Profile Validity

TABLE 5. ?
(Cannot Say): Implications of Scores

Possible Reasons
Raw Score Profile Validity for Elevation Interpretive Possibilities
230 May be invalid Reading difficulties Determine location of item omissions. If most occur
Severe psychopathology after item 370, L, F, K, and clinical scales may be
Lack of insight interpretable. Examine percentage of items answered
Uncooperative on each scale, if available.
Obsessive
11-29 Some scales may Selective item omission Examine content and scale membership of omitted
be invalid items. Do not interpret a scale with more than 10% of its
items omitted.
0-10 Probably valid Items may not apply to Examine omitted items' content.
test-taker
TABLE6. VRIN (Variable Response Inconsistency) Scale: Implications of Scores
Possible Reasons
T-Score Level Profile Validity for Elevation InterpretivePossibilities
80 Profile is invalid Reading difficulties The profile is uninterpretable.

Confusion
Intentional random
responding
Error in recording
responses
65-79 Profile is valid; Carelessness The profile is likely interpretable; however, a cautionary
however, it is Occasional loss of statement should be made about some inconsistent
characterized by concentration responding being present. As the T score on VRIN
some inconsistent approaches 79, the cautionary statement should be
responding amplified.
40-64 Profile is valid The test-taker was able to understand and

respond to
the items in a consistent manner.
30-39 Profile is valid The test-taker was particularly cautious and

deliberate in
responding to the items.
TABLE 7. TRIN (True Response Inconsistency) Scale: Implications of Scores
Possible Reasons
T-Score Level Profile Validity for Elevation Interpretive Possibilities
280T Profile is invalid Acquiescent response set Profile isuninterpretable.
65T-79T Profile is valid; Partial acquiescent Profile should be interpreted with caution. Particular
however, itis response set attention should be paid to Scales L, K, and S, whose
characterized by scores may be artifactually deflated owing to the
Some acquiescence response set.
50-64T
or Profile is valid
50-64F
65F-79F Profile is valid; Partial nonacquiescent Profile should be interpreted with caution. Particular
however, it is response set attention should be paid to Scales L, K, and S, whose
characterized scores may be artifactually elevated owing to the
by some non- response set.
acquiescence
280F Profile is invalid Nonacquiescent Profile is uninterpretable.

response set
ALE8. F (Infrequency) Scale: Implications of Scores in Inpatient Clinical Settings
Possible Reasons
Score Level Profile Validity for Elevation Interpretive Possibilities
100 May be invalid Random/fixed responding If VRIN or TRIN is above T score 79, the profile is
Severe psychopathology invalid and uninterpretable. if both are within normal
Faking bad limits, Fp should be examined. If Fe is aiso within
normal limits, this is likely a valid profile reflecting severe
psychopathology. If Fp is above 100. the test-taker is
overreporting psychopathology in an attempt to appear
more disturbed than he or she is in
reality
80-99 May be Exaggeration of existing Consider exaggeration of symptoms, perhaps as a "cry
exaggerated, problems for help."
but likely is valid
55-79 Likely valid Test-taker accurately reported a number of psychological

problems.
54 May be defensive Examine defensiveness scales.

particularly L. to
determine whether
test-taker
may be denyingor
minimizing mental health difficulties.
TABLE9. F(Infrequency) Scale:Implications of Scores in Outpatient Clinical Settings
Possible Reasons
T-Score Level Profile Validity forElevation InterpretivePossibilities
290 May be invalid Random/ixed responding If VRIN or TRIN is aboe T score 79, this is an invalid
Severe psychopathology and uninterpretable profile. If both are within normal
Faking bad limits, Fp should be examined. If Fp is also within
psychopathology. If Fp is above 100, the test-taker is
Overreporting psychopathology in an atempt to appear
more disturbed than he or she is in reality.

but likely is valid
55-69 Likely valid Test-taker accurately reported a number of

psychological
problems.
54 May be defensive Examine defensiveness Scales to determine

whether the
test-taker may be denying or
minimizing mental health
difficulties.
TABLE10. F (Infrequency) Scale: Implications of Scores in Nonclinical Settings
Possible Reasons
T-Score Level Profile Validity forElevation Interpretive Possibilities
280 May be invalid Random/fixed responding If VRIN or TRIN is above T score 79, this is an invalid
Severe psychopathology and uninterpretable profile. If both are within normal
Faking bad limits, Fp should be examined. If Fp is also within
psychopathology. If Fp is above 100, the test-taker is
overreporting psychopathology in an attempt to
appear more disturbed than he or she is in reaity.
but likely is valid
40-64 Likely valid Test-taker accurately described his or her current

psychological functioning.
39 May be defensive Examine defensiveness scales to determine whether

the test-taker may be denying or minimizing ment
health difficulties.
TABLE 11. Fs (Back F) Scale: Implications of Scores
Possible Reasons
CLINICAL SETTINGS
The T score on Fg should be compared to the T score
110 May be invalid Random/fixed responding

Severe psychopathology on F. If Fe is at least 30 T-score points greater, this
Faking bad reflects a significant change in the test-taker's approach
Change in responding to the latter part of the test. Scales with items in the
latter part of the test (i.e., the content scales) should not
be interpreted.
NONCLINICAL SETTINGS
The T score on Fg should be compared to the T score
90 May be invalid Random/tixed responding
Severe psychopathology on F. If Fg is at least 30 T-score points greater. this
Faking bad reflects a significant change in the test-taker's approach
Change in responding to the latter part of the test. Scales with items in the
latter part of the test (ie. the content scales) should not
be interpreted.
TABLE 12. Fp (Infrequency-Psychopathology) Scale: Implications of Scores
Possible Reasons
2100 Likely invalid Random responding If VRIN or TRIN is above T score 79, this is aninvalid
Faking bad and uninterpretable profile. If both are within normal
limits, the test-taker is overreporting psychopathology
in an attempt to appear more disturbed than he or she is
in reality.
70-99 Likely exaggerated, Exaggeration of existing Consider exaggeration of symptoms, perhaps as a

but may be valid problems "cry for help."
69 Likely valid Test-taker accurately described current mental health

status.
TABLE13. L(Lie) Scale:Implications of Scores in Clinical Settings
Possible Reasons
80 Likely invalid Faking good If TRIN is greater than 79F, the protocol is characterized
Pervasive by a pervasive pattern of nonacquiescence and is,
nonacquiescence therefore, invalid and uninterpretable. If TRIN is within
normal limits, the high L score refilects a very strong
pattern of faking good and a likely invalid test protocol.
65-79 May be invalid Faking good If TRIN is in the 65F-79F range, the elevation on L
Traditional background likely reflects a moderate pattern of nonacquiescence
Moderate rather than faking good. If TRIN is within normal limits,
nonacquiescence the elevation on L likely reflects a rather unsophisticated
pattern of faking good. The higher the L score, the
greater the likelihood that the MMPl-2 scales do n
accurately represent existing psychopathology
64 Likely valid
TABLE 14.L(Lie) Scale:Implications of Scores in Nonclinical Settings
Possible Reasons
280 Likely invalid Faking good If TRIN is greater than 79F, the protocol is characterized
Pervasive by a pervasive pattern of nonacquiescence and is.
normal limits, the high L score reflects a very strong
pattern of faking good anda likely invalid test protocol.
70-79 May be invalid Moderate faking If TRIN is in the 65F-79F range, the elevation on L
good likely reflects a moderate pattern of nonacquiescence
Moderate rather than faking. If TRIN is within normal limits, the
nonacquiescence elevation on L likely refiects a moderate and rather
unsophisticated pattern of faking good. The higher the
L score, the greater the likelihood that the MMPI-2
profile may not accurately represent existing
psychopathology.
65-69 Questionably valid Overly positive Respondent likely minimized psychological and behav-
self-presentation ioral difficulties. This may result in underestimation
of problems.
60-64 Likely valid Unsophisticated Respondent denied minor faults and shortcomings that
defensiveness most people acknowledge readily, perhaps owing to
the belief that it is in her or his best interest to do so.
Test-taker may come from a traditional background
59 Valid
TABLE15. K(Correction) Scale:Implications of Scores in Clinical Settings
Possible Reasons
265 May be invalid Faking good If TRIN is greater than 79F, the protocol is characterzed
Pervasive by a pervasive pattern of nonacquiescence and is.
normal limits, the high K score reflects a defensive
test-taking approach that may indicate an invalid
protocol.
40-64 Valid
40 May be invalid Faking bad If TRIN is greater than 79T, the protocol is characterzed
Pervasive by a pervasive pattern of acquiescence and is, there-
acquiescence Tore, invalid. if TRIN is within normal limits, a low K
Score may be the result of faking bad. However, this
interpretation is warranted only if there are elevations
on the Infrequency
scales
TABLE 16. K (Correction) Scale: Implications of Scores in Nonclinical Settings
Possible Reasons
T-Score Level Profile Validity for Elevation
Interpretive Possibilities
275 May be invalid Faking good If TRIN isgreater than 79F, the protocol is characterized
Pervasive by pervasive pattern of nonacquescence andis,
a
normal limits, the high K score reflects a defensive
protocol.
65-74 May be invalid Moderate If TRIN is in the 65F-79F range, the elevation onK
defensiveness likely reflects a moderate pattern of nonacquiescence
Moderate rather than faking good. If TRIN is within normal limits
nonacquiescence the elevation on Klikely reflects a moderate pattem of
defensiveness. The higher the Kscore, the greater the
likelihood that the MMP1-2 profile may not accurately
represent existing psychopathology.
40-64 Valid
<40 May be invalid Faking bad If TRIN is greater than 79T, the protocol is characterized
Pervasive by a pervasive pattern of acquiescence and is, there
acquiescence fore, invalid. If TRIN is within normal limits, a low K
SCore may be the result of faking bad. However, this
interpretation is warranted only if there are elevations
on the Infrequency scales
TABLE17. s (Superlative Self-Presentation)Scale: Implications of Scores in Clinical Settings
Possible Reasons
270 May be invalid Faking good If TRIN is greater than 79F, the protocol is characterized
Pervasive by a pervasive pattern of nonacquiescence andis,
nonacquiescence therefore, invalid anduninterpretable.If TRINis within
normal limits, the high S scorereflects a defensive
protocol. Examine the S subscales toidentify particular
areas of defensiveness.
69 Likely valid
TABLE18. s (Superlative Self-Presentation) Scale: Implications of Scores in Nonclinical Settings
Possible Reasons
T-Score
Level Profile Validity for Elevation InterpretivePossibilities
275 May be invalid Faking good If TRIN is greater than 79F, the protocol is characterized
Pervasive by a pervasive pattern of nonacquiescence and is,
normal limits, the high S score reflects a defensive
protocol. Examine the S subscales to identify particular
areas of defensiveness.
70-74 May be invalid Moderate If TRIN is in the 65F-79F range, the elevation on S
defensiveness likely reflects a moderate pattern of nonacquiescence
Moderate rather than faking good. If TRIN is within normallimits,
nonacquiescence the elevation on S likely reflects a moderate pattern of
defensiveness. The higher the S score, the greater
the likelihood that the MMPI-2 profile may not accurately
represent existing psychopathology. Examine the S sub-
Scales to identify particular areas of defensiveness.
69 Valid
TABLE 20. Scale 1 (Hs Hypochondriasis):
Implications of Scores
T-Score Level Interpretive Possibilities

Very High (75 and above) Extreme and sometimes bizarre
somatic complaints; possible
somatic delusions
High (65-74) Somatic complaints may De
general and vague or specific to
a particular system; preoccupied
with health problems; may
develop somatic symptoms in
times of stress
Moderate(55-64) Somatic complaints; dissatisfied,
unhappy, cynical, pessimistic;
immature, whiny, demanding
Average (45-54) No interpretation
Low (below 45) No interpretation
TABLE 21. Scale 2 (D Depression): Implications
of Scores

Very High (75 and above) Clinical depression; feels pessimistic
and hopeless; may be preoccupied
with guilt, death, suicide; feelings of
unworthiness and inadequacy
High (65-74) Dysphoric; dissatisfied with life
situation; lacks energy; somatic
complaints:; anxiety; introverted,
withdrawn, restricted range of
interests; lacking in self-confidence
Moderate (55-64) Dissatisfied with life situation;
introverted, withdrawn, restricted
range of interests; lacking in
self-confidence
TABLE 22. Scale 3 (Hy Hysteria): Implications of
Scores

Very High (75 and above) Extreme somatic complaints;
consider conversion disorder,
reacts to stress by developing
somatic symptoms; symptoms
may disappear when stress
subsides
High (65-74) Somatic complaints; lacks insight
Concerning causes of
symptoms; low energy; may feel
sad and/or anxious
Moderate (55-64) Somatic complaints; denial; immature
self-centered, demanding;
suggestible; affiliative
TABLE 23. Scale 4 (Pd Psychopathic Deviate):

Very High (75 and above) Antisocial behavior, trouble with the
law
High (65-74) Rebellious toward authority, may have
trouble with the law; marital/family
problems; underachievement; poor
work history; impulsive; poor
Judgment, impatient, irritable, hostile;
may feel bored, empty, depressed
Moderate (55-64) Unconventional; immature, self-
centered; superficial relationships;
extroverted, energetic
TABLE 24. Scale 5 (Mf Masculinity-Femininity):
Maies
High (65 and above) Lacks traditional masculineinterests
possible conflicts about sexuality
Low (below 45) Traditional masculine interests
"macho")
Females
High (65 and higher) Rejects traditional feminine role;
possible conflicts about sexuality
Low (below 45) Traditional feminine interests, but not
necessarily exclusively: may be
androgynous
TABLE 25. Scale 6 (Pa Paranoia): Implications of
Scores
T-Score Level InterpretivePossibilities

Very High (75 and above) Psychotic symptoms, including
disturbed thinking, delusions of
persecution; ideas of reference
High (65-74) Suspicious; may feel mistreated;
excessively sensitive and responsive
to opinions of others; blames others;
hostile, argumentative manner
emotionally labile
Moderate (55-64) Overly sensitive; guarded; distrustful;
angry, resentful
TABLE 26. Scale 7 (Pt Psychasthenia):
Implicationsof Scores
Very High (75 and above) Extreme psychological turmoil (e.g.
fear, anxiety, tension, depression);
intruding thoughts; difficulty
concentrating; fears of losing one's
mind; obsessive-compulsive
symptoms
High (65-74) Moderate anxiety and depression;
fatigue, exhaustion, insomnia; may
feel guilty
Moderate (55-64) Anxious, tense, uncomfortable;
insecure and lacking in self-
confidence; meticulous and indecisive;
shy and introverted
TABLE 27. Scale 8 (Sc Schizophrenia):

Very High (75 and above) Confused, disorganized thinking;
hallucinations and/or delusions;
impaired contact with reality; poor
judgment; may reflect effects of some
forms of substance abuse and/or
medical conditions such as epilepsy,
stroke, or dlosed-head injury
High (65-74) Unusual beliefs; eccentric behaviors
sOcial withdrawal;, excessive fantasy
and/or daydreaming; generalized fear,
anxiety; feels sad, blue; somatic
Complaints
Moderate (55-64) Limited interest in other people;
impractical; feelings of inadequacy,
insecurity
TABLE 28. Scale 9 (Ma Hypomania): Implications
of Scores

Very High (75 and above) Manic symptoms, including excessive,
purposeless activity, hallucinations,
delusions of grandeur, confusion, flight
of ideas
High (65-74) Excessive energy; lacks direction;
conceptual disorganization; unrealistic
self-appraisal; low frustration
tolerance; impulsive
Moderate (55-64) Energetic; gregarious, extroverted;
rebellious; seeks excitement; creative,
enterprising
TABLE 29. Scale 0 (Si Social Introversion):

Very High (75 and above) Extreme withdrawal; insecure,
indecisive
High (65-74) Introverted; emotionally overcon
trolled; passive, compliant
Moderate (55-64) Shy, timid; lacks self-confidence;
reliable, dependable
Low (below 45) Extroverted, sociable, gregarious,
friendly
TABLE 47. Es (Ego Strength) Scale: Descriptors
High (T> 64)

GOOd overall psychological adjustment
Favorable prognosis for treatment
(if approach to MMPI-2 was not defensive)
Fewer and less severe symptoms
Stable, reliable
Energetic
Self-contident
Relates well to others
Average (T= 40-64)

No interpretation
Low (T<40)
Poor overall psychological adjustment
Poor prognosis for treatment
(if approach to MMPI-2 was not exaggerated)
Limited psychological resources for dealing with problems

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TABLE 5. ?

(Cannot Say): Implications of Scores

80 Profile is invalid Reading difficulties The profile is uninterpretable.

40-64 Profile is valid The test-taker was able to understand and

30-39 Profile is valid The test-taker was particularly cautious and

280F Profile is invalid Nonacquiescent Profile is uninterpretable.

55-79 Likely valid Test-taker accurately reported a number of psychological

54 May be defensive Examine defensiveness scales.

70-89 May be Exaggeration of existing Consider exaggeration of symptoms, perhaps as a "cry

55-69 Likely valid Test-taker accurately reported a number of

54 May be defensive Examine defensiveness Scales to determine

40-64 Likely valid Test-taker accurately described his or her current

39 May be defensive Examine defensiveness scales to determine whether

110 May be invalid Random/fixed responding

70-99 Likely exaggerated, Exaggeration of existing Consider exaggeration of symptoms, perhaps as a

69 Likely valid Test-taker accurately described current mental health

T-Score Level Interpretive Possibilities

T-Score Level Interpretive Possibilities

T-Score Level Interpretive Possibilities

T-Score Level Interpretive Possibilities

T-Score Level InterpretivePossibilities

T-Score Level Interpretive Possibilities

T-Score Level Interpretive Possibilities

T-Score Level Interpretive Possibilities

High (T> 64)

Average (T= 40-64)

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