The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2: Interpretation and Review

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory displays the existing belief of clinical theory that is committed to understanding experiences of human being with understanding, especially in its extreme and unusual form. The computer- based test interpretation (CBTI) has been on the increase for the last several decades. It provides an easy and quick way to conduct a review of test results and likely implications by the clinicians. MMPI was initially designed to measure the personality and psychopathology structure of adults (York, 2014). The interpretability of the clinical scales has been made easy over the time by the many additions and measure changes.

A version for MMPI designed for the adolescents between 14 and 18 years was released in 1992. It was designed to improve personality measurement, difficulties in behavior, and psychopathology in adolescents. The limitations in the original MMPI in adolescent populations were addressed through the new version. The MMPI-A contains 478 items. These items compose of the 10 original clinical scales namely Hs, D, Hy, Pd, Mf, Pa, Pt, Sc, Ma, and Si, while the six validity scales include L,F, F1,K ,VRIN, and TRIN .The scales have shown enough strong internal consistency and validity (York, 2014). Strengths of MMPI are realized in use of adolescent standards, relevant and appropriate item content, comprehensive and clear manual, and evidence of legitimacy.

Each diagnostic scale is measured using a different clinical scale. Instead of interpreting each scale individually, a code type is used for the purpose. In this a combination of one, two or three clinical scales that score the highest is used.

Number Abbreviation Description What is measured No. of items

1 Hs HypochondriasisConcern with bodily symptoms 32

2 D DepressionDepressive Symptoms 57

3 HyHysteriaAwareness of problems and vulnerabilities 60

4 PdPsychopathic DeviateConflict, struggle, anger, respect for society's rules 50

5 MF Masculinity/FemininityStereotypical masculine or feminine interests/behaviors 56

6 Pa ParanoiaLevel of trust, suspiciousness, sensitivity 40

7 Pt PsychastheniaWorry, Anxiety, tension, doubts, obsessiveness 48

8 ScSchizophreniaOdd thinking and social alienation 78

9 Ma HypomaniaLevel of excitability 46

0 Si Social IntroversionPeople orientation 69

Scale 3 also referred to as Hysteria scale is used in measuring emotions. Scale 8, also called schizophrenia scale, is used to measure emotional, perpetual and odd experiences. Scale 0, also known as the social introversion scale, is used to measure the emotional state of an individual when around other people (York, 2014). If they are comfortable being there or not.

References

York, D. (2014). A Review of Fundamentals of MMPI2 Interpretation: The Eight Basic Clinical Scales. Journal of Personality Assessment, 96(4), 478-479. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00223891.2014.896370