MMP I-2 Interpretative Interpretative S tatements tatements MMPI-2 MMPI-2 Interp Interprretatio etation: n:
Implic Implicati ations ons of Score Score Elev Elevati ations ons
TABLE 10. ? (Cannot Say) Score: Implications of Score Elevations
Raw-Score Level High High (30 & above)
Useful Usefulne ness ss of P rofile rofile Proba Proba bly bly invalid
Source of Elevation Elevation Severe reading problems or dyslexia Psychomotor retardation Confusion Defiance Indecision
Interpreti Interpretive ve Possibi Possibiliti lities es Severe S evere depression depression Obse ssio na l state
Unfamili Unfamiliar ariity with it h English language Paranoid Paranoid menta mentati tion on
Moderate Modera te (11-29)
Questionable Questio nable valid ity
Mild reading re ading problems Lack Lac k of experience Over-cautious or legalistic
Modal (2-10)
Probably Proba bly valid valid (chec k con te nt for selective omissions)
Idio Idio syncrat syncrat ic interp ret ation
Low (0-1)
Valid
TABLE 11. L (Lie) Scale: Implications of Score Elevations
T-Scor T-Scoree Level Level Very High (80 & above)
Usefu Usefullness ness of P rofile ofile Pr ob oba bl bly invalid
Source of Eleva Elevation tion “Faking-Good” (“Well Adjusted”)
High (70-79)
Que stio nable va lidity
Random respo nding Denial of faults Def De fens en sive set
Moderate Modera te (60-69)
Probably Probab ly valid
Mod al (50-59)
Valid
Typica l te sttaking approach
Low (49 & below)
Possibly “Faking-Bad”
“Plus-getting” se t “All-True” respo nding
Interp Interpret retive ive Possib Possibiiliti lities Test resistance or n aive te Co nfu sio na l sta te Rep res sive s tyle Lacks insight Over Over -convention -convent ionaa l & Confor ming Moralistic Rigidly virtuous Comfo rtab le with own self-image Over- emphasizing pathology Self-co nfident and independe nt Cynical, sarcastic
TABLE 12. F (Infrequency) Scale: Implications of Score Elevations
T-Score Level Very High (91 & above)
Usefulness of Profile Probably invalid
Source of Elevation Random Scoring errors Severe dyslexia
Interpretive Possibilities Uncoo perat ive faking bad Test resistance
High
Questio nable
Malingering
Marginal reading ability Plea for help Adolescent identity crisis Confusional state
(71-90)
validity
Psychotic process “All-True” responding
Moderate (56-70)
Probably valid
Desire to be unconventional Strong political or social, or religious commitments Lagging attention Extreme honesty in answering Agitation in midst of crisis
Risk of aggressive acting-out Moody, restless, unst able Self-critical Agitated, distractible
Modal (45-55)
Acceptable record
A few deviant Beliefs
Well-functioning Typical testresponding
Low (44 & below)
Acceptable record
“Plus-getting” set “All-True” responding
Over-emphasizing pathology Self-confident and independent Cynical, sarcastic
TABLE 13. K (Correction) Scale: Implications of Score Elevations
T-Score Level High (71 &above)
Source of Elevation Marked defensiveness Faking good All False responding Guardedness in employment situations
Interpretive Possibilities Shy, inhibited, lacking emotional involvement Reliance on denial Lack of insight
Moderate (56-70)
Moderate defensiveness No ackno wledgement of distress
Adaptive Self-reliant Unwilling to seek help
Mod al (41-55)
Balanc e bet ween selfprotectiveness and self-disclosure
Sufficient resources for intervention
Low (40 & below)
Fake bad responding All True responding Plea for help Inadequate defenses
Cynical, skeptical Panic state Poor self-concept Critical of self and others
TABLE 14. Scale 1 (Hs): Implications of Scale Elevations
T-Score Level Very High (76 & above)
Interpretive Possibilities Schizoid, bizarre bodily or somatic delusions Constricted, immobilized by multiple symptoms and complaints
High (66-75)
Over-reaction to any real problems Extreme self-centeredness and selfishness Bitter, cynical outlook, demanding Defeatist attitudes, pessimistic Exaggeration of physical problems Shifting, multiple complaints
Moderate (56-65)
May have specific organic disorder Complaining, irritable, whining, immature Over-concern with personal health, dieting, weight, bodily functioning
Modal (41-55)
Little or no special concern about body or health Emotionally open and balanced Realistic and insightful
Low (40 & below)
May disregard signs or symptoms of illness Optimistic, energetic Capable, effective
TABLE 15. Scale 2 (D): Implications of Scale Elevations
T-Score Level Very High (76 & above)
Interpretive Possibilities Withdrawn, overwhelmed with problems, hopelessness Guilt-ridden, feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy Preoccupied with death, suicide Despondent, slowed in thought and action
High (66-75)
Retiring, shy, remote, sad Lacking in energy, unable to concentrate, physical complaints, problems with sleeping Self-deprecating, low self-confidence, feelings of inadequacy Distressed, miserable, dysphoric
Moderate (56-65)
Inhibited, irritable, timid, moody Discouraged, blue, unhappy dissatisfied with self or world Pessimistic, worrying Introverted, moralistic Responsible, modest
Modal (41-55)
Comfortable with self Stable, well-balanced Realistic
Low (40 & below)
Active, enthusiastic Cheerful, optimistic Lacking inhibition, under-controlled Socially outgoing Free of emotional turmoil, self-confident
TABLE 16. Scale 3 (Hy): Implications of Scale Elevations
T-Score Level Very High (76 & above)
Interpretive Possibilities Highly suggestible Sudden anxiety and panic episodes Uninhibited Infantile tantrums Reacts to shame by developing physical symptoms
High (66-75)
Uses denial and dissociation Specific functional symptoms and complaints Naive, poor self-insight Demanding and histrionic Flirtatious
Moderate (56-65)
Self-centered and superficial Immature and manipulative Conforming and moralistic Need to be liked, insecure Demonstrative and extroverted
Modal (41-55)
Realistic Open to feelings Logical, level-headed
Low (40 & below)
Cynical tough-minded Socially isolated and aloof Few interests
TABLE 17. Scale 4 (Pd): Implications of Scale Elevations
T-Score Level Very High (76 & above)
Interpretive Possibilities Poor judgment Unstable Irresponsible Self-centered and immature Antisocial actions Aggressive or assaultive
High (66-75)
Poor tolerance of boredom or tedium Problems with authority Recurrent marital and work problems Rebellious and hostile Superficial emotional reactions (shame, guilt) Substance abuse History of underachievement Superficial relationships
Moderate (56-65)
Impulsive and adventurous Hedonistic Resentful Unreliable and impat ient Sociable Self-confident and assertive Imaginative and creative
Modal (41-55)
Sincere Trusting Persistent Responsible
Low (40 & below)
Conventional and rigid Unassertive and passive Moralistic Self-critical Over-controlled
TABLE 18. Scale 5 (Mf): Implications of Scale Elevations
T-Score Level
Interpretive Possibilities Interpretive Possibilities Males Females -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Very High Trad itional feminine Traditional mascu line M (76 & above) interest pattern interest pattern F (70 & above) Conflicts over sexual Unfriendly identity Dominating Passive and effeminate Aggressive Insecure in assertiveness Homoerotic trends High M (66-75) F (60-69)
Curious and creative Tolerance of others Individualistic Intellectual Interests Empathic
Self-confident Logical Unemotional Competitive Vigorous
Moderate M (56-65) F (51-59)
Self-controlled Expressive and demonstrative Uses common sense Aesthetic interests Interpersonal sensitivity
Active Adventurous Spontaneous Assertive
Modal
Practical
Empathic
M (41-55) F (41-50)
Easy-going Realistic Conventional
Capable Competent Easy-go ing
Low M & F (40 & below)
Traditional masculine interest pattern Macho protest, crude and aggressive Reckless Few interests Action-oriented Self-confident
Traditional feminine interest pattern Insecure and self- depreciative Passive and submissive Constricted Helplessness Dependent Self-pitying and complaining (see Note below)
Note: Graham (1987) indicates that these descriptors apply primarily to women of low to average education Women with above average education are more accurately described as: capable, conscientious, forceful intelligent, considerate, easy-going, insightful, and unprejudiced.
TABLE 19. Scale 6 (Pa): Implications of Scale Elevations
T-Score Level Very High (76 & above)
Interpretive Possibilities Thought disorder Mistaken beliefs Ideas of reference Vengeful and brooding May act upon delusions
High (66-75)
Angry and resentful Displaces blame and criticisms Hostile and suspicious Rigid and stubborn Misinterprets social situations
Moderate (56-65)
Overly sensitive to slights and rejection Guarded in initial social contacts Moralistic and martyr-like Trusting until betrayed Hard-working
Modal (41-55)
Rational Clear-thinking Cautious Flexible
Low (40 & below)
Balanced and cheerful Wary and evasive Stubborn Suggestive of paranoid disorder
MMPI-2 Supplementary Scales TABLE 20. Scale 7 (Pt): Implications of Scale Elevations Interpretive Possibilities T-Score Level
Very High (76 & above)
Ruminating Rigid rituals Agitation Superstitious phobias Feelings of guilt Fearful Anxiety Depression
High (66-75)
Insecure and anxious Worrying and apprehensive Fears of failure Overly meticulous and indecisive Moralistic Tense and miserable
Moderate (56-65)
Responsible and conscientious Intellectualizing Hard-working Orderly and perfectionistic Self-critical Introspective
Modal (41-55)
Punctual Reliable Trusting Adaptable Well-organized
Low (40 & below)
Self-confident Free of insecurities Relaxed and co mfortable Persistent and efficient
TABLE 21. Scale 8 (Sc): Implications of Scale Elevations
T-Score Level Very High (76 & above)
Interpretive Possibilities Disordered t hinking Eccentric behaviors Delusional Socially seclusive Poor contact with reality Hallucinatory and autistic
High (66-75)
Unusual beliefs Bizarre actions Withdrawn and alienated Unconventional Self-doubting and identity confusion Difficulties in concentrating and t hinking
Moderate (56-65)
Little interest in people Impractical Creative and imaginative High-strung Religious concerns
Modal (41-55)
Adaptable Dependable Well-balanced
Low (40 & below)
Conventional and conservative Self-controlled Submissive
TABLE 22. Scale 9 (Ma): Implications of Scale Elevations
T-Score Level Very High (76 & above)
Interpretive Possibilities Expansive and grandiose Irritable Poor temper control Hyperactive and distractible Impulsive dec isions Confusion Over-extended
High (66-75)
Excessive activity Euphoric Talkative Restless and labile Superficial involvements Impatient Gregarious and outgoing Poor tolerance of tedium Wide range of interests Hard-working and effective Achievement oriented Enterprising
Moderate (56-65)
Sociable and friendly
Modal (41-55)
Responsible Realistic Enthusiastic Poised
Low (40 & below)
Apathetic and pessimistic Easily fatigued Shy and dependent Lacking in energy Poor self-confidence Depressed
TABLE 23. Scale 0 (Si): Implications of Scale Elevations
T-Score Level Very High (76 & above)
Interpretive Possibilities Aloof Insecure and indecisive Retiring Ruminative Introverted Withdrawn
High (66-75)
Shy and timid Lack of self-confidence Moody Submissive Rigid Reserved
Moderate (56-65)
Self-effacing Overly-controlled Serious Cautious Socially inept Active
Modal (41-55)
Energetic Friendly Talkative Poised Warm
Low (40 & below)
Sociable and gregarious Self-confident and assertive Self-indulgent Exhibitionistic Manipulative
Harris-Lingoes Subscales In terpretative Statements Scale 2. Depression Dl/Subjective Depression Unhappy, low energy, sense of inferiority, low self-confidence, socially uneasy, few interests. D2/Psychomotor Retardation Low energy, immobilized, socially withdrawn, listles D3/Physical Malfunctioning Reports wide variety of physical symptoms, preoccupied with health, denial of good health. D4/Mental Dullness Low energy, pessimistic, little enjoyment of life; difficulties with concentration, attention, and memory; apathetic. D5/Brooding May feel as if he or she is losing control of his or her thoughts; broods, cries, ruminates, feels inferior, and is hypersensitive.
Scale 3. Hysteria Hy1/Denial of Social Anxiety Extraverted, comfortable with social interaction, minimally influenced by social standards. Hy2/Need for Affection Strong needs for affection with fears that these needs will not be met, denies negative feelings toward others. Hy3/Lassitude-Malaise Subjective, discomfort, poor health, fatigued, poor co ncentration, insomnia, unhappiness. Hy4/Somatic Complaints Wide variety of physical complaints, denial of hostility towards others. Hy 5/Inhibition of Aggression Denial of hostility and anger, interpersonally hypersensitive. Scale 4. Psychopathic Deviate Pd1/Familial Discord Family that was critical, unsupportive, and interfered with independence. Pd2/Authority Conflict Rebellion against societal rules, beliefs of right/wrong that disregard societal norms, legal/academic difficulties. PdS/Social Imperturbability Opinionated, socially confident, outspoken. Pd4/Social Alienation Isolated from others, feels poorly understood. PdS/Self-Alienation Unhappy with self, guilt and regret regarding past behavior. Scale 6. Paranoia Pal/Persecutory Ideas Perceives world as dangerous, feels poorly understood, distrustful. Pa1/Poignancy Feels lonely, tense, hypersensitive, possibly high sensation-seeking.
Scale 6. Paranoia (cont.) Pa2/Naivete Overly optimistic, extremely high moral standards, denial of hostility. Scale 8. Schizophrenia Scl/Social Alienation Feels unloved, mistreated, and possibly persecuted. Sc2/Emotional Alienation Depression, fear, possible suicidal wishes. Sc3/Lack of Ego Mastery, Cognitive Strange thoughts, sense of unreality, poor concentration and memory, loss of mental control. Sc4/Lack of Ego Mastery, Conative Depressed, worried, fantasy withdrawal, life is too difficult, possible suicidal wishes. Sc5/Lack of Ego Mastery, Defective Inhibition Sense of losing control of impulses and feelings, labile, hyperactive, cannot control or recall certain behaviors. Sc6/Bizarre Sensory Experiences Hallucinations, peculiar sensory and motor experiences. Experiences strange thoughts, delusions. Scale 9. Hypomania Mal/Amorality Selfish, poor conscience, manipulative; justifies amoral behavior by believing others are selfish and opportunistic. Ma2/Psychomotor Acceleration Restless, hyperactive, accelerated thoughts and behaviors. Seeks excitement to reduce boredom. Ma3/lmperturbability Unaffected by concerns and opinions of others, denies feeling socially anxious. Ma4/Ego Inflation Unrealistic perception of abilities, resentful of demands placed on himself or herself. Scale 0. Social Introversion
(Note: The Social Introversion subscales are scored on the MMP1-2 Supplementary Scales Profile sheet .) Sil/Shyness Easily embarrassed, reluctant to initiate relationships, socially uncomfortable, shy. Si2/Social Avoidance Dislike and avoidance of group activities, parties, social activities. Si3/Self/Other Alienation Poor self-esteem, self-critical, low self-confidence, sense of ineffectiveness.
MMPI-2 Supplementary Scales Interpretative Statements A/Anxiety High scores indicate that the person is upset, shy, retiring, insecure, has low selfconfidence. is inhibited, uncertain, hesitant, conforming, under stress, and has extreme difficulty making decisions. Low scores indicate that the individual is extraverted. secure, relaxed, energetic, competitive, and generally has an absence of emotional difficulties. R/Repression High scorers tend to be submissive, over-controlled, slow, clear thinking, conventional, formal, cautious, use denial and rationalization, and go to great lengths to avoid unpleasant interpersonal situations. Low scorers are likely to be dominant, enthusiastic, excitable. impulsive, self-indulgent, outspoken, and achievement oriented. Esl/Ego Strength This scale assesses the degree to which a client is likely to benefit from psychotherapy. Specific to predicting the response of neurotic patients to insight-oriented therapy: Not useful for other types of patients or other kinds of treatments.
High scores suggest these persons can benefit from psychotherapy because they are likely to be adaptable and possess personal resources, have goo d reality contact, are tolerant, balanced, alert, have a secure sense of reality, will seek help in situational difficulties, possess strongly developed interests, are persistent, can deal effectively with others, have a sense of personal adequacy. can easily gain social acceptance, and have good physical health. Low scores reflect general maladjustment. These people are likely to have low self-esteem, a poor self-concept, lack personal resources, feel insecure, be rigid and moralistic, have chronic physical problems, possess fears and phobias, are confused and helpless, have chronic fatigue, may he withdrawn and seclusive, inhibited, have personality rather than situational problems and poor work histories, and will. therefore, have difficulty benefitting from psychotherapy. MAC-R/MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale-Revised The potential to become involved in alcohol use is assessed rather than current alcohol use. The scale has difficulty differentiating alcohol abusei's from other substance abusers.
High scores on the MAC-R scale primarily surest actual or potential substance abuse but may also suggest extraversion, affiliation, confidence, assertiveness. risk taking, sensation seeking, past school behavior problems, the possibility of having experienced blackouts, and possible difficulties with concentration. Low scores are not only a contraindication of substance abuse, but also may suggest introversion, conformity, and low self-confidence. If low scores in a known substance abuser do occur, this suggests that the abuse is based more on psychological disturbance than typical addictive processes. Recommended raw score cutoff to indicate the initial point of drug and/or alcohol problems. Males = 26 to 28; Females = 23 to 25.
MAC-R/MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale-Revised
Not particularly effective with African Americans and other non-Caucasian respondents for detection of alcohol abuse. High scorers are likely to be extraverted, impulsive risk takers who will benefit from a grouporiented, confrontive treatment approach. Low scorers are more likely to be introverted, withdrawn, depressed risk avoiders who will be more likely to benefit from a supportive and relatively non-confrontational treatment approach. AAS/Addiction Acknowledgment Scale Most sensitive MMPI-2 scale for detecting substance abuse.
High scores suggest a conscious awareness of and willingness to share information related to drug and/or alcohol-related problems. Low scores merely clarify that the person has not acknowledged these problems (there is still the possibility that they do have drug and/or alcohol-related difficulties). APS/Addiction Potential Scale Does not necessarily measure the extent of current use but more the potential for developing such problems. If the APS (or MAC-R) is used to identify persons who are actually abusing substances, it is likely to result in a high number of false positives. Measures same factors as the MAC-R as or more effectively.
High scores indicate that the person has a considerable number of lifestyle and personality factors consistent with those who abuse alcohol and/or drugs. If the person scores in the normal-to-low range but history reveals that they have a drug and/or alcohol problem, t his problem is probably based primarily on psychological maladjustment (drug/alcohol use as self-medication) rather than a typical addictive pattern (harmful habits, peer group issues, physiological impact of the drug). MDS /Marital Distress Scale More specifically related to marital difficulties than the FAM content scale or Scale 4 (both of which assess relationship difficulties not necessarily specific to marriage). MDS should be interpreted only for persons who are married, separated, or divorced.
High scores indicate the person is experiencing marital distress.
0-H/Overcontrolled Hostility Scale Most useful in understanding past behavior rather than predicting th e likelihood of future hostility.
High scores suggest that the person is emotionally constricted, bottles up anger, and may overreact, possibly becoming physically or verbally aggressive: the aggressiveness usually occurs as rare incidents in a person who is otherwise extremely well controlled. Some persons who score high are not actively struggling to control dangerous hostility but are very well controlled and highly socialized. The scale is more direct ly a measure of persons who deny aggressive actions and are somewhat constricted. Initially in therapy, individuals might seem superficial and lacking in affect. Do/Dominance Useful and frequently used in personnel selection (e.g.. police officer selection).
Elevations indicate that the individual is self-confident, realistic, task oriented, feels a sense of duty toward others: is competent to solve problems, socially dominant, poised, and self-assured in working with groups; takes the initiative in relationships, possesses strong opinions, perseveres at tasks, and has a good ability to concentrate Re/Responsibility High scores suggest that the individual possesses high standards, a strong sense of justice and fairness, strong (even rigid) adherence to values, is self-confident. dependable, trustworthy: the scale is a general index of positive personality characteristics; often useful in personnel screening. Mt/College Maladjustment High scores indicate general maladjustment among college students; they are likely to be worried, anxious, and procrastinate: they are pessimistic. ineffectual, somatize stress, and feel that, much of the time, life is a strain. GM/Masculine Gender Rule
This is still an experimental scale in need of further research.
Both Males and Females High - Likely to be self-confident, deny feeling afraid or worried, and be persistent in pursuing their goals. Females High: Likely to be honest, unworried. and have a willingness to explore new things High on GM & Low on Gf - Stereotypic male interests and orientations: High on both GM and Gf suggest androgyny (the person has both masculine and feminine characteristics) Low on GM along & High on GF suggest stereotypic feminine interests and orientation Low on both GM and Gf suggest an undifferentiated masculine/feminine orientation:
GF/Feminine Gender Role This is still an experimental scale in need of further research.
High scores suggest the endorsement of stereotypically feminine interests and orientations. May also suggest religiosity and possibly abuse of alcohol and/or nonprescription drugs. Males High: May be hypercritical, express religiosity, avoid swearing but act bossy, and have a difficult time controlling their temper. PK/Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Scale The scale does not determine that trauma has actually occ urred but indicates that the symptoms re ported are consistent with persons exposed to traumatic events. The existence of a trauma still needs to be determined through other means.
High scores indicate emotional distress, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, guilt, loss ot control over thinking, a feeling of being misunderstood and mistreated by others. PS/Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale
An experimental scale under development.
MMPI-A Supplement ary Scales Interpretative Statements MAC-R/MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale High scores suggest that the person is similar to ot hers who have alcohol or drug problems; dominant, assertive, egocentric, self-indulgent, impulsive, unconventional: risk taker and sensation seeker: increased possibility of conduct disorder and legal difficulties.
Low scores suggest t hat the person is dependent, conservative, avoids sensation-seeking activities, is over-controlled and indecisive. ACK/Alcohol Drug Acknowledgment Scale
Persons who score high have a conscious awareness of and willingness to admit to alcohol- and/or drug-related problems: includes problem use, reliance on alcohol to cope or as a means of freely expressing feelings, harmful substance abuse habits: friends or acquaintances may tell them that they have alcohol and/or drug problems: they may get into fights while drinking. PRO/Alcohol Drug Proneness Scale
A high score suggests that the person is prone to developing drug- and/or alcohol-related problems, school and home behavior problems. No obvious items related to drugs and alcohol are included on the scale; therefore, the scale measures personality and lifestyle patterns more consistent with alcohol- and drug-related problems. The scale does not so much measure current alcohol or drug use patterns although they may still be present.
MMPI-A Supplement ary Scales Interpretative Statements (cont.) IMM/Immaturity Scale
High scorers are untrustworthy, undepcndable, boisterous: quickly become angry, are easily frustrated, may tease or bully others; are resistant, defiant, and arc likely to have a background of school and interpersonal difficulties.
MMP I-2 Content Scales Interpretative Statements ANX (Anxiety). High scorers on ANX report general symptoms of anxiety including tension,
somatic problems (such as heart pounding and shortness of breath), sleep difficulties, worries, and poor concentration. They fear losing their minds, find life a strain, and have difficulty making decisions. They appear to be aware of these symptoms and problems, and freely admit to having them. FRS (Fears). A high score on FRS indicates an individual with many specific fears. These include
the sight of blood; high places; money; animals such as snakes, mice, or spiders; leaving home; fire; storms and natural disasters; water; the dark; being indoors; and dirt. OBS (Obsessiveness). High scorers on OBS have great difficulty making decisions and are likely to ruminate excessively about issues and problems, causing others to become impatient. Having to make changes distresses them, and they may report some compulsive behaviors like counting or saving
unimportant things. They are excessive worriers who are frequently overwhelmed by their own thoughts. DEP (Depression). High scores on this scale characterize individuals with significant depressive
thoughts. They report feeling blue, uncertain about their future, and uninterested in their lives. They are likelv to brood, be unhappy, cry easily, and feel hopeless and empty. They may report thoughts of suicide or wishes that they were dead. They may believe they are condemned or have committed unpardonable sins. Other people may not be viewed as sources of support. HEA (Health Concerns). Individuals with high scores on HEA report many physical symptoms across several body systems. Included are gastro-intestinal symptoms (such as constipation, nausea and vomiting, stomach trouble), neurological problems (convulsions, dizzy and fainting spells, paralysis), sensory problems (poor hearing or eyesight), cardiovascular symptoms (heart or chest
pains), skin problems, pain (headaches, neck aches), and respiratory trouble (coughs, hay fever, asthma). These individuals worry about their health and feel sicker than the average person.
MMP I-2 Content Scales Inte rpretative Statements (cont.) BIZ (Bizarre Mentation). Psychotic thought processes characterize individuals high on the BIZ scale. They may report auditory, visual, or olfactory hallucinations and may recognize that their thoughts are strange and peculiar. Paranoid ideation (such as the belief that they are being
plotted against or t hat someone is trying to poison them) may be reported as well. These individuals may feel they have a special mission or special powers. ANG (Anger). High scores on the ANG scale suggest anger-control problems. These individuals report being irritable, grouchy, impatient, hotheaded, annoyed, and stubborn. They sometimes feel
like swearing or smashing things. They may lose self-control and report having been physically abusive toward people and objects. CYN (Cynicism). Misanthropic beliefs characterize high scorers on CYN. They expect hidden,
negative motives behind the acts of others — for example, believing that most people are honest simply because they fear being caught. Other people are to be distrusted, because people use each other and are friendly only for selfish reasons. They are likely to hold negative attitudes toward those close to them, including fellow workers, family, and friends. ASP (Antisocial Practices). In addition to having misanthropic attitudes similar to those of high scorers on the CYN scale, high scorers on the ASP scale report problem behaviors during their
school years and antisocial practices such as being in trouble with the law, stealing, or shoplifting. Thev report sometimes enjoying the antics of criminals, and even if not explicitly endorsing unlawful conduct, they believe it is all right to get around the law. TPA (Type A). High scorers on TPA are hard-driving, fast-moving, and work-oriented
individuals who frequently become impatient, irritable, and annoyed. They do not like to wait or be interrupted. There is never enough time in a day for them to complete their tasks. They are direct and may be overbearing in their relationships with others. LSE (Low Self-Esteem). High scores on LSE characterize individuals with low opinions of
them-selves. They do not believe that they are liked by others or that they are important. They hold many negative attitudes about themselves, including thinking they are unattractive, awkward and clumsy, useless, and a burden to others. They clearly lack self-confidence and find it hard to accept compliments. They may be overwhelmed by all the faults they see in themselves. SOD (Social Discomfort). SOD high scorers are very uneasy around others, preferring to be by
themselves. When in social situations, they are likely to sit alone rather than joining in the group. They see themselves as shy and dislike parties and other group events. FAM (Family Problems). Considerable family discord is reported by high scorers on FAM. Their families are described as lacking love, quarrelsome, and unpleasant. They may even report hating
members of their families. Their childhood may be portrayed as abusive, and their marriages as unhappy and lacking in affection.
MMP I-2 Content Scales Inte rpretative Statements (cont.) WRK (Work Interference). A high score on WRK is indicative of behaviors or attitudes likely to contribute to po or work performance. Some of the problems relate to low self-confidence,
concentration difficulties, obsessiveness, tension and pressure, and decision-making problems. Others suggest lack of family support for their career choice, personal questioning of career choice, and negative attitudes toward co-workers. TRT (Negative Treatment Indicators). High scores on TRT indicate individuals with negative
attitudes toward doct ors and mental-health treatment. High scorers do not believe that anyone can problems they are not comfortable discussing with anyone. They may not want t o change anything in their lives, nor do they feel that change is possible. They prefer giving up to facing a crisis or difficulty.
PSY-5 Scales Interpretative Statements Harkness and McNulty developed a mode! for assessing psychopathology based on the "Big Five" model of personality. They Selected items from the MMPI-2 item pool that matched their model and developed five scales: Aggressiveness (AGGR), Psychoticism (PSYC), Disconstraint (DISC), Negative Emotionality/Neuroticism (NEGE), and Introversion/Low Positive Emotionality (INTR). An extended description of these constructs, the scale development process, psychometric properties, validity evidence, and guidelines for interpretation is given in Harkness, McNulty, Ben-Porath, and Graham (2002). Aggressiveness (AGGR) PSY-5 Aggressiveness focuses on offensive and instrumental aggression. Persons high on PSY-5
Aggressiveness may enjoy intimidating others and may use aggression as a tool to accomplish goals. PSY-5 Aggressiveness does not emphasize defensive or reactive aggression. Inter personally, high PSY-5 Aggressiveness is linked with dominance and hate. Psychoticism (PSYC) PSY-5 Psychoticism assesses disconnection from reality. Unshared beliefs, as well as unusual sensory and perceptual experiences, are examples of disconnection. Alienated and unrealistic expectation of harm is also assessed. Persons with high Psychoticism scores tend to have a higher probability of delusions of reference, thinking that is disorganized, bizarre, disoriented,
circumstantial, or tangential. PSY-5 Psychoticism is a phenotype, not linked to any specific etiology. It is important to distinguish these PSY-5 Psychoticism concepts from the use of the term by Hans Eysenck, whose concept was linked more to criminality and antisocial behavior.
PSY-5 Scales Interpretative Statements (cont.) Disconstraint (DISC)
Persons with high scores on PSY-5 Disconstraint tend to be more risk taking, impulsive, and less traditional. They have a slight tendency to prefer romantic partners who have the same features. They tend to be easily bored with routine. Tellegen's (1982) Constraint concept was the antecedent to identifying PSY-5 Disconstraint in the structure of normal personality and personality psychopathology markers (Harkness & McNulty, 1994). This pattern of behavioral disinhibition has been further described by Watson and dark (1993). Although Zuckerman's (1994) Sensation Seeking Scale bears a different label and research tradition, empirical correlations suggest significant overlap in personality individual differences tapped by measures of disconstraint and sensation seeking (McNulty, Harkness, & Ben-Porath, 1998). Negative Emotionality/Neuroticism (NEGE) Common features of elevated Negative Emotionality/Neuroticism are focusing on problematic aspects of incoming information, worrying, being self-critical, feeling guilty, and conco cting
worst-case scenarios. The personality disposition to experience negative affects and emotions was articulated by Tellegen (1982) and further described in Watson and dark's (1984) landmark review. Introversion/Low Positive Emotionality (INTR) Patients with PSY-5 Introversion/Low Positive Emotionality experience little joy or positive engagement. Although linked with the corresponding social dimension of Introversion versus Extroversion, Tellegen (1982, 1985) and Watson and dark (1997) argued persuasively that the
core of the individual differences dimension is the affective disposition. The scale name emphasizes the link between these two dimensions.
