MMPI Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

About the MMPI

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was developed in the late 1930s by psychologist Starke R. Hathaway and psychiatrist J. C. McKinley at the University of Minnesota. It is the most widely used and researched clinical personality assessment tool in the world.

The MMPI was designed to assess personality structure and identify psychological disorders. It uses a true/false response format and measures multiple dimensions of personality and psychopathology.

Validity Scales

• Lie Scale (L): Measures tendency to present oneself in an unrealistically positive manner
• Infrequency Scale (F): Identifies unusual or atypical responses that may indicate malingering or random responding
• Correction Scale (K): Measures defensive responding and psychological defensiveness

Clinical Scales

• Hypochondriasis (Hs): Concern with bodily functions and physical health
• Depression (D): Depressive symptoms, pessimism, and hopelessness
• Hysteria (Hy): Tendency to develop physical symptoms under stress
• Psychopathic Deviate (Pd): Antisocial tendencies and conflict with authority
• Masculinity/Femininity (Mf): Gender role interests and identification
• Paranoia (Pa): Suspiciousness, sensitivity, and rigid thinking
• Psychasthenia (Pt): Anxiety, obsessions, and compulsions
• Schizophrenia (Sc): Unusual thoughts, social alienation, and emotional distress
• Hypomania (Ma): Elevated mood, excitability, and impulsivity
• Social Introversion (Si): Social withdrawal and introversion

Scoring and Interpretation

MMPI scores are converted to T-scores (mean=50, SD=10) for interpretation. T-scores above 65-70 are typically considered clinically significant. The validity scales must be examined first to determine if the profile is interpretable.

Applications

• Clinical diagnosis and treatment planning
• Forensic psychological evaluation
• Personnel selection for high-risk positions
• Therapy outcome assessment
• Research on personality and psychopathology

References

• Hathaway, S. R., & McKinley, J. C. (1943). The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
• Butcher, J. N., Dahlstrom, W. G., Graham, J. R., Tellegen, A., & Kaemmer, B. (1989). MMPI-2: Manual for administration and scoring. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
• Graham, J. R. (2006). MMPI-2: Assessing personality and psychopathology (4th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.