Behavioral correlates for within-normal-limit MMPI profiles with and without elevated K in students at a university mental health center

Psychological needs associated with MMPI-2 scales in a nonclinical sample

The psychological needs derived from the Adjective Check List (ACL; Gough & Heilbrun, 1983b) that are associated with MMPI-2 scales were studied among 198 nonclinical participants. Both the Depression (D) and Psychasthenia (Pt) scales were negatively correlated with needs for achievement and dominance and positively correlated with needs for abasement and succorance (dependence). The Schizophrenia (Sc) scale was negatively associated with need for affiliation and positively associated with need for abasement. The Social Introversion (Si) scale was associated negatively with needs for achievement, dominance, affiliation, heterosexuality, exhibition, and autonomy and associated positively with needs for succorance, abasement, and deference, reflecting good construct validity for Scale Si. MMPI-2 Masculinity-Femininity (Mf) did not correlate with the ACL Masculinity and Femininity scales, suggesting poor concurrent validity for Mf.

Diagnostic implications of markedly elevated MMPI Sc scale scores for nonhospitalized clients

Evaluated the personal adjustment of counseling center clients (N = 60) whose MMPI's highest scale score was a Sc over 70. Analysis of case notes showed that while these clients posed more difficult counseling problems than the average client, the severity of disturbance was markedly less than one would expect from a sample with a mean Sc score of 91. An exploratory stepwise regression analysis indicated that chronic adjustment correlated significantly, R = .79, to an equation in which Sc, MA, R, DY, and Do had positive coefficients and HY, ES and CN negative coefficients. This regression equation also related significantly to the incidence of role identity problems, p less than .01; counselor judgment of client improvement, p less than .001; and bizarre ideation, p less than .001. Consideration of present client stress and prior adjustment factors was discussed as important in formulating less psychopathological interpretations for MMPI profiles with markedly elevated Sc scores.

Two- and three-point classification of MMPI profiles in which scales 2, 7, and 8 are the highest elevations

Two-point and three-point methods of classifying MMPI profiles were compared using 174 students who sought psychological treatment at a college student mental health clinic and who generated MMPI profiles with scales 2, 7, and 8 as their highest evaluations, (or obtained two of those three scales as their two highest elevations). Behavioral correlates were determined by comparing each profile type to the remainder of the population by means of the chi2 statistic for males and females. Each two-point code type was compared to the comparable subgroup of its parent three-point code type. Important differences in interpretation were present between two- and three-point classification methods, particularly when sex of subject was considered, suggesting that method of classification and sex of subject are important variables in the accurate interpretation of college student MMPI profiles.

Behavioral correlates of infrequent two-point MMPI code types at a university mental health center

Presented interpretive correlates for 95 college students who were seeking mental health services and who generated the following infrequently occurring MMPI code types: Spike 2, 2-0/0-2, 2-4/4-2, 2-6/6-2, 3-4/4-3, 3-9/9-3, 4-7/7-4, 6-7/7-6, 7-9/9-7, and Spike O. Descriptors were derived from intake interview and mental status information collected without knowledge of the MMPI profile. Those items that discriminated between each profile type and the remainder of the student mental health population (Chi Square, alpha = .05, .01) are presented as tentative interpretive descriptors that may be helpful in generating hypotheses for use with college student psychiatric outpatients.