mmpi2

MMPI-2

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Level Uniform T-Score Percentile EquivalentExtremely High 85-90 >99.8->99.9Very High 75-80 98->99High 65-70 92-96Moderately High 55-60 73-85Average 45-50 34-55Moderately Low 35-40 4-15Very Low 30 <1

• MMPI-2 Manual Elevation Levels:o Very High ≥ 76o High 66-75o Moderate 56-65o Modal/Average 41-55o Low ≤ 40

• 3,4,5,6,9,0 = character scales; 1,2,7,8 = symptom scales• Acute: Elevated symptom scales, high F (out of ordinary distress), low K (feel

helpless in dealing with increased stress)• Chronic: Lack of elevation on symptoms scales (or 1-8 > 2-7), moderately low K

(T= 45-55), lower F (T<60)

VALIDITY SCALES• Interrelationships of Scales:

o Hi F, Lo L & K: Client is admitting to personal and emotional problems, may beasking for help, unsure of abilities to deal w/ problems, good tx prognosis

o Hi L & K, Lo F: Client is attempting to deny problems and feelings, underreportingof problems, attempt to present self in most positive light, most likely using primitivedefenses, problems usually chronic and therefore may be built into personality,adequate social adjustment to see world as either good or bad

o L < F < K: Appropriate resources to deal w/ problems and not experiencing muchstress

o L > F > K: Client is naïve and unsophisticated but trying to look good, notdistressed by problems, usually uneducated or low SES, poor tx candidate

? (Cannot Say)

Raw Score ProfileValidity Reasons forElevation

Interpretation

≥ 30 May be invalid(MMPI Manual);Invalid, do notinterpret (Graham)

Reading difficultiesSeverepsychopathologyLack of insightUncooperativeObsessiveItems not relevant forpt

Examine percentage ofitems answered on eachscale

11-29 Some scales maybe invalid

Selective itemomission

Examine content/scale ofomitted items, don’tinterpret scale with ≥10% of items omitted

0-10 Probably valid Items not relevant forpt

Examine omitted itemcontent; cooperative,willing to respond

VRIN (Variable Response Inconsistency) – pairs of similar or opposite items

T-ScoreLevel

ProfileValidity Reasons forElevation

Interpretation

≥ 80(Raw score≥13)

Profile invalid Reading difficultiesConfusionIntentional randomrespondingRecording error,careless

Profile uninterpretable

65-79 Profile valid,characterized bysome inconsistentresponding

CarelessnessOccasional loss ofconcentration

Profile likelyinterpretable, makecautionary statementabout some inconsistentresponding present;As T on VRINapproaches 79, usemore caution

40-64 Profile valid Pt able to understandand respond consistently

30-39 Profile valid Responding particularlycautious & deliberate

• Hi VRIN – also expect F to be highly elevated; if F also high, increased likelihoodof inconsistent responding; if F low, probably reporting consistently truepsychopathology

TRIN (True Response Inconsistency) – pairs of items with opposite content (shouldhave 1 true, 1 false for each pair)

T-ScoreLevel


Interpretation

≥ 80 T(raw score>12)

Profile invalid Acquiescentresponse setYeasaying, All True


65T-79T Profile valid,characterized bysome acquiescence

Partial acquiescentresponse set

Profile interpretedw/caution; pay particularattention to L, K, and S –scores may beartifactually deflated d/tresponse set

50-64T or50-64 F(raw score 6-12)

Profile valid

65F-79F Profile valid,characterized bysomenonacquiescence

Partialnonacquiescentresponse set

Profile interpretedw/caution; pay particularattention to L, K, and S –scores may beartifactually elevated d/tresponse set

≥ 80F(raw score<6)

Profile invalid Nonacquiescentresponse setNaysaying, All False


S (Superlative Self-Presentation) – Defensiveness, underreporting; attempting toproclaim overly positive self-presentation

T-ScoreLevel


Interpretation

≥ 70 Clinical≥ 75Nonclinical

May be invalid Faking goodPervasivenonacquiescence

If TRIN >79F, protocolcharacterized bypervasive pattern ofnonacquiescence,invalid/uniterpretable;If TRIN WNL, high Sreflects defensive test-taking approach, mayindicate invalid protocol;examine S subscales toidentify particular areasof defensiveness

70-74Nonclinical

May be invalid ModeratedefensivenessModerate

If TRIN w/in 65F-79F,elevation on S likelyreflects moderate pattern

nonacquiescence of nonacquiescence, notfaking good;If TRIN WNL, elevationon S likely reflectsmoderate pattern ofdefensiveness; higher S,greater likelihood profilemay not accuratelyrepresent existingpsychopathology;examine S subscales toidentify particular areasof defensiveness

≤ 69 Clinical Likely valid≤ 69Nonclinical

Valid

• 5 Factors: (1) belief in human goodness, (2) serenity, (3) contentment with life,(4) patience and denial of irritability and anger, (5) denial of moral flaws

• Positively correlated with K and L in normative sample

F (Infrequency) – tendency to claim highly unusual attitudes and behaviors as afunction of severe psychopathology, rare responses; seeking to place self inunfavorable light, distress; difficulty completing inventory (reading problems,random/careless responding); (true is deviant answer)

T-ScoreLevel


Interpretation

≥ 100Inpatient≥ 90Outpatient≥ 80Nonclinical

May be invalid Random/fixedrespondingAll TrueSeverepsychopathologyFaking bad –presenting problemseven inpatients don’t

If VRIN/TRIN > 79,profileinvalid/uninterpretable;If VRIN/TRIN & Fp WNL,likely valid profilereflecting severepsychopathology(disoriented, confused,clearly psychotic bx);If VRIN/TRIN WNL andFp >100, pt overreportingpsychopathology inattempt to appear moredisturbed than he/she is

80-99Inpatient70-89Outpatient65-79Nonclinical

May beexaggerated, likelyvalid

Exaggeration ofexisting problemsResistant to testingprocedure

Consider exaggeration ofsx’s, perhaps “cry forhelp,” psychotic, severeneurotic, socially orpolitically deviant,moody, restless,dissatisfied,unpredictable

55-79Inpatient55-69Outpatient40-64Nonclinical

Likely valid Pt. accurately reporting anumber of psychologicalproblems; T 60-64deviance in some area oflife

≤ 54 Inpatient≤ 54Outpatient≤ 39

May be defensive Consider faking goodSocially conformingDefensiveFree of Disablingpsychpathology

Examine defensivenessscales, esp. L, todetermine whether ptmay bedenying/minimizingproblems

• Implications for treatment: T 50-59 good for therapy, good insight, help-seeking• Indicator of distress/chronicity: if F is low in 6-8 profile, person is used to their

symptoms and not in acute distress (poor treatment indicator)• Higher F indicative of:

o Emotional turmoil, including anxiety, depressiono Feeling sad, hopelesso Disturbed sleepo Feel unable to cope with strains of life

o Often feel like failureso Pessimistic about futureo No create favorable first impressiono Socially awkward, few or no friendso See families as lacking in loveo Tend not to have strong motivation to achieveo Easily frustrated, give up easilyo See selves as insecure, introverted, interpersonally sensitiveo Often feel getting raw deal from lifeo Characterized by others as histrionic, suspicious, hostile, angry, resentful

Fb (F-back) – F scale for items 371-567

T-ScoreLevel


Interpretation

≥ 100 Consider profileinvalidity

RandomAll TrueFaking bad

Psychiatric patients maybe disoriented, confused,show clearly psychoticbehavior

80-100 Consider profileinvalidity

MalingeringExaggeration ofproblems

If valid, consider seriouspsychopathology

65-79 Consider seriouspsychopathology

50-64 Average50 Consider faking good

Fp (Infrequency-Psychopathology) – items even more pathological than inpatients withsevere psychiatric disorders

T-ScoreLevel


Interpretation

≥ 100 Likely invalid Random respondingFaking bad

VRIN/TRIN >79, invalidand uninterpretableprofile; If VRIN/TRINWNL, pt. overreportingpsychopathology inattempt to appear moredisturbed than he/she is

70-99 Likely exaggerated, Exaggeration of Consider exaggeration of

may be valid existing problems symptoms, perhaps “cryfor help”

≤ 69 Likely valid Pt. accurately describedcurrent mental healthstatus

• Designed to detect infrequent responding in settings characterized by relativelyhigh base rates of serious psychopathology and psychological distress

L (Lie) – naïve attempts to place self in morally/culturally favorable light by denyingmoral imperfections, naïve defensiveness, impression management; reluctance toadmit common shortcomings; lack of awareness faking good doesn’t make goodimpression; (false is deviant answer)

T-ScoreLevel


Interpretation

≥ 80 Clinicalor Nonclinical

Likely invalid Faking goodPervasivenonacquiescence

If TRIN >79F, protocolcharacterized bypervasive pattern ofnonacquiescence,invalid/uninterpretable;If TRIN WNL, high Lreflects very strongpattern of faking good,likely invalid test protocol

65-79Clinical70-79Nonclinical

May be invalid Moderate faking goodTraditionalbackgroundModeratenonacquiescence

If TRIN w/in 65F-79F,elevation on L likelyreflects moderate patternof nonacq, not fakingbad;If TRIN WNL, elevationon L likely reflectsunsophisticated patternof faking good; higher theL, greater likelihood thatscales not accuratelyrepresent existingpsychopathology

65-69Nonclinical

Questionably valid Overly positive self-presentation

Pt likely minimizedpsychological/bxdifficulties;underestimation ofproblems

≤ 64 Clinical Likely Valid60-64Nonclinical

Likely Valid UnsophisticateddefensivenessTraditionalbackground

Pt denied minor faults &shortcomings most pplacknowledge readily,perhaps d/t belief that inhis/her best interest

≤ 59Nonclinical

Valid

• T>60: Conventional, conforming, unoriginal, inflexible/rigid, moralistic, lackinsight, poor stress tolerance; repression, denial (“defended”), unsophisticated,concrete, primitive

• Implications for treatment: Higher L indicates participation/responsiveness;perfectionistic, rigid, unwilling to hear feedback

• Hi L: faking good will artificially lower scores on other scales to make individualappear better psychologically adjusted

• Hi L descriptors (T >55):o Trying to create favorable impression of selves by not being honest in

responding to itemso May be defensive, denying, and repressingo Tend to claim virtues to greater extent than most peopleo Little or no insight into own motivationso Little awareness of consequences to others of their bxo Overevaluate own wortho Conventional and socially conformingo Unoriginal in thinking, inflexible in problem solvingo Rigid, moralistico Poor tolerance for stress, pressure

• Lo L descriptors (T < 50):o Probably frankly respondingo Confident enough about selves to be able to admit to minor faults and

shortcomingso May be exaggerating negative characteristics

o Perceptive and socially reliant; self-reliant and independento Seen as strong, natural, relaxedo Function effectively in leadership roleso Communicate ideas effectivelyo May be described by others as cynical and sarcastic

K (Correction) – tendency to control and limit disclosure of distress, discomfort, andproblems relating to others, denying problems, reluctant to admit symptoms; moresophisticated/subtle defensiveness; (false is deviant answer)

T-ScoreLevel


Interpretation

≥ 65 Clinical≥ 75Nonclinical

May be invalid Faking goodAll FalsePervasivenonacquiescence

If TRIN >79F, protocolcharacterized bypervasive pattern ofnonacquiescence,invlaid/uniterpretable;If TRIN WNL, high Kreflects defensive test-taking approach that mayindicate invalid protocol

65-74Nonclinical

May be invalid ModeratedefensivenessModeratenonacquiescenceDenial, intolerant,uninsightful,

If TRIN w/in 65F-79F,elevation on K likelyreflects moderate patternof nonacquiescencerather than faking good;If TRIN WNL, elevationon K likely reflectsmoderate pattern ofdefensiveness; higherthe K, greater likelihoodprofile may notaccurately representexisting psychopathology

40-64Clinical &Nonclinical

Valid Balanced self-evaluation, intelligent,well-adjusted(capable of dealingw/everyday probs),independent, wideinterests, enthusiastic

56-65: trying to giveappearance of adequacy,control, effectiveness;hesitant about becomingemotionally involved

<40 May be invalid Faking badAll TruePervasiveacquiescenceExaggerationSelf-esteem issues

If TRIN >79T, protocolcharacterized bypervasive pattern ofacquiescence, invalid; IfTRIN WNL, low K maybe d/t faking bad, butonly if elevations onInfrequency scales

• T <50: Dissatisfaction w/ self & others, critical of self & others; < 40: plea forhelp, ineffective in dealing w/everyday probs, little insight, sociallyconforming/compliant with authority, socially awkward, cynical, suspiciousabout motivations of others

• Indications for treatment: High K – not open, determined to think well ofself/others, asserting positive mental health, not much to work with in therapy;Lo K – willing to admit/discuss problems

• Positively correlated with SES/educational level• 56-65: If clinical scales elevated, may be seriously disturbed psychologically,

but have little awareness; if not seriously disturbed psychologically, may haveabove-average ego strength and other positive characteristics

• F – K (raw scores): If difference is ≥ 10, likely fake-bad

CLINICAL SCALES*

*Using Graham’s T-score levels; MMPI-2 Manual lists different levels

Scale 1 – Hypochondriasis (Hs): tendency to manifest physical symptoms asexpression of emotional discomfort, to be preoccupied w/ one’s health, to rejectnonmedical (i.e., psychological) explanations for sx’s

T-Score Level Interpretive possibilities TreatmentImplications

>80 Very High Extreme/sometimes bizarre somatic concern,consider somatic delusions, fear of physicalbreakdown, preoccupation on physicalfunctioning

Avoid feelings,somaticize, lookingmore for medicalintervention – nottherapy

60-80Moderate/High

Somatic concerns, sleep disturbance, lackenergy, dissatisfied, demanding,complaining/whiny, cynical, pessimistic,unhappy, immature

May develop somaticsx’s in times of stress

40-59 Average No interp<40 Low No interp

• Legitimate physical illness may add 1 SD (10 T-score points)

Scale 2 – Depression (D): aspects of symptomatic depression; dysphoria, distress,pessimism, low morale, inhibition, intropunitiveness, physical discomfort, vegetativesx’s, and problems in thinking; psychological distress, suicidal ideation


>70 Very High Serious clinical depression,pessimistic/hopeless, preoccupied w/guilt,death, suicide; feelings ofunworthiness/inadequacy

SI, psychiatric/Rx eval,no energy/motivation,helplessnessw/pessimism abouttechniques

60-70Moderate/High

Moderate depression/dysphoric,dissatisfaction w/life situation, worried,somatic c/o’s, withdrawn, lack self-confidence, lack energy, anxiety, introverted,restricted range of interests

Some elevationindicates distress andmotivation for Tx


• 2-7 profile is high indicator of current distress• High 2 with moderate 9: high risk of suicide – has enough energy to do it

SUBSCALES:D1-Subjective depression: unhappy, depressed, lack energy for coping w/prob’s of

everyday life,not interested in what goes on around them, feel inferior, lack self-confidence,

uneasyin social situations

D2-Psychomotor retardation: lack energy to cope w/everyday activities, feelemotionally

immobilized, avoid others, deny hostile/aggressive impulses/actionsD3-Physical malfunctioning: preoccupation w/own physical functioning, deny good

health,report variety of specific somatic symptoms

D4-Mental dullness: lack of energy to cope w/probs of everyday life, tension,difficulties w/concentration, attention, memory; lack self-confidence,feel inferior, little enjoyment out

of life, life no longer worthwhileD5-Brooding: lack of energy to cope w/probs, life no longer worthwhile, brood, cry,

ruminate, feellosing control of thought processes

Scale 3 – Hysteria (Hy): tendency to develop physical symptoms under stress(conversion), to experience pain; to deny social friction or discord w/ others,

histrionic/indiscriminant socialization, gregarious; don’t handle stress well, lackinsight, maturity, problems w/anger expression (avoid, repress)


>80 Very High Consider conversion reaction, extremesomatic complaints, react to stress bydeveloping somatic symptoms, symptomsmay disappear when stress subsides

Difficulty w/deep issues,use denial, defensive,naïve, lack insight, wantattention, difficultytolerating anxiety

60-80Moderate/High

Somatic symptoms, sleep disturabance, lackinsight concerning causes of symptoms,denial, demanding, immature, self-centered,suggestible, low energy, feel sad/anxious;physical complaints are way of gettingattention, not necessarily worries aboutphysical symptoms

40-59 Average No interp<40 Low No interp; conforming, inhibited, critical

thinker/logicalSUBSCALES:

Hy1-Denial of social anxiety: social extroversion, comfortable interacting w/others,not easily

influenced by social standards and customsHy2-Need for affection: strong needs for attention/affection from others, fears that

needs will not bemet if honest about feelings/beliefs; others are honest, sensitive, reasonable –

deny negativefeelings about others

Hy3-Lassitude-malaise: uncomfortable, not in good health, weak/fatigued, difficultiesconcentrating

and sleeping, feelings of unhappinessHy4-Somatic complaints: multiple somatic c/o’s, deny expressing hostility toward

othersHy5-Inhibition of aggression: deny hostile and aggressive impulses, feel sensitive

about how othersrespond to them

Scale 4 – Psychopathic Deviate (Pd): alienation, social disinhibition, tendency to comeinto conflict w/ family, authorities, and others thru rebellion, exploitation, misconduct,poorly developed conscience, and lack of internalized moral standards; admission ofsocial maladjustment w/social poise, self-confidence; impulsive, hostile, poorfrustration tolerance; judgment compromised; SA risk, sensation seeking, acting out


>75 Very High Asocial, antisocial behavior, trouble w/law(men)

Mandated, acting out –not sitting down andtolerating anxiety

60-75Moderate/High

Trouble w/law (women), use nonprescriptiondrugs (men), family/marital probs, impulsive,dissatisfied, angry/irritable/uncooperative(women), extroverted, superficialrelationships, energetic, creative, rebellioustoward authority, poor judgment, impatient;may feel bored, empty, depressed;unconventional, self-centered

Externalizing – “I get araw deal in life”

40-59 Average Independent, energetic, assertive<40 Low No interpSUBSCALES:

Pd1-Familial discord: describe family as lacking love, understanding, support; feelfamilies are/have

been critical and not permitted adequate freedom and independencePd2-Authority problems: resentment of societal and parental standards and

customs, definiteopinions about what’s right/wrong, stand up for own beliefs, admit to having

been in troublein school or with law

Pd3-Social imperturbability: not useful b/c only 6 items and not possible to obtainscore >65

Pd4-Social alienation: feel alienated, isolated, estranged; believe others don’tunderstand them, get

raw deal from lifePd5-Self-alienation: uncomfortable and unhappy, not find daily life

interesting/rewarding; expressregret, guilt, remorse for past deeds

Scale 5 – Masculinity-femininity (Mf): sex-role identification; broad patterns ofinterests, activities, attitudes, and sentiments that tend to follow gender stereotypes

T-ScoreLevel

Interpretive possibilities TreatmentImplications

>75 MalesVery High

Consider serious sexual problems >80 indicates narcissism

60-75 MalesHigh

Lack traditional masculine interests

40-59 MalesAverage

No interp

<40 MalesLow

Traditional masculine interests, “macho” Not good therapycandidate, notinterested in disclosure,discussing relationships

>75 FemalesVery High

Consider serious sexual problems

60-75FemalesHigh

Lack traditional feminine interests

40-59Females

No interp

Average<40 FemalesLow

Traditional feminine interests, may beandrogynous

May be ultra-passive,dependent, self-deprecating, self-defeating

Scale 6 – Paranoia (Pa): personal/moral rigidity, interpersonal sensitivity, resentment;ideas of being misunderstood, mistreated, persecuted, or controlled by others;tendency to construe actions, intentions, and motives of others as unfair, degrading,or hostile; paranoia, suspiciousness


>70 Very High Consider paranoid psychosis, psychoticsymptoms, disturbed thinking, delusions ofpersecution, ideas of reference

Think everyone workingagainst them, eventherapist; trust issues;hyperalertness –sensitivity; concernedabout safety;argumentative,resistant,hostile/angry/resentful

60-70Moderate/High

Paranoid predisposition, extremely sensitive,suspicious, angry/resentful, withdrawn,grandiosity (center of others’thoughts/behaviors), feel mistreated, blameothers, hostile/argumentative, emotionallylabile

Ditto; guarded,distrustful

45-59 Average No interp<45 Low Very low score may reflect paranoia d/t

extreme guardedness/vigilence, defensivetowards test administrator

• <35: callous, not interpersonally sensitiveSUBSCALES:

Pa1-Persecutory ideas: describe world as threatening place, fellmisunderstood/unfairly treated,

delusions/ideas of referencePa2-Poignancy: more high strung and sensitive than others, fell lonely and

misunderstood, may seekout risky or exciting activities to make themselves feel better

Pa3-Naivete: unrealistically optimistic attitudes about others, present selves astrusting, having high

moral standards, and not having hostile/negative impulses

Scale 7 – Psychasthenia (Pt): tendency to express stress thru tension, anxiety,apprehensiveness, worry, phobias, obsessions, rumination, compulsions, and fears oflosing control; willful and inflexible efforts to control such sx’s; psychological turmoil,distress


>75 Very High Extreme fear, anxiety, tension, disturbingthoughts, misconceptions, unable toconcentrate, depression, fear of losing mind,obsessive-compulsive symptoms (rituals,magical thinking), agitated

Tendency tointellectualize,obsessive, ruminating,deemphasize rationalthinking about problems

60-75Moderate/High

Moderate anxiety, depression, bad dreams,lack self-confidence, guilt, indecisive,perfectionistic, feels unaccepted, insomnia,fatigue, exhaustion, tension,meticulous/indecisive, shy/introverted

Some anxiety may bemotivation to work intherapy, openness totherapy


• Inability to resist specific actions or thoughts regardless of their maladaptivepattern (e.g., OCD tendencies, abnormal fears, self-criticism, difficulties inconcentration)

• Defenses not working, low ego-strength• Tends to be correlated with scale 2• 7>8: tenuous, may have brief psychotic reaction under stress; potentially

psychotic individuals can hold it together with rituals just enough to manage life• 8>7: psychotic, distressed phase of illnes

Scale 8 – Schizophrenia (Sc): severe alienation, self-contempt, apathy, cognitivedisruption, inertia, feelings of unreality, alien impulses, motor and sensoryimpairment; mental and emotional confusion


>75 Very High Consider schizophrenic dx, psychotic sx’s,social alienation/interpersonal difficulties,concentration difficulties,confused/disorganized thinking, unusualsensory experiences/delusions, physicalhealth concerns, global dysphoricthoughts/concerns, turmoil, distress,overwhelmed, paralyzed, compromisedjudgment and impulse control, impairedcontact w/reality

Problem-oriented focus,concrete; crisis oriented,stabilization/support,distress may motivatefor therapy

60-75Moderate/High

Schizoid life style (internally focused),unusual beliefs, eccentric behaviors,generalized fear/anxiety, confused, fearful,

bad dreams, aloof, uninvolved, excessivefantasy and daydreaming, feel sad, somaticcomplaints


• Overlap with F, correlated with K• 7-8 within 10 t-score points: less likelihood of psychotic d/o, shows maintenance

of cognitive controlSUBSCALES:

Sc1-Social alienation: feel mistreated, misunderstood, unloved; others are trying toharm them;

avoid social situations/interpersonal relationshipsSc2-Emotional alienation: feel fear, depression, apathy; wish they were deadSc3-Lack of ego mastery, cognitive: report strange thought processes, feelings of

unreality,difficulties in concentration and memory; at times feel losing their minds

Sc4-Lack of ego mastery, conative: life is a strain, feel depressed; worryexcessively, respond to

stress by withdrawing into fantasy and daydreaming; wish they were deadSc5-Lack of ego mastery, defective inhibition: feel not in control of

emotions/impulses, restless,hyperactive, periods of laughing/crying can’t control, episodes of not knowing

what they aredoing – can’t later remember what they’ve done

Sc6-Bizarre sensory experiences: feel bodies are changing in strange and unusualways, report skin

sensitivity and other unusual sensory experiences, have hallucinations, unusualthought

content, ideas of reference

Scale 9 – Hypomania (Ma): hi scores = rapid and energetic personal tempo,hyperarousal, hyperactivity, stimulation-seeking, euphoria, imperviousness,undercontrol, rebellious impulses; features of hypomanic disturbance (activity level,excitability, grandiosity); low scores = lethargy, slowness, submissiveness,vulnerability, scrupulousness, depression

T-ScoreLevel

Interpretive possibilities TreatmentImplications

>80 VeryHigh

Consider bipolar disorder, manic type; manicsymptoms, excessive purposeless activity,hallucinations, delusions of grandeur,confusion, flight of ideas

Less insight-oriented,distractible, lesscooperative, restless,impatient

70-80 High Excessive energy, lack direction, conceptualdisorganization, unrealistic self-appraisal,impulsive, low frustration tolerance, bossy,talk too much

60-69Moderate

Active, extroverted, rebellious, energetic,creative, gregarious, seeks excitement,enterprising

40-59Average

Energetic, assertive, self-confident

<40 Low No interp; can indicate low energy level,depression

SUBSCALES:Ma1-Amorality: describe others as selfish, dishonest, opportunistic; thus feel justified

in behaving insimilar ways; derive vicarious satisfaction from manipulative exploits of others

Ma2-Psychomotor acceleration: accelerated speech, thought processes, and motoractivities; feel

tense, restless, excited; easily bored, seek out risk/excitement/danger toovercome boredomMa3-Imperturbability: deny social anxiety, feel comfortable interacting w/others,

profess littleconcern about opinions, values, attitudes of others

Ma4: Ego inflation: unrealistic evaluations of own abilities and self-worth, feelresentful when

others make demands on them

Scale 0 – Social Introversion (Si): hi score = introversion, shyness, social anxiety,social timidity and awkwardness, social avoidance; low score = extroversion,outgoingness, social comfort and skill, social intrepidity, social stimulation-seeking


>75 Very High Extreme withdrawal, insecure, indecisive Difficulty expressingfeelings, reticence aboutrelationships, inhibited

60-75Moderate/High

Introverted/shy/timid, depressed, guilty, slowpersonal tempo, lack self-confidence, lackinterest, submissive, compliant,overcontrolled, reliable, dependable, valueswork, passive; difficulty establishingrelationships

40-59 Average No interp<40 Low Extroverted, gregarious, self-reliant,

energetic, competitive, undercontrolled,manipulative, sociable, friendly, outgoing,verbally fluent

Action-oriented, notinsight-oriented

Well Below 40 Very low: immature, impulsive, attention-seeking, competitive, superficial, not able todisclose emotionally (like scale 3)

SUBSCALES:Si1-Shyness/self-consciousness: feel shy around others, easily embarrassed, ill at

ease in socialsituations, uncomfortable in new situations

Si2-Social avoidance: great dislike and avoidance of group activities and being incrowds, avoidance

of contact w/ other people

Si3-Alienation-self and others: low self-esteem/confidence, self-critical, questionown judgment,

incapable of determining own fate, nervousness, fearfulness, indecisiveness,suspiciousness of

others

DEFENSE MECHANISMS*

*Trimboli, F. & Kilgore, R.B. (1983). A psychodynamic approach to MMPIinterpretation. Journal of

Personality Assessment, 47 (6), 612-626.

Defense Mechanisms Indicated by Scale Elevations:3: Repression, channel conflicts into vague physical complaints4: Externalization, acting out, rationalization, intellectualization5: “Feminine” – sublimation (mild to moderate level), suppression (high elevation) “Masculine” – assertive behavior (mild to moderate), inappropriate channeling ofaggressive impulses (high)6: Projection, externalization9: Denial, distraction, acting out (especially 4-9)0: Avoidance, withdrawalK: Guardedness, unwilling to acknowledge psychological weaknesses, repression,rationalizationL: Primitive, repression, rigid denial (high elevation)F: Lack of effective defensive functioning (high F, low L & K), repression, denial (lowF, high K & L)

Management of Anxiety Using Defenses: Elevations on symptom scales when defensemechanisms are insufficient to bind anxieties aroused by difficulties

• 1: Displacement, channel emotional concerns into somatic complaints• 2: Elevation is best single index of breached defenses• 7-2: Less efficient uses of repression, magical thinking, rumination, rituals;

acute distress• 8: Defenses deteriorate to great extent under stress (severe decompensation)• 3-2-7: Intensified attempts to repress anxiety• 2-7, with 4, 6, or 9: Neurotic decompensation• 6-8-0: Psychotic decompensation

o 8-0 > 9: social/emotional isolation, apathy, withdrawalo 8>7: fragmentationo 6>7: gross projections (delusions)

Management of Aggression and Hostility:• Direct expression:

o 4: Diffuse focuso 4-9: Act out w/o regard for consequences

o 6: Focused anger, specific otherso 4 and 6 potentiate each other: dangerous because act out against others

directly, especially with increased 9o 3: Inhibiting effect on 4

• Indirect expression:o 3: Repress direct expression, covert expressiono 1-2-3: Use physical symptoms to punish caretakerso 3-6: Less transparent – more overt expression (though individual is

unaware of anger they’re expressing)o 3-4: Intense aggressive impulses (3>4: passive aggressive; 4>3:

overcontrolled with brief episodes of violent acting out)• Aggression turned toward self:

o 2: Lack capacity to discharge aggression in adaptive/effective way, leadsto anxiety

o 2-7: Suicide risk, greater risk when paired with poor impulse control (4, 9)or poor judgment (8)

o 5-8: primitive identification with aggressor

mmpi2

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