MINNESOTA MULTIPHASIC PERSONALITY INVENTORY (MMPI – 2)

Aim- To assess the personality of the subject by administrating MMPI -2.

Introduction

Definition of personality-
According to Allport, “Personality is a dynamic organisation within the individual of those
psychophysical systems that determines his or her unique adjustments to the environment.”
According to Cattel, “Personality is that which permits a prediction of what a person will do in a
given situation.”
According to Eysenck, “Personality is more or less stable and enduring organisation of a person’s
character temperament, intellect and physique which determines his or her unique adjustment to the
environment.”

Characteristics
i. Unique and specific
ii. Exhibits self-consciousness
iii. Includes all behaviour patterns such as cognitive and affects, conscious and unconscious
activities etc.
iv. Personality is not static. It is a dynamic and in process of change and modification.

Theories of personality
i. Trait Theory: Trait theory is also called as dispositional theory, it is an approach to the study
of human personality that can be defined as habitual patterns of behaviour, thought and
emotion, a common trait is hypothetical construct that permits us to compare individuals
within a given culture. Personality depositions can also be know as individualists traits.

ii. Eysenck’s Theory: Eysenck advocated an approach to personality emphasizing biological and
genetic factors as well as social and environmental ones. He also gave much importance to
factor analysis. Eysenck defined “Personality as a more or less stable and enduring
organisation of a person’s character, temperament, intellect and physique which determines
his unique adjustment to the environment.”
 iii. Allport’s Theory: He concluded that personality traits can be divided into three:
 Secondary traits: Traits that exerts relatively specific and weak effects on behaviour.
 Central Traits: The five or ten traits that describe one individual’s personality.
 Cardinal Traits: A single trait that dominates an individual’s entire personality.

Psychopathology.
Psychopathology is the scientific exploration of abnormal mental states that, for more than a century,
has provided a Gestalt for psychiatric disorders and guided clinical as well as scientific progress in
modern psychiatry. In the wake of the immense technical advances, however, psychopathology has
been increasingly marginalized by neurobiological, genetic, and neuropsychological research. This
ongoing erosion of psychiatric phenomenology is further fostered by clinical casualness as well as
pressured health care and research systems. The skill to precisely and carefully assess
psychopathology in a qualified manner used to be a core attribute of mental health professionals, but
today's curricula pay increasingly less attention to its training, thus blurring the border between
pathology and variants of the “normal” further. Despite all prophecies that psychopathology was
doomed, and with neurobiological parameters having yet to show their differential-diagnostic
superiority and value for differential indication, psychiatric diagnosis continues to rely exclusively on
psychopathology in DSM-5 and ICD-11. 

Psychometric tests to assess personality

 Enneagram of personality: An Enneagram recognizes nine “Enneatypes” or interconnected

personality types. A geometric shape known as an “enneagram” represents these
interconnections based on various aspects of intelligence. It is helpful in predicting behaviour
patterns, emotional intelligence and the ability to build professional and personal
relationships.
 DISC profile: This method analyses personalities based on dominance, influence, steadiness
and conscientiousness. Instead of testing for aptitude, intelligence or values, the DISC profile
focuses on an individual’s reactions, influence and speed under challenging situations. The
most significant drawback of the DISC profile is its failure to assess specific personality traits
that may be essential to succeed in a job role.
 Trait-focused personality assessments are all based on the Big 5 Factor model, also known as
the OCEAN model. Developed in the 1970s, this model enlists five major personality
traits that exist among humans in varying degrees.

Methodology

Description of the test

The current questionnaire, MLQ (5X short), contains 45 items that identify, and measure key
leadership and effectiveness behaviours shown in prior research to be strongly linked with both
individual and organizational success. Each of the nine leadership components along a full range of
leadership styles is measured by four highly inter-correlated items that are as low in correlation as
possible with items of the other eight components. MLQ (5X-Long) adds two items per component
that tend to load on more than one component, i.e., transformational items within scales also correlate
with other transformational scales. Although MLQ (5X-Long) is very useful for training and coaching
purposes, it is less useful for research studies.

Reliability:
The internal consistencies and test–retest reliabilities of the various scales were obtained from the
respective test manuals. With regard to the MMPI-2, the Clinical scales have comparatively lower
alpha coefficients than the Content, Supplementary, or Restructured scales. The exceptions to the .70
criterion were the Type A (TPA) scale for women, Low Self Esteem (LSE), and Ideas of Persecution
(PER). It should also be noted that three of the five PSY-5 scales reported internal consistency
estimates < .70. The test–retest reliability for the MMPI-2 scales in a one-week interval all surpassed
the .70 level, with the exception of the Pa scale for Males and the Pd, Pa, Pt, Sc, Ma, and RC4
(Antisocial Behaviour) scales for women. The alpha coefficient and test–retest RS derived from the
MMPI-2 normative community sample and the MCMI-III and PAI clinical samples. The exceptions
to this were the test–retest data for the MMPI-2 Psychopathology-5 (PSY-5) scales, where clinical
norms were presented in the manual; and the PAI, where the “Community” sample norms were used
due to the absence of clinical norms. Also, due to the deletion of the Wiggins Content Scales and the
interpretive caveats and restrictions related to the MMPI-2 Harris and Lingoes subscales, these scales
were not included in this analysis.

Validity:
The factorial complexity of the MMPI-2 clinical scales has been the impetus for the development of
numerous scales, including the Harris-Lingoes (1968), Wiggins (1966), Content, Restructured
Clinical (RC), and PSY-5 scales. When interpreting the clinical MMPI-2 scales, practitioners are well
advised to keep this in mind. On the other hand, both the Content and Restructured Clinical Scales
demonstrated greater internal consistency and retest reliability and may be interpreted in a more
straightforward manner, with an increased confidence that the items are measuring similar aspects of a
construct and will demonstrate temporal stability. Internal consistency and temporal stability do not,
however, indicate that a scale possesses construct validity, nor does it define the construct.

Particulars of the participant

Initials: S.W
Gender: Female
Age: 21
Course enrolled: MA English Literature
Marital status: Unmarried
Educational background: Graduate
Occupation: Student
Family structure: Nuclear
Ordinal position: Second child
Mother’s occupation: Home maker
Mother’s educational background: Graduate
Father’s occupation: HR Head
Father’s educational background: PG in HRM and Personnel Management
Geographical location: Urban
Socio-economic status: Middle class
Family tree:

Lata Suma P. V
76 72

Sunil Suma
56 49

Sasha Sanya
26 21

Case history
Introduction-
The patient’s name is SW. She is 20 years old, female. She is unmarried. She is in Her masters in
English and not working right now. She lives in a nuclear family- with Her mother, father, and elder
sister. Her mother is a housewife. She completed Her graduation in arts. Her father works in HR. She
finished his master’s in computer science.
History of presenting complaint-
The patient has no other issue but stress due to college work. She is a confident person with minimum
self-esteem issues. She is very much in touch with reality and does not zone out much. She finds it
easy to talk and understand people and their emotions. She calls Herself lazy at times but does not
back off from worm when presented to Her. She is a bit indecisive but does not seek out for others
opinion. She has a lot of friends but only a handful of close friends. She is not always good with
change but tries to adapt as much as possible. She will not willingly accept work most of the time
unless an opportunity presents itself.

Past psychiatric history-

She has had issues with weight growing up and just stress, but otherwise she calls Herself a “pretty
normal and outgoing person”.
She has undergone no treatment whatsoever.
She occasionally smokes and drinks, but it has never been an issue.

Past medical history-

Other than the usual fever and colds and small injuries, nothing major has happened.

Family history-
She comes from a communicative family. Her father is usually out for work, but she is closer to her
father. Her mother is closer to Her sister. Her sister is married and lives in Kerala with Her husband.
She was not close to Her sister before but that changed after she turned 18. She does not have a lot of
issues with Her extended family except one or two relatives who might not have the same opinion as
Her.
Her father has diabetes, both Her mother and sister have PCOD.
Diabetes is persistent in the paternal side of Her family. There are people while blood pressure issues
in the maternal side of Her family
She is only aware of one paternal uncle who deals with depression and anxiety.

Personal history/development-
She had a normal childhood. She was not always the best in class, but she never failed either. School
for Her, was tough. She did get bullied a bit, but she got the courage from Her sister to stay Her
grounds. She was active in Her school in regards with sports and extra-curricular activities.
She has only done few internships which were compulsory for college internal marks. She had fun but
was not really interested in working.
Her menstrual history is normal. She has them 5 days a month in an interval of 30 days. She has
severe cramps on the first and second day.
She has a lot of friends from school and college. She is fairly in touch with most of them. She only
has handful of close friends whom she meets daily.
She is also close to Her sister and is in constant contact, especially after Her sister moved out.
She likes to sing and write in Her free time. She loves to read a lot as well.
Materials required:

 MMPI – 2 Questionnaire
 MMPI – 2 Response sheet
 MMPI – 2 Manual
 Pen/Pencil
 Graph paper

Administration of test
The test should be conducted or administrated in a quiet, comfortable place. The examiner or the
proctor should be readily available to monitor the test taking and to answer questions that may arise.
Care should be taken to make sure that the test subject carefully understands and reads the test
instructions. Questions that may arise during the course of testing should be handled by referring the
test subject back to the standardized test instructions.

Instructions
"You are required to take the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), the most
widely used psychological test in the world as part of your medical examination. You will be asked
567 True-or-False questions, which represents the shortened form of the test. The questions are
straightforward and are not trick questions – do not read too much into them.
We realize that you are interested in making a positive impression. Be aware, however, that if you
attempt to influence your results by consistently responding in a way that just makes you look very
good, then your results cannot be scored and you will be required to take a much more thorough
psychological assessment. While there is no time limit, you should work as quickly as you can and
give a response to each and every item.

Procedure
The subjects are made to sit comfortably and rapport was established. The MMPI – 2 questionnaire
and the response sheet were presented to the subject. The subject is made to answer all the items
manually. Instructions were given to the subject and the test is conducted accordingly.

Observations
The subject seemed disinterested while doing the test due to the length of the test. The teste got bored
during the test. The teste was cheerful at the beginning of the test and eventually lost interest when
they reached the middle of the test.

Retrospective reports
According to the teste, some questions were too personal. It made them think about certain things that
they felt was not their concern. They also felt that the test has a few repetitive questions and the test
was very lengthy.

Scoring and interpretations

CLINICAL SCALES RAW SCORES T-SCORES

L Scale 3 47
F Scale 12 79
K Scale 12 43
Hs* 15 21*
D 21 51
Hy 19 43
Pd* 21 25.8*
Mf 33 57
Pa* 15 27*
Pt* 20 32*
Sc* 30 42*
Ma 26 75
Si 35 58

*K corrected values

Discussion and interpretation

 L Scale: The participant scored a raw score of 3 and a T-score of 47 on L scale. This indicated
that the participant responded frankly and are confident enough to be able to admit minor
faults and short comings on their part. The individuals who score low scores on L scale are
seen as strong, natural and relaxed. They are self-reliant, independent and can function
effectively in leadership goals.
 F Scale: The participant scored a raw score of 12 and a T-score of 79 on K scale. This
indicates that the participant may have very deviant social, political and religious convictions.
They may manifest clinically severe neurotic or psychotic disorders. Individuals who score in
the range 65-79 can be moody, restless, dissatisfied, opinionated, opportunistic, curious and
complex.
 K Scale: The participant scored a raw score of 12 and a T-score of 43 on K scale. This
indicates that the participant have maintained a healthy balance between positive self-
evaluation and self-criticism in responding to the MMPI – 2 items. These type of individuals
who score average scores in K scale are often psychologically well adjusted, are independent
and self-reliant. They are capable of dealing with problems of daily-life. They enthusiastic,
verbally fluent and mix well socially. These individuals exhibit wide interests and are
resourceful.
 Scale 1 (Hs): The participant has scored a raw score of 15 and T-score of 67 on Hs scale.
People with moderate elevations on scale 1 tend to have generally vague, nonspecific
complaints. When specific symptoms are elicited, they tend to be epigastric in nature. Chronic
weakness, lack of energy and sleep disturbances tend to be a characteristic for these
 individuals. Moderately high scorers on scale 1 tend to be associated with diagnoses such as
somatoform disorders, somatoform pain disorders, anxiety disorders and depressive disorders.
 Scale2 (D): The participant has scored a raw score of 21 and T-score of 51 on D scale.
Participants who scored more than 70 display depressive symptoms. Many of the items in the
scale deal with various aspects of depression such as denial of happiness and personal worth,
psychomotor retardation and withdrawal, and lack of interest in one's surroundings. Moderate
scorers also report feelings of blue, moody and lack of interest. They report feelings of
uselessness, inability to function in a variety of situations.
 Scale 3 (Hy): The participant has scored a raw score of 19 and T-score of 43 on Hy scale.
Low scorers report severe emotional turmoil, hallucinations, delusions or suspiciousness.
They may have symptoms that appear and disappear suddenly. May have headaches, stomach
discomfort, chest pains, weakness etc.
 Scale 4 (Pd): The participant has scored a raw score of 21 and T-score of 58 on Pd scale.
Moderate scorers have stormy relationships with families. They usually blame their family
members for their difficulties. They have sarcastic and cynical attitudes. Can act in aggressive
ways. In women, they express anger in passive ways.
 Scale 5 (Mf): The participant has scored a raw score of 33 and T-score of 57 on Mf scale.
These type of women have many stereotypical feminine interests and are likely to derive
satisfaction from their roles as spouses and mothers. These participants can be traditionally
feminine or androgenous.
 Scale 6 (Pa): The participant has scored a raw score of 15 and T-score of 111 on Pa scale.
When the participant scores above 70 they may exhibit psychotic disorder. Their thinking
might be disturbed, and they may have delusions of persecutions or grandeur. They may feel
mistreated and picked on and they maybe angry and resentful. They harbour grudges.
Projection is a common defence mechanism. They may be sensitive or overly responsive to
others’ opinions.
 Scale 7 (Pt): The participant has scored a raw score of 20 and T-score of 59 on Pa scale.
Moderate scorers tend to be very introspective, and they sometimes report fears that they are
losing their minds. Obsessive thinking, compulsion and ritualistic behaviour, and ruminations
are often cantered on feelings of insecurity and inferiority. High scorers are neat, organised
and meticulous but they lack ingenuity and originality.
 Scale 8 (Sc): The participant has scored a raw score of 30 and T-score of 115 on Pa scale.
High scorers may have a psychotic disorder. They may be confused, disorganised and
disoriented. May be exaggerating deviance as a cry for help. Has nightmares. Have vague and
long-standing physical complaints. They might feel inferior, incompetent and dissatisfied.
These participants are usually non comforting, unusual and unconventional.
 Scale 9 (Ma): The participant has scored a raw score of 26 and T-score of 75 on Ma scale.
These participants may exhibit behavioural manifestations of a manic episode including,
confusion, flight of ideas, accelerated speech, delusions of grandeur etc. these type of
individuals are usually overreactive and have unrealistic self-appraisal. They can also be
energetic and talkative.
 Scale 0 (Si): The participant has scored a raw score of 35 and T-score of 58 on Si scale. Low
scores on social introversion indicated that the individual is sociable and extroverted. They
are outgoing, friendly and talkative. They are also expressive and verbally fluent.

Conclusion
The participant has scored a raw score of 3, 12, 12, 15, 21, 19, 21, 33, 15, 20, 30, 26 and 35 for the
clinical scales, L, F, K, Hs, D, Hy, Pd, Mf, Pa, Pt, Sc, Ma, and Si.
References

i. Cherry, K. (2021, September 2). The history and use of the Minnesota Multiphasic
Personality Inventory. Verywell Mind. Retrieved June 4, 2022, from
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-minnesota-multiphasic-personality-inventory-
2795582
ii. Cherry, K. (2022, May 13). What is personality? Verywell Mind. Retrieved June 4, 2022,
from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-personality-2795416
iii. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Statistics Solutions. (2021, April 28).
Retrieved June 4, 2022, from https://www.statisticssolutions.com/free-resources/directory-of-
survey-instruments/minnesota-multiphasic-personality-inventory-mmpi/#:~:text=This
%20instrument%20is%20a%20widely,Hypochondriasis%2C%20has%20the%20highest
%20reliability.
iv. © 2008, 2011 by the Regents of the University of Minnesota. all rights ... (n.d.). Retrieved
June 4, 2022, from http://images.pearsonclinical.com/images/assets/MMPI-2-RF/_Trial-
page/25050MMPI2RFOverviewMiniMnlHQ.pdf
APPENDICES

CONSENT FORM

I Aditi S Warrier, student from Amity University am conducting a psychological test on

Sanya Warrier Your participation has solicited yet it is strictly voluntary. Please be

aware that you are free to withdraw at any point throughout the duration of the

experiment/test.

Your result will be kept confidential and not disclosed to anyone without your

permission or your name will not be associated with any test findings.

Your participation in this study will require approximately 3 to 5 minutes. You are

solely responsible for not attending any classes during this period. Please, indicate with

your signature that you understand your rights and agree to this participate in this

experiment.

By my signature below, I acknowledge that I consent to a psychological test/experiment

conducted by Aditi S Warrier. I have been informed of the study and have read the

consent form.

I fully understand my rights and obligations as a participant and I freely agree to this

assessment/test.

S. W
 Signature of the Subject

Name of the student (from psychology) conducting this session: Aditi S Warrier

MMPI – 2 RESPONSE SHEET