100 CHAPTER 3
Although the MMPI-2 does help a clinician or researcher to understand the na-
ture of various clinical disorders, the results do not yield a specific DSM-IV-TR
diagnosis (because this test was not designed to do so).Projective Tests Psychologists may also wish to assess facets of patients’ per-
sonalities that are less likely to emerge in a self-report, such as systematic
biases in mental processes. In a projective test, the patient is presented with
an ambiguous stimulus (such as an inkblot or a group of stick fi gures) and is
asked to make sense of and explain the stimulus. For example, what does the
inkblot look like, or what are the stick fi gures doing? The idea behind such a
test is that the particular structure a patient imposes on the ambiguous stimulus
reveals something about the patient’s mental processes or mental contents. This
is the theory behind the well-known Rorschach test, which was developed byScale Sample Item What Is Assessed? (Cannot Say) The score is the number of items that
were unanswered or answered as
both true and false.An inability or unwillingness to complete the test appropriately,
which could indicate the presence of symptoms that interfere with
concentration.L (Lie) Sometimes want to swear (F ). Attempts to present himself or herself in a positive way, not admitting
even minor shortcomings.F (Infrequency) Something wrong with mind (T). Low scores suggest attempts to try to fake appearing to have “good”
mental health or psychopathology; high scores suggest some type of
psychopathology.K (Correction) Often feel useless (F ). More subtle attempts to exaggerate “good” mental health or
psychopathology. This scale is also associated with education level—
more educated people score higher than those with less education.- Hs (Hypochondriasis) Body tingles (F ). An abnormal concern over bodily functioning and imagined illness.
- D (Depression) Usually happy (F ). Symptoms of sadness, poor morale, and hopelessness.
- Hy (Hysteria) Often feel very weak (T). A propensity to develop physical symptoms under stress, along with a
lack of awareness and insight about one’s behavior. - Pd (Psychopathic Deviate) Am misunderstood (T). General social maladjustment, irresponsibility, or lack of conscience.
- Mf (Masculinity-Femininity) Like mechanics magazines
(T for women).
The extent to which the individual has interests, preferences, and
personal sensitivities more similar to those of the opposite sex.- Pa (Paranoia) No enemies who wish me harm (F ). Sensitivity to others, suspiciousness, jealousy, and moral self-
righteousness. - Pt (Psychasthenia) Almost always anxious (T). Obsessive and compulsive symptoms, poor concentration, and self-
criticism. - Sc (Schizophrenia) Hear strange things when alone (T). Delusions, hallucinations, bizarre sensory experiences, and poor social
relationships. - Ma (Hypomania) When bored, stir things up (T). Symptoms of hypomania—elated or irritable mood, “fast” thoughts,
impulsiveness, and physical restlessness. - Si (Social Introversion) Try to avoid crowds (T). Discomfort in social situations and preference for being alone.
Note: (T) indicates that when the item is marked as true, it contributes toward a high score on the scale; (F ) indicates that when the item is marked as false, it contributes toward a high
score on the scale. The dark green rows above refer to the validity scales, and the light green rows refer to the clinical scales.
Source: Excerpted from the MMPI-2 Booklet of Abbreviated Items. Copyright © 2005 by the Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Used by permission of the University
of Minnesota Press. “MMPI-2” and “Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2” are trademarks owned by the Regents of the University of Minnesota.Table 3.6 • MMPI-2 Scales
Projective test
A tool for personality assessment in which
the patient is presented with ambiguous
stimuli (such as inkblots or stick fi gures) and
is asked to make sense of and explain them.