MMPI-2 Flashcards

Question

Cry for Help Profile

Answer 1

Inverted V or Cry for Help: L and K lower than F. Check for secondary gain and be alert for malingering. Can be indicative of true distress.

Answer 2

L and K T scores > 65 higher than F which has a T score in the 40-50 range suggests guardedness and defensiveness. V shaped or check mark shaped

Answer 3

Do not routinely use K-corrected scores Always consider impact of correction-do not overpathologize test takers Calculate both and compare and contrast For clinical populations, use K- corrected scores For Normals use, non corrected Consider and discuss in interpretation Used on 1,4,7,8,9

Answer 4

Hs - Hypochondriasis 32 Items (lost 1 item from MMPI) Preoccupation with the body and fear of illness and disease Homogeneous and unidimensional Denial of good health Admission of a variety of somatic symptoms Medical Patients Average T=60 T > 80 - Extreme somatic concern - Consider somatic delusions T = 60-80 - Somatic concerns - Sleep disturbance - Lacks energy - Demanding - Dissatisfied - Complaining, whiny T = 40-59 - Average

Answer 5

D - Depression 57 items (lost 3 items from MMPI) Poor morale, lack of hope in the future, and general dissatisfaction with life Denial of happiness, psychomotor retardation, withdrawal, and lack of interest Denial of hostile impulses Difficulty with concentration and memory General dissatisfaction and discomfort with life circumstances T > 70 - Serious clinical depression T = 60-70 - Moderate depression - Dissatisfaction with life situation - Worried - Somatic complaints - Withdrawn - Lacks self-confidence T = 40-59 - Average T < 40 - Low score; no interpretation

Answer 6

Hy - Hysteria 60 items (none lost from MMPI) Developed to identify individuals who were having hysterical reactions to stress, e.g., psychogenic symptoms and loss of function Two clusters of items Denial of physical health and report of variety of physical complaints Denial of psychological or emotional problems Medical Patients T > 80 - Consider conversion reaction T = 60-80 - Somatic symptoms - Sleep disturbance - Lacks insight concerning causes of symptoms - Denial - Immature, self-centered - Demanding - Suggestible - Affiliative T = 40-59 - Average T < 40 - Low score; no interpretation

Answer 7

Pd - Psychopathic Deviate 50 items (none lost from MMPI) Developed to identify psychopathic personality type Amoral, asocial individuals Criterion group were not prisoners Engaged in delinquent acts Lying, stealing, sexual promiscuity, excessive drinking Absence of satisfaction with life Family problems, difficulty with authority Delinquency, sexual problems Scale assesses both social maladjustment and social confidence and poise Graham: indicates rebelliousness T > 75 - Asocial/antisocial behavior T = 60-75 - Rebellious, non-conforming - Family problems - Impulsive - Angry, irritable - Extroverted uncooperative (Women) - Creative - Dissatisfied - Energetic - Superficial Relationships T = 40-59 - Average T < 40 - Low score; no interpretation

Answer 8

Mf - Masculinity-Femininity 56 items (lost 4 from MMPI) 52 items keyed in same direction for both men and women 4 items dealing with sexual material keyed in opposite direction T score is reversed for men and women Scale was initially developed to identify homosexuals Few items actually worked Added items that differentiated men and women Few items related to sexual topics Most items associated with Work and recreational interests Worries, fears, and excessive sensitivity Family relationships Measures interests and is not related to symptoms or problems in inpatient, outpatient, or normal groups MEN T > 75 - May report sexual concerns, problems T = 60-75 - Lacks traditional masculine interests T = 40-59 - Average T < 40 - Very traditional masculine interests WOMEN T > 75 - May report sexual concerns, problems T = 60-75 - Lacks traditional feminine interests T = 40-59 - Average T < 40 - Very traditional feminine interests (but not exclusively)

Answer 9

``` Pa - Paranoia 40 items (none lost from MMPI) Developed to identify patients with paranoid symptoms Ideas of reference Feelings of persecution Suspiciousness Excessive sensitivity Rigid opinions and attitudes T > 70 - Consider paranoid psychosis ``` T = 60-70 - Paranoid style - Guarded - Extremely sensitive - Suspicious - Angry, resentful - Withdrawn T = 45-59 - Average T < 45 - Low score; no interpretation

Answer 10

``` Pt - Psychasthenia 48 items (none lost from MMPI) Excessive doubt, compulsions, obsessions, unreasonable fears Item content reflects Uncontrollable or obsessive thoughts Feelings of fear and/or anxiety Self-doubt General distress and unhappiness T > 75 - Extreme fear, anxiety, tension - Intruding thoughts - Unable to concentrate ``` T = 60-75 - Moderate anxiety -Depression - Bad dreams - Lacks self-confidence - Guilt - Perfectionistic - Indecisive - Feels unaccepted T = 40-59 - Average T < 40 - Low score; no interpretation

Answer 11

``` Sc - Schizophrenia 78 items (none lost from MMPI) Disturbance of thinking, mood, and behavior Misinterpretation of consensual reality Delusions and hallucinations Item content heterogeneous Frankly psychotic behavior and symptoms Social alienation and estrangement Poor family relations Worries and fears Dissatisfaction Concentration difficulties T > 75 - Distress and confusion - Acute psychological turmoil - Consider psychotic disorder diagnosis ``` T = 60-75 - Schizoid life-style - Fearful - Confused - Aloof, uninvolved - Excessive fantasy -Daydreaming T = 40-59 - Average T < 40 - Low score; no interpretation

Answer 12

``` Ma - Hypomania 46 items (none lost from MMPI) Elevated mood; accelerated speech and motor activity; irritability; flight of ideas; and brief periods of dysphoria Item content High activity level Excitability Irritability Grandiosity Family relationships T > 80 - Consider Bipolar Disorder, manic type ``` T = 70-80 - Excessive energy - Bossy - Conceptual disorganization - Impulsive - Unrealistic self-appraisal - Talks too much - Low frustration tolerance - Lacks direction T = 60-69 - Active - Energetic - Extraverted - Creative - Rebellious T = 40-59 - Average

Answer 13

Si - Social Introversion 69 items (lost one from MMPI) Developed to assess the tendency to withdraw from social situations and responsibilities Contrasted women who scored high on introversion-extroversion scale from those who had low scores Two types of items Social participation General maladjustment and self-depreciation T > 75 - Extreme social withdrawal/avoidance T = 60-75 - Introverted, shy, timid - Depressed, guilty - Slow personal tempo - Lacks self-confidence - Lacks interest - Submissive, compliant - Overcontrolled - Reliable, dependable - Values work T = 40-59 - Average T < 40 - Extraverted, gregarious - Self-reliant - Energetic - Competitive - Undercontrolled - Manipulative

Answer 14

Provide information regarding the type of items endorsed on the corresponding clinical scale Very few items on some makes them relatively unreliable; two subscales do not reach T of 65: Hy1 (Denial of Social Anxiety) Pd3 (Social Imperturbability) Considerable item overlap between subscales affects validity Should not be interpreted unless parent scale is significantly elevated

Answer 15

2-D, 3-Hy,4-Pd, 6-Pa, 8-Sc, 5-Ma, 0-Si

Answer 16

Provide information regarding the type of items endorsed on the corresponding clinical scale Very few items on some makes them relatively unreliable; two subscales do not reach T of 65: Hy1 (Denial of Social Anxiety) Pd3 (Social Imperturbability) Considerable item overlap between subscales affects validity Should not be interpreted unless parent scale is significantly elevated

Answer 17

Order clinical scales highest to lowest (exclude 5 and 0) Only one code type per profile Two-point code types: Identifies which two clinical scales are the highest Three-point code types: Identifies which three clinical scales are the highest Elevated vs. Non-elevated Elevated: Scale scores ≥ 65; valid to make inferences about both symptoms and personality characteristics Non-elevated: Scale scores < 65; valid to make inferences about personality characteristics but not symptoms Well-defined code type: T scores of the scales comprising the code type are > 65, and are 5 or more T score points higher than the T scores on the remaining clinical scales Advantage to well-defined code types Stable up to 30 omitted items Descriptors of code type more valid Most defined two-point code types are interchangeable: 27/72 means we can basically make the same interpretation for the 2-7 code type as we do for the 7-2 code type Can frequently find elevated and well-defined three point code types where descriptors have been empirically derived Rules for defining three-point code type are the same as for two-point code type All three scales are elevated and fall within 5 T scores of each other Lowest scale of code type is 5 T-score points above the next highest scale

Answer 18

Often found in medical settings and it can be a frequently obtained profile in inpatient settings Associated with chronic medical or physical problem, chronic pain, and an Axis III diagnosis Resist psychological explanations for their difficulties, preferring medical answers Common Descriptors Wide range of somatic complaints including: Headaches, back pain, numbness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, dizziness Sleep disturbance, low sex drive Are preoccupied with physical health Symptoms appear and disappear quickly in response to emotional stress Present self as psychologically normal, responsible, and without fault

Answer 19

``` Outpatient Depression, anxiety, and self-degradation Sad and depressed Diagnosis of dysthymia Feeling hopeless, lacking energy, sleep disturbance, and fatigue Not achievement or work oriented Inpatient Admitted for depression Less likely to be delusional or psychotic Depressed mood and loss of interest Compulsions Withdrawn History of Treatment with ECT Generally have insight into condition ```

Answer 20

Persons with the 29/92 code type tend to be self-centered and narcissistic. They ruminate excessively about self-worth. Although they may express concern about achieving at a high level, it often appears that they set themselves up for failure. In younger persons, the 29/92 code type may be suggestive of an identity crisis characterized by lack of personal and vocational direction. Persons with this code type report feeling tense and anxious,and romantic complains, often centering in the upper gastrointestinal tract, are common. Although they may not appear to be clinically depressed at the time they are examined, their histories typically suggest periods of serious depression. Excessive use of alcohol may be employed as an escape from stress and pressure. They 29/92 code type suggests individuals who are denying underlying feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness and defending against and depression through excessive activity. Alternating periods of increased activity and fatuige may occur. Psychiatric patients with the 29/92 code type often have diagnoses of bipolar disorder. This code type sometimes is found for patients with brain damage who have lost emotional control or who are trying to cope with deficits through excessive activity. It should be emphasized, however, that this code type of other MMPI-2 information should not be used to diagnose brain damage.

Answer 21

In outpatients More likely to have histories of sexual abuse Report somatic complaints, anxiety, and depression Described as experiencing acute psychological turmoil including anxiety, depression, agitation, sleep disturbance Suspicious and paranoid delusional thinking, daydream excessively In general Don’t fit into environment Seen as odd and peculiar Angry and erratic Act out in antisocial ways Come into conflict with societal standards often for sexual behavior Underachievement and marginal adjustment

Answer 22

Generally associated with a thought disorder Most frequently found well-defined code type among inpatient men In outpatients frequently associated with depression Reaction to stress by withdrawal into fantasy Paranoid ideation Auditory hallucinations Admitted to inpatient unit for worsening psychosis Have a number of suicide attempts Paranoid delusions Schizophrenia diagnosis Schizoid life style

Answer 23

One of the most frequently obtained code types in both inpatient and outpatient setting Seen by therapists as non-conforming and feeling they got a raw deal from life Poor family relationships and projection of blame onto family members Psychotic symptoms may be present Argumentative, sullen, and angry Inpatients Drug abuse Marijuana, cocaine, polysubstance abuse Contact with criminal justice system Less likely to have chronic medical or physical problems Homeless Axis II Cluster B diagnosis

Answer 24

``` Common descriptors for outpatients Problems with authority figures Impulsivity Superficial relationships Characterized as Eccentric, cynical, narcissistic Generally free of anxiety and depression ETOH and Substance Abuse/Dependence Antisocial behaviors Delinquent acts Low frustration tolerance Extroverted, talkative, thrill seeking Poor judgment Difficulty delaying gratification Fail to consider the consequence of action Frequent Axis II diagnosis (Antisocial) ```

Answer 25

Outpatient More likely to report anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms Rated as sad and depressed Feel as if life is a strain Very strongly associated with somatization, and report multiple somatic complaints Develop physical symptoms in response to stress Preoccupied with health Low energy level Secondary gain associated with symptoms Frequently observed among chronic pain patients undergoing treatment Lack sex drive Good marital and work adjustment

Answer 26

Have Axis I diagnosis of depression and Axis II diagnosis of Antisocial PD History of psychiatric hospitalization, suicide attempts, and being physically abused Described as circumstantial and tangential, defensive, and demand attention Sad, depressed, and have suicidal ideation Tend to be antisocial Low tolerance for frustration Critical, hostile, angry, aggressive, argumentative, and resentful Anxious and agitated Psychotic symptoms with paranoid ideation Suspiciousness, feeling that they were getting a raw deal from life Often feel like a failure

Answer 27

-if 1,2,3 are elevated, called the neurotic tryaid

Answer 28

The psychotic tetrad 6 Pa: Paranoia (40): Suspiciousness, delusions of grandeur and persecution 7 Pt: Psychasthenia (48): General neurotic symptoms, including obsession, compulsion, fear, and guilt 8 Sc: Schizophrenia (78): Bizarre thoughts and behavior, delusions, hallucinations 9 Ma: Hypomania (46): Emotional excitement and overactivity

Answer 29

multiple elevations 2468 who do we love to hate BPD

Answer 30

Developed by Tellegen, Ben-Porath, McNulty, Arbisi, Graham & Kaemmer (2003) Original clinical scales were very heterogenous in content and not very independent of each other Significant item overlap between scales Factor analysis revealed that even when overlapping items were removed, some clinical scales were still strongly intercorrelated Major source of variance was a factor labeled as anxiety, general maladjustment, or emotional distress High scale scores inherently included this overlapping distress factor RC Scales developed in order to sort out degree of emotional distress vs. degree of core construct of scale (e.g., depression, aberrant thinking Designed to preserve descriptive properties of Clinical Scales while enhancing distinctiveness Reliability Internal consistency:Higher than Clinical Scales Test-retest: Stable after retest interval of one week Validity Convergent validity: Similar to and greater than Clinical and Content Scales Discriminant validity: Reduction of Demoralization factor Some RC Scales are more focused measures of core constructs than counterpart scales

Answer 31

dem Demoralization Provides indication of overall emotional well-being High scorers expressing discomfort and turmoil High scorers likely to have high scores on other RC, Clinical, and Content Scales, especially those with strong affective components High scorers report: Feeling discouraged and demoralized Poor self-esteem and pessimism Believe they have failed in past and expect to fail in future Feeling overwhelmed Incapable of coping with current life circumstances Depression, anxiety, and somatic complaints

Answer 32

som Somatic Complaints Similar to scale 1, Hypochondriasis and Health Concerns (HEA) Content Scale High scorers: Large number of physical complaints, including chronic pain Preoccupied with bodily functions Develop physical symptoms as a result of psychological or interpersonal difficulties Report symptoms of depression and anxiety

Answer 33

lpe Low Positive Emotions High scorers: Lack of positive emotional engagement in life Unhappy, demoralized, at risk for clinical depression Lack energy to deal with life demands Difficulty taking charge, making decisions, getting things done Helpless and hopeless Introverted, passive, withdrawn, bored, isolated Pessimistic, have low expectations of success, not likely to engage in competitive situations

Answer 34

cyn Cynicism Clinical scale 3 has two major components: Somatic complaints Avowal of excessive trust of others Somatic component assigned to RC1, so RC3 assesses second component, scored in the opposite direction. High scorers: See other people as untrustworthy, uncaring, concerned only about themselves, and exploitive Low scorers: Likely to be naïve, gullible, overly trusting of others

Answer 35

asb Antisocial Behavior Purer measure of antisocial characteristics than clinical scale 4 High Scorers: Difficulties conforming to societal norms and expectations Histories of difficulties with the law At increased risk for substance abuse Aggressive behavior, conflicted interpersonal relationships Critical, argumentative, angry, antagonistic Typically did not do well in school, have work-related problems

Answer 36

per Ideas of Persecution Purer measure of persecutory thinking than clinical scale 6 High scorers: Feel targeted, controlled, victimized by outside forces Suspicious of motives of others Difficulty forming trusting relationships T ≥ 75 associated with delusions, hallucinations, other psychotic symptoms

Answer 37

dne Dysfunctional Negative Emotions High scorers: Experience negative emotions, including anxiety, irritability, and depression Report intrusive, unwanted ideation Very insecure, very sensitive to perceived criticism Ruminate and brood about self-perceived failures Passive and submissive in interpersonal relationships

Answer 38

abx Aberrant Experiences More focused measure of sensory, perceptual, cognitive, and motor disturbances than clinical scale 8 High scorers: T ≥ 65 likely reporting hallucinations, delusions, bizarre sensory experiences Impaired reality testing T ≥ 75 likely diagnosis of schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or schizoaffective disorder

Answer 39

``` hpm Hypomanic Activation High scorers: Thoughts racing High energy level Heightened mood Irritability Poor impulse control May be aggressive Substance abuse Sensation seekers Risk takers T ≥ 75 may suggest manic episode of Bipolar Disorder T = 60-70 may indicate extroverted person with adaptive high energy level ```

Answer 40

High scale scores inherently included this overlapping distress factor RC Scales developed in order to sort out degree of emotional distress vs. degree of core construct of scale (e.g., depression, aberrant thinking Designed to preserve descriptive properties of Clinical Scales while enhancing distinctiveness demoralization is taken out of rc scales, more pure measure

Answer 41

Originally developed by Wiggins (1969) using the entire MMPI item pool Rational Identification of Content areas Elimination of most item overlap between scales Due to item deletions in MMPI-2, scale of Religious Fundamentalism no longer adequate MMPI-2 Content Scales developed by Butcher, Graham, Williams, and Ben-Porath (1990)

Answer 42

Interpretation: Consider 65 and above; view scores as direct communication from test takers; high scores reflect what the examinee wants the examiner to know about them

Answer 43

``` Anxiety High scorers on ANX report general symptoms of anxiety including: Tension Somatic problems Sleep difficulties Worries Poor concentration Fear of losing their minds Find life a strain Difficulties making decisions Appear to be readily aware of these symptoms and problems and are willing to admit to them No Content Component Scales ```

Answer 44

Bizarre Mentation High scores on BIZ: Psychotic thought processes Auditory, visual, or olfactory hallucinations May recognize that thoughts are strange and peculiar Paranoid ideation (e.g., the belief that they are being plotted against or that someone is trying to poison them) May feel that they have a special mission or special powers BIZ1 - Psychotic Symptomatology BIZ2 - Schizotypal Characteristics

Answer 45

Low Self-Esteem High scores on LSE: Characterize individuals with low opinions of themselves Believe that they are not liked by others or that they are unimportant Hold many negative attitudes about themselves including beliefs that they are unattractive, awkward and clumsy, useless, and a burden to others Lack self-confidence, and find it hard to accept compliments from others May be overwhelmed by all the faults they see in themselves LSE1 - Self Doubt LSE2 - Submissiveness

Answer 46

Social Discomfort SOD high scorers: Very uneasy around others, preferring to be by themselves When in social situations, likely to sit alone, rather than joining in the group They see themselves as shy Dislike parties and other group events SOD1 - Introversion SOD2 - Shyness

Answer 47

Family Problems High scorers on FAM: Considerable family discord Families described as lacking in love, quarrelsome, and unpleasant May report hating members of their families May portray childhood as abusive, and marriages seen as unhappy and lacking in affection FAM1 - Family Discord FAM2 - Familial Alienation

Answer 48

Work Interference High score on WRK: Indicative of behaviors and/or attitudes likely to contribute to poor work performance Some of the problems relate to low self-confidence, concentration difficulties, obsessiveness, tension and pressure, and decision making Others suggest lack of family support for career choice, personal questioning of career choice, and negative attitudes towards co-workers No Content Component Scales

Answer 49

Negative Treatment Indicators High scores on TRT: May indicate individuals with negative attitudes towards doctors and mental health treatment Believe that no one can understand or help them Have issues or problems that they are not comfortable discussing with anyone May not want to change anything in their lives, nor do they feel that change is possible Prefer giving up rather than facing a crisis or difficulty Scale is saturated with general maladjustment TRT1 - Low Motivation TRT2 - Inability to Disclose

Answer 50

Cynicism High scores on CYN: Misanthropic beliefs Expect hidden, negative motives behind the acts of others Distrust others; people use each other and are only friendly for selfish reasons Likely hold negative attitudes about those close to them, including fellow workers, family, and friends CYN1 - Misanthropic Beliefs CYN2 - Interpersonal Suspiciousness

Answer 51

Antisocial Practices High scores on ASP: Similar misanthropic attitudes as high scorers on CYN Report problem behaviors during their school years and other antisocial practices such as being in trouble with the law, stealing or shoplifting Report sometimes enjoying the antics of criminals and believe that it is all right to get around the law, as long as it is not broken ASP1 - Antisocial Attitudes ASP2 - Antisocial Behavior

Answer 52

When at least 10 T score points between component scales, can see what to emphasize / de-emphasize based upon higher / lower scores

Answer 53

Interpret only when parent content scale T score ≥ 60 When at least 10 T score points between component scales, can see what to emphasize / de-emphasize based upon higher / lower scores

Answer 54

An ad hoc collection of scales and sets of scales developed over the course of the test’s history More than 450 scales have been developed over the years; updated periodically Included based on evidence that they provide information not available from the Clinical Scales Augment Clinical Scale interpretation by focusing on more specific areas of personality function and dysfunction Organized into five categories: Personality Psychopathology-5 Scales (PSY-5) Broad Personality Characteristics Generalized Emotional Distress Behavioral Dyscontrol Gender Role

Answer 55

Anxiety Anxious, uncomfortable Poor overall adjustment Negative emotion, dysphoria, decreased energy

Answer 56

Repression Internalizing Conventional, cautious

Answer 57

Ego Strength Empirically Developed to Predict Response to Psychotherapy 17 patients who improved within six months and 16 patients who did not improve Low scores associated with: Maladjustment High scores associated with: Confidence; psychological resources

Answer 58

``` MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale-Revised 49 items Items that differentiate male alcoholic from non-alcoholic psychiatric patients (excluded overt alcohol items) Risk-taking, sensation-seeking Extroverted, exhibitionistic Increased risk for substance abuse Interpretation Raw score > 28 positive Raw score of 24-27 possible alcohol problems Caution: Not valid scale with women ```

Answer 59

Personality Psychopathology - 5 (PSY-5) Scales Aggressiveness (AGGR) Psychoticism (PSYC) Disconstraint (DISC) Negative Emotionality/Neuroticism (NEGE) Introversion/Low Positive Emotionality (INTR) Developed to provide an overview of major personality trait features Linked to but conceptually distinct from other personality trait models (Five Factor Model) Blends the clinical and normal perspective of personality assessment

Answer 60

Overcontrolled Hostility Developed by identifying items that were answered differently by extremely assaultive prisoners, moderately assaultive prisoners, nonviolent prisoners, and men never convicted of crimes High Scores: Defensiveness Low Scores: Self-punitiveness, self-blaming, expression of angry feelings

Answer 61

Addiction Admission Rationally identified items Obvious item content Shows promise in distinguishing between substance abusers and general psychiatric patients T > 60 Acknowledging substance abuse History of acting out Impulsive, risk-taking Critical, argumentative, angry, aggressive Items that men and women in inpatient CD unit answered differently from men and women psychiatric inpatients and normative group ``` Heterogeneous item content assessing: Antisocial behavior Extroversion Excitement seeking, risk-taking, recklessness Satisfaction / dissatisfaction with self Powerlessness / lack of self-efficacy ```

Answer 62

Addiction Potential

Answer 63

``` Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Intense emotional distress Anxiety and sleep disturbance Cutoff scores vary across settings Sensitive but not specific Combat veterans seeking services in VA Raw score of 28 T score > 83 Not specific for noncombat PTSD Women subjected to domestic abuse Workers injured in work-related accidents ```

Answer 64

Marital Distress 14 items identified by correlating MMPI-2 items with scores on Dyadic Adjustment Scale in couples in counseling and normative group Dissatisfaction with marriage or romantic relationship

Answer 65

Items whose content is indicative of serious psychopathology Several sets most useful Koss-Butcher and Lachar-Wrobel Caution most items overlap with scales F and 8 and keyed True Consider as clarifying responses DO NOT OVER INTERPRET Items indicate serious distress or psychopathology.

Answer 66

Items whose content is indicative of serious psychopathology Several sets most useful Koss-Butcher and Lachar-Wrobel Caution most items overlap with scales F and 8 and keyed True Consider as clarifying responses DO NOT OVER INTERPRET Several sets most useful Koss-Butcher and Lachar-Wrobel? No idea what that means. Think they are useful because they can quickly inform you of self-harming and suicidal ideation/behaviors. Also, can use to compare to other scales.