Analyzing MMPI-2 Profiles with Multiple Elevations
(from Finn’s modification of Caldwell’s A-B-C Interpretation Strategy)
Often faced with multiple clinical elevations
What to do?
Step 1
Once the validity of the profile has been established, mark the clinical scales that are significant with letters of the alphabet.
Label the scale with the highest T-score “A”, the next highest “B”, etc.
Generally, Scale 5 is omitted in this ranking (unless it is the highest scale and defines code types that are familiar)
Scale 0 may or may not be included, again depending on whether there are familiar 0+ code types in the profile
Step 2
Construct the 5-pt., 4-pt., or 3-pt. code types that include the scale labeled A.
If any of these code types is well-known, list the characteristics associated with such code types on a piece of paper
Step 3
Next construct all 2-pt codes that begin with the scale labeled A (e.g., A-B, A-C, A-D)
Eliminate code types that are unknown or very infrequent in the populations from which the MMPI-2 profile comes.
If a lower 2-pt. code is close in T-score elevations (i. e., within 5 points) to one(s) above it, but is more frequent/stable in the population, reverse the order of the code types
Step 4
Repeat Step 3 with 2-pt. codes beginning with the scale labeled B (e.g., B-C, B-D, etc.) and then with the scale labeled C (e.g., C-D, C-E, etc.)
Step 5
Beginning with A-B, list the major characteristics of these code types, in order, below any descriptions from Step 2
Step 6
Beginning from the top of the list, resolve contradictions in the descriptors you have noted by eliminating opposing statements that are lower on the list
Step 7
Organize the descriptors in some meaningful way into areas of functioning (e. g., major symptoms, underlying personality, interpersonal relationships) again giving more weight to descriptors that are higher on your list
Advantages/Disadvantages of MMPI
To consider the advantages and disadvantages of the MMPI-2, we must ask in comparison to what?
- Clinical interview?
- Other Self-Report tests?
- Performance based tests?
MMPI-2 vs Clinical Interview (Advantages)
- Takes less clinician time
- Provides quantitative information
- Is normed
- Is less prone to clinical bias
- Is more reliable
- Directly measures client’s reporting bias
- Some clients reveal more on the MMI-2
- It is easier to assess change in the client
- Reduces legal risk
MMPI-2 vs. Clinical Interviews (Disadvantages)
- Client must be willing to complete the test
- The client must be able to complete the test
- Some clients find the test “impersonal”
- Specialized training is required to interpret the test
MMPI vs Other Self-Report Measures (Advantages)
- Has a broad research base
- Can be used in a variety of settings
- Is used around the world
- Is the most widely used personality test
MMPI vs Other Self-Report Measures (Disadvantages)
- MMPI-2 has more items
- Some tests require a lower reading level
- Basic clinical scales are quite complex and heterogenous
- Some traits not measured by the MMPI-2
MMPI vs Performance Based Measures (Advantages)
- Easily administered and scored
- May take less clinician time
- Has more face validity for clients and referral sources
- Findings often closer to client’s awareness
- May reveal strengths in clients who become disorganized in less structured situations
- Some clients shut down on the Rorschach
MMPI vs Performance Based Measures (Disadvantages)
- The client must be able to read and complete the test items
- The MMPI-2 cannot be used with children
- More susceptible to reporting bias
- Because the test is highly structured, it may fail to uncover pathology that emerges in unstructured, ambiguous, interpersonal situations
Take Home Point
A multi-method approach to clinical assessment generally produces the most valid and useful findings
Other Notes
- Not just a listing, but a higher order understanding that flows
- Talking about the profile, use “are”
- Talking about the person, use tentative term (“may be,” “likely”)
- Be careful with attributions
– “People with similar profiles are…”
– “Frank may be…” - Good writing skills:
> Use complete sentences
> Avoid superlatives (very, extremely)
> Parallel construction
> If use comparative (more or less, weaker or stronger) be sure to say than what
> Use comma to separate 2 independent clauses in a sentence.
> Etc.
