Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Case Study

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, second edition (MMPI - 2) is one of the few personality tests administered used across the US. This assessment was originally designed in 1939, but was not published until 1942 by the University of Minnesota Hospitals (Butcher, 1996). The main purpose of the assessment was to aide in the acknowledgment of behavioral social problems among psychiatric patients. In other words, the initial authors of the test used the results to compile diagnoses specifically for their mentally disturbed patients. When it comes to determining use of the MMPI-2 or the MMPI-A for an 18year old, it is suggested to counselors to determine the individual’s current life situation (i.e. living independently) and recognizing
The Hs scale was developed to express symptoms related to that of a hypochondriasis, which a measure of one’s somatic obsessions or symptoms. The D scale identifies symptoms of depression or items such as pessimistic attitude, lack of interest in life, and negative mood. The Hy scale was implemented to measure response to stress. This includes (but is not limited to) narcissism and denial. The Pd scale was constructed in order to identify psychotic personality tendencies. The MMPI-2 now includes measurement of anti-social behaviors, such as rebellion aggression. Masculinity-femininity, or Mf, was included to examine homosexual tendencies. Because of the sensitivity of this subject, the scale can measure masculine or feminine behaviors or concerns regarding sexual beliefs or behaviors. Paranoia, or Pa scale and was constructed to identify paranoia and has been retained due to its sensitivity to areas such as feelings of persecution and overall sensitivity. Psychasthenia, or (Pt) involves an individual’s general symptom pattern, which can identify anxiety disorders, such as fear, worry and obsessions. The Schizophrenia scale was constructed to identify Schizophrenia. It is, however, likely possible that high scores may also identify a schizoid lifestyle, bizarre ideations, or peculiar perceptual experiences. Hypomania, or (Ma), is used to identify issues of instability. Ma examines possible issues of manic or hypomanic symptoms. Finally, the last scale, or (SI) explores the area of social introversion. Low T-scores may mean an individual’s tendency to withdraw from social situations is highly likely (Newmark,