not see themselves as anxious, nor do others see them as anxious

Scale 7 cont’d T-Scores 40-57: Normal range T-Scores <40 are indicative of individuals who: Are free of disabling fears & anxieties Are self-confident Are perceived as warm, cheerful, & friendly Have a wide range of interest Are responsible, efficient, realistic, & adaptable Are secure & comfortable with themselves Are emotionally stable

Scale 8: Schizophrenia Items cover a wide range of strange beliefs, unusual experiences, & special sensitivities T-Scores >91 are indicative of individuals who: Are under acute, severe situational stress May have an identity crisis Are typically not schizophrenic

Scale 8 cont’d T-Scores 65-90 are indicative of individuals who: May have a thought disorder May be confused, disorganized, & disoriented May report unusual thoughts or attitudes, or hallucinations May show poor judgment May be exaggerating deviance as a cry for help Tend to have schizoid lifestyle Do not feel a part of their environment Are withdrawn, seclusive, secretive, & inaccessible

Scale 8 cont’d T-Scores 58-64 are indicative of individuals who: Think differently than others Tend to avoid reality through fantasy & daydreams T-Scores 40-57: Normal range

Scale 8 cont’d T-Scores <40 are indicative of individuals who: Tend to be friendly, cheerful, good-natured, sensitive, & trustful Are seen as well-balanced & adaptable Are responsible & dependable Tend to be restrained in relationships Avoid deep, emotional involvement with other people Are submissive, compliant, & overly accepting of authority Tend to be cautious, conventional, & conservative Are practical & concrete in thinking

Scale 9: Hypomania (Ma) Items which assess the behavioral characteristics of a manic episode as well as over-ambitiousness, extroversion, & high aspirations T-Scores <80 are indicative of individuals who: 1. Exhibit behavioral manifestations of a manic episode

Scale 9 cont’d T-Scores 65-79 are indicative of individuals who: Are overactive Have unrealistic self-appraisal Are energetic & talkative Prefer action to thought Have a wide range of interests Don’t use energy wisely May be creative, enterprising, & ingenious Have low frustration tolerance

Scale 9 cont’d T-Scores 58-64 are indicative of individuals who: Are active, outgoing, & energetic May find external relationships on their activity level agitating & dissatisfying T-Scores 40-57: Normal range

Scale 9 cont’d T-Scores <40 are indicative of individuals who: Are characterized by low energy & activity levels Appear to be lethargic, listless, apathetic, & phlegmatic Are difficult to motivate May report depression, accompanied by tension & anxiety Are reliable, dependable, & responsible Approach problems in conventional, practical, & reasonable ways Tend to be somewhat withdrawn & seclusive

Scale 9 cont’d T-Scores <35 are indicative of individuals who: Are suffering from depression (despite the T-Score from Scale 2)

Scale 0: Social Introversion (Si) Items reflect levels of social activity; high scores indicate more aversion to social activities while low scores indicate a willingness to participate in social activities. T-Scores >65 Are socially introverted Are very insecure & uncomfortable in social situations Tend to be shy, timid, reserved, & retiring Do not participate in many social activities Are reliable & dependable

Scale 0 cont’d T-Scores of 58-64 Prefer to be alone or with a small group of friends Have the ability to interact with others but generally prefer not to T-Scores 40-57: Normal range

Scale 0 cont’d T-Scores of <40 are indicative of individuals who: Are sociable & extroverted Are outgoing, gregarious, friendly, & talkative Have a strong need to be around people Mix well at social gatherings Are active, energetic, & vigorous Are interested in power, status, & recognition Are somewhat immature & self-indulgent

Interpreting the Clinical Scales Find the scales with the highest T-Scores (T-Score of 65 & above) & interpret the individual scales. Many books list interpretive paragraphs for high points. Remember, these are generalizations about the typical individual who scores this way; you will need to tailor the paragraphs to fit your individual client.