Pa Mmpi-2 Scales

Front 1

? Scale

Back 1

Cannot Say; Cs
Number of items left unanswered or double answered
(30+ invalid)

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VRIN

Back 2

Variable Response Inconsistency Scale
• Compares answers expected to be answered in a consistent manner (similar or opposite)

Front 3

TRIN

Back 3

True Response Inconsistency Scale
• Compares only pairs with opposite contents (True = +1; False = -1)

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F Scale

Back 4

Infrequency
• Measures the extent to which a person answers in an atypical and deviant manner
• Based on < 10% of the population
• "Faking bad"
• High; F(t) = 100+: fake bad, invalid, psychopathology
• Moderate; F(t) = 70 - 90: cry for help, unconventional and unusual thoughts, rebellious, antisocial, etc.
• Low; F(t): perceive the world as most others do; possible denial of difficulties if history indicates psychopathology

Front 5

Fb

Back 5

F-Back
• Identifies "Fake bad" for the last 197 items
• High Fb; T=90: possible exaggeration of psychopathology

Front 6

Fp

Back 6

Infrequency-Psychopathology Scale
• Differentiates between persons with true psychopathology and those who have some psychopathology but are faking bad.
• High Fp (T=94 men, T=97 women): Faking psychopathology among psychiatric patients

Front 7

FBS

Back 7

Fake Bad Scale
• Used to detect personal injury claimants who were exaggerating their injuries
• High FBS: fake bad/malingering

Front 8

L

Back 8

Lie Scale
• 15 items that indicate attempt to describe himself in an unrealistically positive manner
• High scorers describe themselves in and overly perfectionistic and idealized manner
• Questions about minor flaws to which most people are willing to admit (e.g. never get angry, like everyone)

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L - High Scores

Back 9

High: (T = 65)
• Overly favorable light due to conscious deception
• Unrealistic view of himself, may be inflexible, unoriginal, and unaware of the impressions he makes on others; perceives the world in a rigid, self-centered manner
• Poor insight due to denial of flaws
• Low tolerance to stress
• Poor candidates for psychotherapy
Extremely high scores: ruminative, extremely rigid and experience difficulties in relationships
• Extremely high scores might be due to conscious deception by antisocial personalities

•

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L - Low Scores

Back 10

Low Scores: (T = 35-45)
• Frank and open regarding responses to items
• Able to admit minor faults in themselves, may also be articulate, relaxed, socially ascendant, and self-reliant
• Possibly somewhat sarcastic and cynical

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K

Back 11

Correction Scale
• Designed to detect clients who describe themselves in overly positive terms
• Similar to the L scale, but more subtle and effective (naive, moralistic, unsophisticated score high on L, intelligent psychologically sophisticated may have high K, but not high L)

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K - High Scores

Back 12

K (T = 65 - 70)
• Attempting to describe himself in overly favorable light, denying difficulties
• May have answered false to all items (naysaying - check VRIN & TRIN)
• Image of being in control and functioning effectively, but overlook faults they may have
• Likely to have poor insight and resist psychological evaluation, limited benefit from psychotherapy
• Intolerant of nonconformity in others, may perceive nonconformists as weak
• Use of denial, poor insight, unaware of the impression he makes on others
• Shy, inhibited, low level of social interaction

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K - Moderate Scores

Back 13

K (T = 56 - 64)
• Moderate levels of defensiveness
• Potential positive qualities: independent, self-reliant, express an appropriate level of self-disclosure, have good ego strength, good verbal ability and social skills
• Might admit to some "socially acceptable" difficulties but minimize other important conflicts
• Unlikely to seek help
• Moderate scores in adolescents contraindicate acting out

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K - Low Scores

Back 14

• Fake bad profile
• In an otherwise valid profile, client may be disoriented and confused, extremely self-critical, cynical, skeptical, dissatisfied, and have inadequate defenses
• Poor self concept, low level of insight
• Low scores among adolescents are not uncommon and may reflect a greater level of openness and sensitivity to their problems, consistent with their undergoing a critical self-assessment related to establishing a clear sense of identity

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S

Back 15

Superlative Scale
• Attempts to accurately identify those persons attempting to appear overly virtuous.
• 50 items relate to contentment with life, serenity, affirming human goodness, denial of anger/irritability, patience, and denial of moral flaws
• Persons endorsing a high number of these items present themselves as getting along very easily with others, being free from psychological problems, and having a string belief in human goodness

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Clinical Scale 1

Back 16

Hypochondriasis (Hs)
Originally designed to distinguish hypochondriacs from other types of psychiatric patients

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Scale 1; Hs - High Scores

Back 17

• High concern with illness and disease
• Rarely act out directly but express hostility indirectly, likely to be critical of others
• Complaints usually related to a wide variety of difficulties, vague and diffuse and will often shift to various locations on their bodies
• Usually complain of pain, fatigue, headaches
• Stubborn, pessimistic, narcissistic, egocentric

Front 18

Scale 1; Hs - Related Scale Elevations

Back 18

• Often elevated with 2, 3, 7, reflects corresponding levels of depression, denial, conversions, or anxiety states
• If scale 7 is elevated, indicates better prognosis for psychotherapy, client's level of anxiety is high enough to motivate them to change
• "Conversion V" (elevations on 1 & 3 with a significant lowering of 10 or more points on 2); person converts psychological conflicts into bodily complaints

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Clinical Scale 2

Back 19

Depression (D)
• 57 items relate to brooding, physical slowness, subjective feelings of of depression, mental apathy, and physical malfunctioning

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Scale 2; D - High Scores

Back 20

• Suggests reactive depression (particularly if 2 is the only high point)
• Confronting difficulties with dysphoria, pessimism, helplessness, low self-esteem, hopelessness,

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Scale 2; D - Related Score Elevations

Back 21

• Elevated scales 1, 2, 3 re referred to as the neurotic triad: wide variety of complaints, including but not only depression, somatic complaints, irritability, difficulties with interpersonal relationships, work related problems, and general dissatisfaction. (See code type: 12/21, 13/31, 23/32)
• Associated elevation on 7 (2 and 7 are referred to as the distress scales): index of personal pain, anxiety, discomfort, tense, nervous; favorable sign for psychotherapy because person is motivated to change and is introspective and self-aware
• Elevations on 2 and 8: depression is characterized by unusual thoughts, disafiliation, isolation and alienation
• Corresponding elevations on 1: variety of somatic complaints including feeling sluggish, tense, low energy

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Scale 3

Back 22

Hysteria (Hy)
• 60 items primarily involve specific physical complaints and a defensive denial of emotional or interpersonal difficulties.
• Types of physical complaints are generally quite specific and include areas such as fitful sleep, nausea, vomiting, headaches, heart or chest pains.
• Important point is that they simultaneously report specific physical complaints but also use a style of denial in which they may even express an exaggerated degree of optimism.
• A primary way they deal with anxiety and conflict is channel or convert these difficulties onto the body.
• Physical complaints serve as an indirect expression of these conflicts

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Scale 3, Hy - High Scores

Back 23

• Extraverted, dramatic, seeking attention
• Highly conforming, immature, naive, childishly self-centered, impulsive
• Strong needs for approval, support and affection; will attempt to obtain these through indirect and manipulative means, interpersonally indirect
• Difficulty expressing hostility and resentment

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Scale 3, Hy - Related Scale Elevations

Back 24

• Note "Conversion V"
• High 2 with K: person is likely to be inhibited, affiliative, over conventional, have an exaggerated need to be liked and approved of by others (especially if F and 8 are also low)
• High 3 reduces the likelihood the person will be psychotic, even though 6 and 8 may be high

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Scale 4

Back 25

Psychopathic Deviate (Pd)
• Purpose is to assess the person's general level of social adjustment
• Questions deal with areas such as degree of alienation from family, social imperviousness, difficulties with school and authority figures, and alienation from self and society

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Scale 4, Pd - High Scores

Back 26

• Problems with persons in authority
• Frequent marital and work difficulties
• Poor tolerance for boredom
• Angry disidentification with family, society, or both
• Slow to learn from the consequences of their behavior despite having been caught
• Will blame others, particularly their families, when things go wrong
• Related to Antisocial Practices content scale
• Frequent history of involvement with legal system; extensive alcohol or drug abuse

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Scale 4, Pd - Other Scores

Back 27

• Extremely high scores: aggressive or even assaultive, unstable, irresponsible, self-centered, legal difficulties

• Moderate scores: adventurous, pleasure-seeking, sociable, self-confident, assertive, unreliable, resentful, and imaginative

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Scale 4, Pd - Related Scale Elevations

Back 28

• Elevated 4 and 9 (see 49/94 code type): presence of energy to act on underlying feelings of anger and impulsiveness, history of extensive impulsive behavior (moderate elevations on 49 suggest behaviors with possibly a good level of adjustent)
• High 4 and 8 (see 48/84 code type): Psychotic expression of antisocial behavior

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Scale 5

Back 29

Masculinity-Feminiinity (Mf)

Front 30

Scale 6

Back 30

Paranoia (Pa)
• Identifies persons with paranoid conditions or paranoid states
• Measures degree of interpersonal sensitivity, self-righteousness, and suspiciousness
• Many of the 40 items center on areas such as ideas of reference, delusional beliefs, pervasive suspiciousness, feelings of persecution, grandiose self-beliefs, and interpersonal rigidity.
• Mild elevations suggest that the person is emotional, soft-hearted, and experiences interpersonal sensitivity. As the elevation increases, a person's sensitivity become more extreme and consistent with psychotic processes.

Front 31

Scale 6, Pa - Scores

Back 31

High Scores:
• Highly suspicious, vengeful, brooding
• Will feel mistreated and typically misinterpret the motives of others, feeling that they have not received a fair deal in life
• May have a thought disorder with accompanying ideas of reference, delusional thinking, fixed obsessions, compulsions, phobias
Moderate Elevations:
• Much less likely to reflect overtly psychotic trends but will still be suspicious, argumentative, potentially hostile, and quite sensitive in interpersonal relationships
Mild Elevations:
• Are usually described in relatively favorable terms: hardworking, industrious, moralistic, sentimental, softhearted, peaceable, generous, trusting unless betrayed, intelligent, poised, rational, with a broad range of interests
• May also be: submissive, prone to worry, high-strung, dependent, lacking in self-confidence

Front 32

Scale 6, Pa - Related Scale Elevations

Back 32

• High 6 and 8 (68/86): highly suggestive of paranoid schizophrenia

Front 33

Scale 7

Back 33

Psychasthenia (Pt)
• Items addressing compulsions, obsessions, unreasonable fears, and excessive doubts
• Quite similar to anxiety disorder with OCD features, but scale 7 measures more overt fears and anxieties
• The clinical scale that most clearly measures anxiety and and ruminative self-doubt
Psychasthenia (Pt)
• A good general indicator of the degree of distress the person is undergoing

Front 34

Scale 7 - High Scores

Back 34

• Apprehensive, worrying, perfectionistic, tense, difficulty concentrating
• Highly introspective, self-critical, self-conscious, and feel a generalized sense of guilt
• Experience self-doubt, rigid, meticulous, uncertain, indecisive
• Social difficulties, frequently worrying about their degree of acceptance and popularity
• Extremely high scores: disruption in a person's ability to perform daily activities

Front 35

Scale 8

Back 35

Schizophrenia (Sc)
• Originally designed to identify persons who were experiencing schizophrenic-like conditions
• Descriptions of high scores can be quite varied
• Items assess areas such as social alienation, apathy, poor family relations, unusual thought processes, and peculiarities in perception.
• In general an elevated score suggests the person feels alienated, distant from social situations, and misunderstood

Front 36

Scale 8 - High Scores

Back 36

• Unusual beliefs, unconventional
• Possible difficulty concentrating and focussing attention
• Moderately elevated: merely aloof, different, approach tasks from an innovative perspective, may have philosophical, religious, or abstract interests, little concern with concrete matters
• Higher elevations: greater difficulties organizing and directing thoughts, aggressive, resentful, and/or hostile feelings yet can not express them
• Very high elevations: bizarre mentation, delusions, highly eccentric behaviors, poor contact with reality, and possibly hallucinations
• Very high elevations: borderline personalities, or relatively well-adjusted persons who are malingering

Front 37

Scale 8 - Related Scale Elevations

Back 37

• 48/84: extremely distrustful, alienated from their world, environment perceived as dangerous, likely to react to others in a hostile and aggressive fashion
• 89/98: Likely to constantly deflect the direction of conversation, frequently diverting it to unusual tangents, distorted view of the world, have the energy to act on these distorted perceptions
• Elevated 8, F, 2, 4, 0: schizoid profile

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Scale 9

Back 38

Hypomania (Ma)
• Originally developed to identify persons experiencing hypomanic symptoms
• Symptoms might include cyclical periods of euphoria, increased irritability, and excessive underproductive activity that might be used as a distraction to stave off an impending depression.
• Items are centered on topics such as energy level, irritability, egotism, and expansiveness

Front 39

Scale 9 - High Scores

Back 39

• Extremely high scores: moderate manic episode, will be maladaptively hyperactive, poorly focused, flighty ideas inflated sense of self-importance, and low impulse control
• Possibly perceived as creative, enterprising, and ingenious, but what they can accomplish is unrealistic
• Expend a considerable amount of energy, but their activity is usually unproductive because it is unfocused

Front 40

Scale 9 - Related Scale Elevations

Back 40

• High 9 and 2 (usually negatively correlated): reflects an agitated state, person is attempting to defend himself from underlying hostile and aggressive impulses, might be highly introspective and narcissistically self-absorbed.
• High 9 w/low 2 and 7: suggests a minimum of psychological distress. Males are likely to have compulsive need to seek power and place themselves in narcissistically competitive situations
• Low scores (T=40): Likely to be apathetic, depressed, fatigued, pessimistic, feel inadequate

Front 41

Scale 0

Back 41

Social Introversion (Si)
• Questions relating to social introversion/extroversion
• Scale 0 is similar to 5 in that it is used to "color" or provide a different emphasis to the other clinical scales.
• Interpretations should be made without considering 5 and 0; later, the implications of these scales should be included

Front 42

Scale 0 - High, Moderate, and Low Scores

Back 42

High Scores:
• Feel uncomfortable in group interactions, may have poorly developed social skills
• Self-effacing, lacking in self-confidence, submissive, shy, timid
• Others might experience them as cold, distant, rigid, difficult to get to know
Moderate Scores: Dependable, conservative, cautious, unoriginal, serious, over-controlled
Low Scores:
• Warm, outgoing, assertive, self-confident, verbally fluent, gregarious
• Strong need to be around other people
• Concerned with power, recognition, status
• Normal males: sociable, expressive, socially competitive, verbally fluent
• Normal females: sociable, talkative, assertive, enthusiastic, adventurous

Front 43

Content Scales

Back 43

• An advantage over the clinical scales is that they measure single dimensions. The practical significance is that they can be relatively easily interpreted using rational, intuitive strategies
• An important function of the content scales is the ability to use them to refine the meanings of the clinical scales

Front 44

Content Scales Listed

Back 44

• Internal Symptomatic Behaviors (6 scales):
1. ANX/Anxiety
2. FRS/Fears
3. OBS/Obsessiveness
4. DEP/Depression
5. HEA/Health Concerns
6. BIZ/Bizarre Mentation
• External Aggressive Tendencies (4 scales):
1. ANG/Anger
2. CYN/Cynicism
3. ASP/Antisocial Practices
4. TYP/Type A
• Negative Self View (1 scale):
1. LSE/Low Self-Esteem
• General Problem Areas Cluster (4 scales):
1. SOD/Social Discomfort
2. FAM/Family Problems
3. WRK/Work Interference
4. TRT/Negative Treatment Indicators

Front 45

ISB: ANX (1)

Back 45

Anxiety: generalized anxiety, somatic concerns, worries, overwhelmed, insomnia

Front 46

ISB: FRS (2)

Back 46

Fears: multiple specific fears (nuisance animals, blood, dirt, leaving home, natural disasters, mice, snakes, etc.)

Front 47

ISB: OBS (3)

Back 47

Obsessiveness: rumination, compulsions, worries, difficulty making decisions, resistance to change

Front 48

ISB: DEP (4)

Back 48

Depression: emptiness, sadness, hopelessness, disinterested in life, high number of depressive thoughts, helplessness

Front 49

ISB: HEA (5)

Back 49

Health Concerns: numerous physical complaints, worried and nervous, low energy

Front 50

ISB: BIZ (6)

Back 50

Bizarre Mentation: psychotic thoughts, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions

Front 51

EAT: ANG (1)

Back 51

Anger: difficulty controlling anger, irritability, impatient, annoyed, stubborn, loss of control

Front 52

EAT: CYN (2)

Back 52

Cynicism: distrust of other people, negativity, suspicion, fear of being used, thinking others lie and cheat you

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EAT: ASP (3)

Back 53

Antisocial Practices: illegal behavior, academic problems, expect others to lie, enjoy and support lawlessness, thought patterns that characterize criminal behavior

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EAT: TPA (4)

Back 54

Type A: driven, competitive, hostile, irritable with time constraints, hardworking, blunt and direct, overbearing, annoyed with interruptions, petty regarding minor details

Front 55

NSV: LSE (1)

Back 55

Low Self-Esteem: low self-confidence, feeling of insignificance, negative beliefs regarding self, acutely aware of faults, poor self-image, overwhelmed by own faults
(Low Scores: secure, relaxed and unlikely to be depressed)

Front 56

GPAC: SOD (1)

Back 56

Social Discomfort: shy, withdrawn, prefers being alone, uneasy with others, introverted
(Low Scores: secure, relaxed, achievement oriented, assertive, and unlikely to be depressed or experience somatic symptoms)

Front 57

GPAC: FAM (2)

Back 57

Family Problems: family discord, unhappy childhood, difficult and unhappy marriages, families that do not express much love but are quarrelsome and unpleasant, possibly abusive childhood

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GPAC: WRK (3)

Back 58

Work interference: personal difficulties that interfere with work, tension, worry, obsessiveness, difficulty concentrating, easily defeated by difficulties

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GPAC: TRT (4)

Back 59

Negative Treatment Indicators: dislike or distrust of helping professionals, discomfort in discussing difficulties, low level of disclosure, resistance to change, disbelief in the possibility of change, belief that no one can really understand them or help them, preference for giving up rather than facing a crisis