MMPI-2

Question 1

What scales on the MPPI-2 should be interpreted first?

Answer 1

VALIDITY SCALES. DUH!

Question 2

What is the threshold for interpretable validity scores?

Answer 2

T>65

Question 3

What is the VRIN Scale?

Answer 3

(Variable Response Inconsistency) - Detects random responding. If T ≥ 80, you DO NOT INTERPRET.

Question 4

What is the TRIN Scale?

Answer 4

(True Response Inconsistency) - Designed to detect fixed responding (Acquiescence or Counter-Acquiescence).

• Scores > 50 will include an F or T (to show response trend)
• Fix response set indicated if TRIN ≥ 80
• could detect difficulty reading.

Question 5

What is the F scale?

Answer 5

• Identifies over-reporting.
  May indicate:
• intentional over-reporting (malingering)
• Random (VRIN) or fixed (TRIN) responding
• Severe psychopathology/severe stress

Question 6

What is the Fb Scale?

Answer 6

(F back)
- Designed to detect changes in responding between 1st half and 2nd half of assessment.
May indicate:
- intentional over-reporting
- Random (VRIN) or fixed (TRIN) Responding
- Severe psychopathology
- Fatigue

*if Fb > F+20, then significant change in responding has occurred.

Question 7

What is the Fp Scale?

Answer 7

(Infrequency Psychopathology)
- Designed to detect intentional over-reporting in individuals with psychopathology.
Possible Reasons for Elevation:
- Intentional Over-Reporting
- Random or Fixed Responding
if Fp ≥ 100 w/ VRIN & TRIN < 70, OVER-REPORTING IS HAPPENING
**If F is elevated AND Fp < 70, then elevated F likely reflects severe distress/pathology or unintentional over-reporting.
**If 70

Question 8

What is the FBS Scale?

Answer 8

(Symptom Validity Scale)

• Assesses somatic concerns, unusual beliefs, & deviant attitudes.
• T≥ 100, then likely non-credible reporting of cognitive deficits.
• elevated scores may indicate over-reporting of somatic and/or cognitive symptoms

Question 9

What is the L Scale?

Answer 9

(Lie or Uncommon Virtues Scale)
- Detects intentional under-reporting
Possible Reasons for Elevation include:
 - intentional under reporting
- lack of insight
- very traditional
- indiscriminant responding
*If L is elevated, CANNOT assume lack of elevation on MMPI-2 scales is associated w/ absence of psychopathology. 
A high L would indicate suppressed clinical scales.

Question 10

What is the K Scale?

Answer 10

(Correction Scale)
- Designed to detect unintentional under-reporting.
May indicate:
- defensiveness
- psychological well-being
*If K is elevated, CANNOT assume absence of elevations on clinical scales is associated w/ absence of psychopathology.
Clinical scales may be higher than they actually appear.

Question 11

What is the S Scale?

Answer 11

(Superlative Self-Presentation)

• Identifies under-reporting with the entire MMPI-2 Item pool/ Contains sub scales to assist in identifying specific areas of defensiveness:
  1. belief in human goodness
  2. serenity
  3. contentment w/ life
  4. Patience and Denial of irritability and anger
  5. denial of moral flaws

Question 12

What is the HS scale (Scale 1)?

Answer 12

(Hypochondriasis)
- measures preoccupation w/ health issues.
If T ≥ 75, indicates extreme/bizarre somatic concerns; consider somatic delusions/chronic pain.
If T=65-74, indicates somatic complaints, may develop somatic sxs in times of stress.

Question 13

What is the D Scale (Scale 2)?

Answer 13

(Depression)
- measures depressive sxs, pessimism, devaluation of self.
If T ≥ 75, serious clinical depression, SI, unworthiness
If T=65-74, moderate depression, worried, somatic complaints

Question 14

What is the Hy Scale (Scale 3)?

Answer 14

(Hysteria)
- measures avoidance and somatization of interpersonal complaints.
If T≥75, Extreme somatic complaints. consider conversion disorder. Reacts to stress by developing somatic sxs

Question 15

What is Pd Scale (Scale 4)?

Answer 15

(Psychopathic Deviate)
- Charts a disposition toward amoral and asocial behavior. Also reflects deficits of empathy, family conflict, unsocialized behavior, & problems w/ authority.

If T≥75, antisocial behavior, trouble w/ the law.
T=65-74, Rebellious, non-conforming; family problems; impulsive, angry, irritable, dissatisfied; creative, underachievement, poor work hx

Question 16

What is the Mf Scale (Scale 5)?

Answer 16

(Masculinity-Femininity (Mf)
- Measures balance of masculine vs feminine gender identification
FOR MEN: T≥65, lacks traditional masculine interests
FOR WOMEN:T≥65 Rejects traditional feminine role.

Question 17

What is the Pa Scale (Scale 6)?

Answer 17

(Paranoia)
- Includes ideas of reference, mistreatment, and persecution.
If T≥75, Psychotic symptoms, including delusions of persecution and ideas of reference
If T=65-74, Paranoid style, guarded, extremely sensitive to opinions of others, may feel mistreated, blames others, suspicious, resentful, withdrawn, hostile.

Question 18

What is the Pt Scale (Scale 7)?

Answer 18

(Psychasthenia)
- Reflects level of obsessiveness, anxiety, tension, and depression.
If T≥75, extreme psychological turmoil, intruding thoughts, unable to concentrate, OCD symptoms
If T=65-74, Moderate anxiety, depression, fatigue; insomnia, bad dreams, guilt, perfectionism

Question 19

What is the Sc Scale (Scale 8)?

Answer 19

(Schizophrenia)
- incorporates dimensions of personal confusion, cognitive,, interference, and damage to self-esteem.
If T≥75, confused, disorganized thinking; hallucinations and/or delusions; impaired contact w/ reality; rule out medical conditions, substance use
T=65-74, Schizoid life style; unusual beliefs; eccentric behaviors, confused, fearful, sad; somatic complaints; uninvolved; excessive fantasy and daydreaming.

Question 20

What is the Ma Scale (Scale 9)?

Answer 20

(Hypomania)
- Measures a person’s excitability potential.
If T≥75, manic sxs, including excessive, purposeless activity; hallucinations, delusions of grandeur; confusion, flight of ideas
If T=65-74, excessive energy, lacks direction, conceptual disorganization, unrealistic self-appraisal; impulsive, low frustration tolerance

Question 21

What is the Si Scale (Scale 0)?

Answer 21

(Social Introversion-Extroversion)
- reflects shyness, modesty, and a dislike of crowds
If T≥75, extreme social withdrawal/avoidance
T=65-74, Introverted, depressed, guilty, slow personal tempo; lacks self-confidence; lacks interests; submissive, compliant
T<45 Extroverted, gregarious, self-reliant, energetic, competitive, under-controlled, manipulative.