Genetic Inheritance and Gene Expression Part 3

MMPI-2 Interpretation Grieve 7) T-Scores < 40 are indicative of persons who: a. are sociable and extroverted b. are outgoing, gregarious, friendly, and talkative c. have a strong need to be around other people d. mix well at social gatherings e. are seen as intelligent, expressive, and verbally fluent f. are active, energetic, and vigorous g. are interested in power, status, and recognition h. seek out competitive situations i. have problems with impulse control and may act without considering the consequences of their actions j. are somewhat immature and self-indulgent k. may have superficial and insincere relationships with other people l. may be manipulative and opportunistic m. may arouse resentment and hostility in others M. Interpreting the Basic Scales 1) Use High Point Pairs a. find the 2 scales with the highest T-Scores and interpret the combination 1. have to be above 65 b. many books list interpretative paragraphs for high point pairs 1. Groth-Marnat 2. Gardner c. Remember, these are generalizations about the typical individual who scores this way. You will need to tailor the paragraphs to fit your individual client. 1. based on probability statements; may or may not apply to a single client d. you should also interpret the individual scales, but the combining into code types yields some unique interpretive information e. when multiple code types are interpreted in a single profile, the highest two point pair receives more weight than any lower pairs if there are any contradictions f. if there are three or more scales above 65 and within a few T points of each other, divide the profile into as many two-point pairs as possible and interpret all of the pairs g. following are the top 22 most frequent high point pairs and the interpretations for each pair High Point Pairs from Newmark, C. S., & McCord, D. M. (1996). The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI-2). In C. S. Newmark (Ed.), Major Psychological Assessment Instruments (pp. 1-58). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. 1-2/2-1 Individuals with this high point pair tend to experience depression, worry, and pessimism, and endorse a large number of somatic complaints accompanied by a marked preoccupation with bodily functions. Symptoms are likely to include pain, weakness, and easy fatiguability, and are most pronounced during periods of stress. They may present multiple somatic complaints or the symptoms may be restricted to one particular system. There is difficulty in externalizing emotions and therefore these clients feel uncomfortable in situations demanding anger, originality, or strength. Many of their angry and hostile feelings become introjected, resulting in heightened physiological reactivity. They tend to be passive-dependent in relationships and may harbor hostility toward others who are not MMPI-2 Interpretation Grieve perceived as offering enough attention or support. A history of drug and/or alcohol abuse should be considered. A rather sour, whiny, and complaining attitude is likely accompanied by skepticism and a great deal of cynicism regarding treatment. Clients’ motivation for change is quite weak, as they have learned to tolerate high levels of discomfort and because they refuse to consider physiological symptoms as signs of psychological stress. These clients consistently will seek medical attention in order to substantiate their somatic concerns. Although insight is likely to be quite limited, judgment is usually intact. 1-3/3-1 Individuals with this high point pair are generally immature, egocentric, and demanding, with hysteroid characteristics and repressive defenses. If there are elevations on Scale 2, then this implies that these repressive defenses are not working effectively. Such clients are prone to develop any of a variety of circumscribed conversion symptoms. Although these symptoms may be based in some actual organic pathology, they generally arise after protracted periods of tension in clients with a history of insecurity, immaturity, and well-established proclivity to physical complaints. They are likely to be quite demanding of attention and affection and will attempt to receive this through unobtrusively manipulative means. Rarely are such clients seen as psychotic. Denial is a major defense, as they manifest an overly optimistic and Pollyannaish view of their situation and of the world in general, and they may not show appropriate concern about their symptoms. Overcontrol is likely, as they will go to great lengths to inhibit the expression of hostile and aggressive feelings. This internalization of impulses occurs in almost every area except with the possibility of sexual acting-out behaviors. Many of these clients are especially vulnerable to narcissistic injury in heterosexual relationships. In psychotherapy, clients with this high point pair will want immediate concrete solutions to their difficulties and will terminate prematurely when the therapist fails to respond to their excessive demands for attention. Individuals with this high point pair lack insight into the nature of their behaviors and are very resistant to interpretations that could imply psychological explanations of their physical difficulties. 1-8/8-1 When there is an elevated F scale associated with this profile, one possible diagnosis is schizophrenia. Individuals with this high point pair are described as having difficulty handling stress and may show clearly delusional thinking regarding bodily functions and bodily illnesses. They harbor feelings of anger and hostility, but are unable to express these overtly for fear of retaliation from others. They either inhibit expression–almost completely resulting in the feeling of being “bottled up”–or they are overly belligerent, abrasive, and caustic in speech. Internalization of feelings may be represented via numerous somatic complaints and heightened physiological reactivity. Trust appears to be a crucial issue, resulting in limited social contacts and subsequent feelings of loneliness, alienation, isolation, and rejection. Clients with this high point pair have fundamental and disturbing questions concerning their own sexual identity and worth, and feel generally misunderstood and not a part of the general social environment. The possibility of some type of prepsychotic disorder also should be considered. 1-9/9-1 Clients with this high point pair are described as being rather tense, anxious, and experiencing a great deal of emotional turmoil. They expect a high level of achievement from themselves but lack clear and definitive goals. Much of their frustration occurs due to their inability to obtain their rather high levels of aspiration. The elevation on Scale 1 may be considered an indicator of basic passivity and strong needs for dependency which are being struggled against in counter-phobic denial fashion by hyperactivity and tremendous efforts to produce. Such individuals are basically passive-dependent and are trying to compensate for their perceived inadequacies. This high point pair also may be found among individuals with brain damage who are experiencing difficulty coping with their limitations and deficits. However, the diagnosis of cerebral dysfunction never should be made based solely on MMPI-2 high point pairs. 2-3/3-2 MMPI-2 Interpretation Grieve Individuals with this high point pair typically show immaturity, feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, and inefficiency in living. Depression as well as lowered activity levels, feelings of helplessness, and self-doubt are evident. Initiative is lacking in clients with this high point pair and they are likely to rely on others to take care of them. They are viewed by others as rather passive, docile, and dependent. Feelings of social inadequacy are evident, resulting in a tendency to keep social contacts to a minimum. Such clients especially avoid competitive situations where failure might occur. They also are quite uncomfortable with members of the opposite sex, and sexual maladjustment, including impotence and frigidity, is common. Nevertheless, such individuals do elicit nurturant and helpful attitudes from others. Overcontrol is pronounced, as there is difficulty expressing angry and hostile feelings in a modulated, adaptive way. Instead clients with this high point pair deny experiencing these unacceptable feelings, but feel anxious and guilty when this denial fails. Somatic symptoms are present but often are inconsistent and changing. The prognosis in psychotherapy is guarded because these clients have learned to adjust to their somewhat chronic problems and have continued to function at low levels of efficiency for prolonged periods of time. Thus, their motivation for change typically is weak. 2-4/4-2 This high point pair is characteristic of two different types of clients. The most common is psychopathic individuals who have been caught in some illicit or illegal behavior and are subsequently being evaluated. The depression is a reaction to the constraints being placed on their behavior, such as being put in a prison or a hospital. This depression abates when escape from stress is effected or when the constraints are removed. Nevertheless, the presence of even this situational depression results in a slightly better prognosis than for individuals in similar circumstances who do not admit this affect. The most valid interpretation for these psychopathic clients would use primarily the correlates of Scale 4. Other clients obtaining this high point pair are described as being extremely hostile, angry, and resentful. Marital and/or family turmoil is prevalent, resulting in intense dissatisfaction with their present life situation. Clients with this high point pair are immature, dependent, egocentric, and often vacillate between pitying themselves and blaming others for their difficulties. Impulse control problems are quite prevalent, as they exhibit an apparent inability to plan ahead if not a reckless disregard of the consequences of their behaviors. They may react to stress with excessive alcohol consumption and/or drug abuse. They experience a failure to appreciate the interpersonal side of life, have difficulty showing warmth, tend to resent authority figures and demands imposed on them, and may misinterpret the meaning of social events and relationships. Psychotherapeutic intervention will prove difficult, as numerous characterological difficulties exist, and the depressive features are chronic in nature and deeply ingrained into the character structure. 2-6/6-2 This high point pair suggests the probability of an early stage of a psychosis in a client who may be experiencing more severe emotional difficulties than the profile ordinarily would suggest. There is a reservoir of anger and hostility present that is not entirely masked by the depressed feelings. Unlike most depressed individuals who are unable to express their anger overtly, these clients usually are openly hostile, aggressive, and resentful towards others. They adopt a chip-on-the-shoulder attitude in an attempt to reject others before they are rejected. Also, they read malevolent meaning into neutral situations and jump to conclusions based on insufficient data. Paranoid trends are rather pronounced, sometimes to the point where paranoid ideation is psychotic in nature. 2-7/7-2 This high point pair is most common among psychiatric inpatients and suggests worry, depression, and pessimism with accompanying anxiety, tension, nervousness, and a pervading lack of self-confidence. Psychic conflicts may be represented in hypochondriachal tendencies and somatic complaints. Individuals with this high point pair are guilt ridden, intopunitive, generally fearful, and obsessively preoccupied with their personal MMPI-2 Interpretation Grieve deficiencies. The latter is in disturbing conflict with their typically perfectionistic and meticulous attitude and their strong motive for personal achievement and recognition. They have high expectations for themselves and feel rather guilty when they fail to achieve their goals. Individuals with this high point pair tend to respond to frustration with considerable self-blame and guilt. They worry excessively, are vulnerable to both real and imagined threat, and anticipate problems before they occur. Socially, they tend to be rather docile and dependent, and find it difficult to be assertive when appropriate. The prognosis in psychotherapy is excellent, as individuals with this high point pair appear motivated for help. However, if the elevation on either Scale 2 or Scale 7 is greater than a T score of 80, then the distress may be incapacitating. In such cases, psychopharmacological treatment should be considered before psychotherapy is attempted. The most likely diagnosis is some type of depressive or anxiety disorder. 2-8/8-2 This high point pair suggests depression with accompanying anxiety and agitation leading to a fear of loss of control of hostile and aggressive impulses. Suicidal ideation is likely and the potential for self-destructive behaviors is high. Individuals with this high point pair exhibit a marked psychological deficit as evidenced by a general loss of efficiency, periods of confusion, a retarded stream of thought, a stereotyped approach to problem solving, and noticeable difficulties with concentration. Occasionally, the clinical picture may include hysterically determined somatic symptoms of an atypical variety. Unlike the hysteric, however, individuals with this high point pair are typically unsociable, interpersonally sensitive, and suspicious. They complain of concentration and thinking difficulties and may show a formal thought disorder consistent with a schizophrenic disorder. The potential inherent in the intimacy for subsequent rejection results in their reluctance to become involved with others. This lack of meaningful involvement increases their feelings of despair, worthlessness, and low self-esteem. Individuals with this high point pair typically have a chronic level of adjustment that is of marginal quality; therefore, the prognosis for intervention and subsequent change is poor. Most individuals with this high point pair receive a diagnosis of either major depression, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder. 2-9/9-2 This high point pair often reflects an agitated depression in which tension is discharged through heightened motor activity. Individuals with this high point pair are overly expressive affectively, are extremely narcissistic, and ruminate expressively regarding their self-worth. Although they may express concern about achieving at a high level, it often appears that they set themselves up for failure. Another interpretation is that these clients are denying underlying feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness and may be attempting to use a variety of manic mechanisms–such as hyperactivity, denial of poor morale, and overinvolvement with others–to avoid focusing on their depression. In other words, individuals with this high point pair are experiencing a hypomanic process that is no longer sufficient to obscure their depressive features, at least not on the MMPI-2. Both types of clients will appear tense and restless and will show irritability and ready anger at minor obstacles and frustrations. In younger clients, this high point pair may be suggestive of an identity crisis characterized by a lack of personal and vocational direction as well as numerous existential concerns. In older clients, this high point pair may be a reaction to physical disability or reflect a melancholic depression. 3-4/4-3 Individuals with a 3-4 high point pair have been found to display different behaviors than individuals with a 4-3 high point pair. The relationship between Scale 3 and Scale 4 serves as an index of whether clients will overtly express or inhibit their socially unacceptable impulses–particularly anger, aggression, and hostility. If Scale 3 is higher than Scale 4, then a rather passive-aggressive expression of anger is likely. When aggressive actions do occur, individuals with this high point pair deny hostile intent and show a striking lack of insight. If Scale 4 is higher than MMPI-2 Interpretation Grieve Scale 3, clients are likely to appear overcontrolled and bottle up their anger for long periods of time. They then explode in a rage, periodically committing violent behaviors. This high point pair reflects clients experiencing a chronic and stable character disorder and tending to be extrapunitive in their reactions to stress and frustration. Individuals with this high point pair handle conflicts by using provocation, manipulation, as well as blame, projection, and attempts at domination. Some of these individuals are free of disabling anxiety and depression, but somatic complaints may occur. Individuals with this high point pair typically experience marital disharmony, sexual maladjustment, and alcoholism. Interpersonal relationships usually are tenuous, though many establish enduring, though turbulent, relationships with marginal, acting-out individuals, thereby vicariously gratifying their own antisocial tendencies. Psychotherapeutic intervention proves difficult because such clients are apt to use psychotherapy for voicing complaints about others instead of concentrating on their own problems. Their motivation for help is typically weak and of questionable sincerity. Personality disorder diagnoses are most commonly associated with this high point pair. 3-6/6-3 Individuals with this high point pair are seen as angry, bitter individuals who are repressing their own hostile and aggressive impulses. They tend to deny any suspicious attitudes and comfort themselves with a naive and rosy acceptance of things as they are. They perceive their relationships in positive terms and have difficulty understanding why others react to them the way they do. This no doubt contributes to significant marital turmoil. Their chronic feelings of hostility usually are directed toward members of their immediate family. Whenever this anger and hostility are recognized, individuals with this high point pair tend to rationalize so that these feelings appear reasonable, warranted, and justified. They are hypersensitive to criticism, experience considerable anxiety and tension, and frequently have somatic complaints. When Scale 6 is higher than Scale 3 by five or more T points, such clients strive for social power and prestige, even to the point of ruthless power manipulations. The possibility of paranoid or psychotic features should be evaluated in the latter group, even though such traits are relatively unusual for this high point pair. The prognosis for significant change is poor. 3-8/8-3 Individuals with this high point pair typically have major thought disturbances (if F is greater than or equal to 70) to the point of disorientation, difficulty with concentration, and lapses of memory. Regression and autistic overideation may be present, and thinking may become delusional in nature. Feelings of unreality and emotional inappropriateness are likely. Also evident is a moderate degree of psychic distress that may be discharged into somatic complaints, especially headaches and insomnia. Individuals with this high point pair are generally fearful, emotionally vulnerable, immature, and possess schizoid characteristics. They have an exaggerated need for attention and affection from others, but are quite threatened by intimacy and dependent relationships. They display intropunitive reactions to frustration and approach problems in a stereotyped manner. The most common diagnosis is schizophrenia, but somatoform as well as hysterical disorders should also be considered. Supportive psychotherapy seems to have some limited impact. 4-5/5-4 This high point pair is most common among men, and it suggests a chronic character disorder in clients appearing to experience minimal psychic distress. Any occurring depression or anxiety usually is situational in nature. Individuals with this high point pair have nonconforming and defiant attitudes and values as well as aggressive and antisocial tendencies. They exhibit emotional passivity and poorly recognized desires for dependency. Dependency conflicts may be acted out and create masculine protest types of behaviors as well as a variety of conduct disturbances. The guilt feelings and remorse about such actions may temporarily prevent further expression. However, their strong tendency to narcissistically indulge themselves and their lack of frustration tolerance probably will determine their behaviors. They tend to have sexual identity concerns and may, in fact, be MMPI-2 Interpretation Grieve preoccupied regarding homoerotic impulses. There is a fear of female domination. Females obtaining this high point pair usually are rebelling against cultural stereotypes of femininity and although they have strong needs for dependency, they fear domination by significant others. 4-6/6-4 Individuals with this high point pair are likely to accentuate their complaints by a tendency to be selfdramatic and hysteroid. They can be expected to be chronically hostile and resentful and to use projection and acting out as preferred defense mechanisms. Impulse control is likely to be deficient and ineffective, and difficulty will be encountered in any enterprise requiring sustained effort. Individuals with this high point pair tend to be narcissistic, dependent, and quite demanding of attention and sympathy, yet they will not reciprocate and resent demands placed on them. They are extremely sensitive to criticism, mistrust the motives of others, tend to brood and harbor grudges, and feel they are not receiving the appropriate treatment they deserve. A history of social maladjustment is likely. Individuals with this high point pair are often seen by others as irritable, sullen, argumentative, and obnoxious. Serious marital and sexual maladjustment is likely as well as excessive alcohol consumption and/or drug abuse. While the most likely diagnosis is some type of character disorder, the possibility of a borderline or psychotic disorder should be considered, especially if Scale 8 also is elevated. Individuals with this high point pair have difficulty in psychotherapy because denial is prominent and their basic mistrust of the motives of others precludes their acceptance of constructive criticism and attempts to help them. Furthermore, they will be reluctant to discuss emotionally laden topics for fear that dire consequences will follow if they reveal themselves in any way. 4-7/7-4 Individuals with this high point pair show numerous characterological difficulties as well as cyclical patterns of acting out followed by periods of guilt, regret, and remorse for having done so. This guilt is usually out of proportion to the actual acting-out behavior and frequently is accompanied by somatic complaints. While such clients appear to be overcontrolled, these controls are not sufficient to prevent recurrences of acting-out behaviors and gross insensitivity to the consequences. Episodes of acting out may include excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and sexual promiscuity. Individuals with this high point pair find rules, regulations, and limits imposed by others to be quite irritating and anxiety provoking. Though quite concerned with their own feelings and problems, they are markedly callous and indifferent to the needs and feelings of others. Psychotherapy may prove effective, as such clients seek help when their guilt is most pronounced. However, the long-term prognosis is guarded. 4-8/8-4 Individuals with this high point pair are experiencing considerable distress in addition to irritability, hostility, suspiciousness, and even possibly ideas of reference. Projection and acting out in asocial ways are primary defenses. Whenever they commit crimes, they tend to be viscous, senseless, poorly planned, and poorly executed. The personality type is schizoid and these clients appear socially isolated and avoid close relationships because of fear of emotional involvement. Social intelligence is likely to be limited and serious difficulties can be expected in the areas of empathy and communication abilities. Individuals with this high point pair are moody, emotionally inappropriate, and cannot express emotions in a modulated, adaptive way. In their behavior, these clients are unpredictable, changeable, and nonconforming. Their educational and occupational histories are noted by underachievement, marginal adjustment, and uneven performance. Serious sexual identity concerns are present and excessive alcohol consumption and/or drug abuse is likely. Judgment tends to be poor and insight is extremely limited. Suicide attempts are relatively common. Others perceive individuals with this high point pair as rather odd, peculiar, different, and not seeming to fit into the environment. The diagnostic possibilities include a borderline disorder, schizoid personality, or schizophrenia. The latter is most likely when Scales 4 and 8 are elevated above a T score of 75. Psychotherapy is likely to be unproductive at worst and difficult at best. MMPI-2 Interpretation Grieve 4-9/9-4 Individuals with this high point pair show numerous characterological difficulties and are described as being impulsive and irresponsible in their behavior, and trustworthy, shallow, and superficial in relation to others. They have easy morals, are narcissistic and hedonistic, but temporarily may create a favorable impression because they are internally comfortable and free from inhibiting anxiety, worry, and guilt. However, they are actually quite deficient in their role-taking ability. Judgment is likely to be poor and they do not seem to benefit from past experiences. Their limited ability to intuitively sense the feelings of others persistently handicaps their development of an effective adult role. Individuals with this high point pair have fluctuating ethical values and are prone to continue activities so long that they exceed proprieties, neglect other obligations, and alienate others. They possess a marked disregard for social rules and convention, and engage in behaviors with little or no forethought. Alcoholism, legal difficulties, marital problems, and sexually acting-out behaviors are common. Individuals with this high point pair are unwilling to accept responsibility for their own behavior and construct emotionally satisfying but irrational explanations for their difficulties. They will rarely become involved in psychotherapy. The most likely diagnosis appears to be some type of character disorder, with antisocial personality the most common. 6-8/8-6 Individuals with this high point pair usually show evidence of a formal thought disorder and paranoid ideation compatible with a paranoid schizophrenic reaction (especially if F is greater than or equal to 70). They can be expected to suffer from moderate psychological distress, to be pervadingly hostile and suspicious, and to experience delusions of persecution and/or grandeur and hallucinations. Regression, disorganization, and autistic associations are likely. Clients with this high point pair are often preoccupied with abstract or theoretical matters to the exclusion of specific concrete aspects of their lives. General apathy may be pronounced, affect seems blunted, and established defenses are lacking. Under stress, they are likely to withdraw and occupy themselves with secretive autistic fantasy accompanied by loss of capacity to recognize reality. Individuals with this high point pair are quite resentful of demands imposed on them and are described as moody, irritable, unfriendly, and negativistic. Conflicts regarding sexuality are evident. When individuals with this high point pair do not meet the traditional MMPI-2 criteria for schizophrenia, then the most likely diagnosis involves a paranoid psychosis or schizoid personality. Psychotropic medications are usually the treatment of choice for individuals with this high point pair. 6-9/9-6 Individuals with this high point pair are tense, anxious, and usually react to even minor obstacles and frustrations with irritability, jumpiness, and ineffective excitability. They respond to environmental stimuli in an emotional way and have difficulty with thinking and concentration. Grandiosity is a prominent feature and disorientation, feelings of perplexity, and confusion are noted. They suffer from ideas of reference and a pervading suspiciousness, which at times may take the form of paranoid mentation and even delusions. Individuals with this high point pair tend to ruminate and obsess but rarely translate their ideas into constructive behaviors. Also evident is considerable difficulty externalizing their obvious anger and hostility in socially acceptable ways. Periodic undercontrolled emotional outbursts will alternate with excessive restraint and control. In Scales F and 8 are also elevated, then a schizophrenic disorder is a possibility. Otherwise, some type of manic disorder, acute psychotic episode, or drug-induced psychosis should be considered. Medications appear to be the treatment of choice for individuals with this high point pair. 7-8/8-7 Individuals with this high point pair show chronic personality difficulties characterized by excessive worry, introspection, and overideational rumination. Passivity is pronounced and difficulty will be encountered in situations demanding anger, originality, and strength. Dependency is evident in individuals with this high point pair and they MMPI-2 Interpretation Grieve suffer from feelings of insecurity, inferiority, and inadequacy. They lack established defense patterns and tend to be quite nervous around others. A history with few rewarding social experiences is evident, as they lack poise, assurance, and dominance. Judgment is likely to be poor and some confusion evident, as their actions and planning reveal a lack of common sense. Rich fantasy lives are suggested, especially with regard to sexual matters, and they spend much time daydreaming. Serious sexual identity concerns exist as individuals with this high point pair feel inadequate in their traditional sex role and in heterosexual relations. They complain of concentration and thinking difficulties, suffer from excessive indecision, doubt, and vacillation, and may show a formal thought disorder. Psychological interventions are difficult because of the chronic ingrained nature of their conflicts and because of the difficulty in forming interpersonal relationships. 8-9/9-8 The majority of individuals with this high point pair show evidence of paranoid mentation and a formal thought disorder. Onset is typically acute and accompanied by excitement, disorientation, and general feelings of perplexity. Well-established autistic trends, delusions, and hallucinations are likely. Regression is manifested by retarded and stereotyped thinking and by emotional inappropriateness. Individuals with this high point pair tend to be narcissistic and infantile in their expectations of others, and become extremely resentful and hostile when their demands for attention are not met. They appear hyperactive, easily distractible, labile, and show grandiose thinking. They are quite unpredictable in their behavior and may act out unexpectedly. Psychotherapeutic intervention may prove extremely difficult because individuals with this high point pair are rather vague and evasive and tend to shift rapidly from topic to topic, so that addressing a specific issue is difficult. While the modal diagnosis for individuals with this high point pair is schizophrenia, manic disorders and drug-induced psychoses should also be considered. 2) Welch Code a. used in some medical settings as a shorthand method for passing on the information b. Change the scales from names to numbers (e.g., Hs = 1; D = 2, etc.) c. list the scales from highest to lowest d. when scales are within one T-Scale point, underline them e. indicate the elevation of the scale by placing these symbols at the right end of the scale that has that elevation 1. 120+ = !! 2. 110-119 = ! 3. 100-109 = ** 4. 90-99 = * 5. 80-89 = “ 6. 70-79 = ‘ 7. 60-69 = 8. 50-59 = / 9. 40-49 = : 10. 30-39 = # 11. < 29 is to the right of the # sign 12. Example: **4*75“3‘8-126/9:#0 f. if you have no scores in a given range, just list the symbols one after another g. repeat the process for the validity scales 1. Example: **4*75“3‘8-126/9:#0 “K‘L/:F# h. when reporting the Welch Code, put it either in the area in which you report the test scores or at the bottom of the personality section MMPI-2 Interpretation Grieve N. Content Scales 1) On the MMPI, the scales were derived empirically (statistically). Questions whose answers differentiated between diagnostic groups were used to form the scales (which were then named after the diagnostic groups). Little consideration was given to scale overlap. a. the same score can be obtained by individuals who endorse different kinds of information 2) Content scales were developed to look more specifically at the type of information generated by a specific across the usual clinical scales 3) ANX–Anxiety a. designed to tap into symptoms of anxiety b. T-Scores > 65 are indicative of individuals who: 1. feel nervous, worried and apprehensive 2. have problems with concentration 3. complain of sleep disturbance 4. feel uncomfortable making decisions 5. report feeling sad 6. feel that life is a strain 7. are pessimistic 8. lack self-confidence 9. feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of life 10. if female, may appear irritable/hostile c. T-Scores > 40 are indicative of individuals who: 1. are not likely to report symptoms of anxiety or depression 2. are decisive and are able to meet the demands of daily life 4) FRS-Fears a. designed to indicate an individual with many specific fears b. T-Scores > 65 are indicative of individuals who: 1. are fearful and uneasy most of the time 2. report specific fears and phobias c. T-Scores < 40 are indicative of individuals who: 1. are not generally fearful 2. do not report multiple fears/phobias 5) OBS-Obsessiveness a. designed to catch the obsessions in OCD b. T-Scores > 65 are indicative of individuals who: 1. show great difficulty making decisions 2. are rigid and dislike change 3. engage in compulsive behavior 4. fret/worry/ruminate over trivial things 5. have intrusive thoughts c. T-Scores < 40 are indicative of persons who: 1. do not have difficulty making decisions 2. do not sweat the small stuff 3. can handle changes in their routine 6) DEP-Depression a. designed to catch depressive thoughts b. T-Scores > 65 are indicative of individuals who: 1. feel depressed or despondent 2. feel fatigued and lace interest in activities MMPI-2 Interpretation Grieve 3. are pessimistic and hopeless 4. are recently preoccupied with thoughts of death or suicide 5. cry easily 6. are indecisive and lack confidence 7. feel guilty 8. have a number of health concerns 9. report feeling lonely 10. are uncertain about their future and find their lives empty and meaningless 11. if female, appear resentful and demanding 12. incarcerated criminals have high DEP scores, but this is probably a situational factor, not a personality factor c. T-Scores > 40 are indicative of individuals who: 1. not likely to report symptoms of depression 2. have energy 3. are decisive and confident 7) HEA–Health Concerns a. designed to assess the physical complaints of individuals b. T-Scores > 65 are indicative of individuals who: 1. deny good physical health 2. are preoccupied with bodily functioning 3. feel worn out or lack energy 4. report a variety of specific somatic symptoms, including gastrointestinal problems, neurological problems, sensory problems, cardiovascular symptoms, and respiratory problems 5. worry about their health and catching disease 6. feel they are sicker than most people c. T-Scores < 40 are indicative of individuals who: 1. claim to be in good physical health and report no specific somatic symptoms 2. do not feel any sicker than other people 8) BIZ–Bizarre Mentation a. this scale is designed to assess psychotic thought processes b. T-Scores > 65 are indicative of individuals who: 1. have psychotic thought processes 2. may report auditory, visual, or olfactory hallucinations 3. may report feelings of unreality 4. feel other people say bad things about them 5. believe others are trying to harm them 6. believe others can read their minds or control their behaviors c. T-Scores < 40 are indicative of individuals who: 1. report no psychotic processes, hallucinations, delusions, or unreal feelings 9) ANG–Anger a. assesses anger control problems b. T-Scores > 65 are indicative of individuals who: 1. feel angry and hostile most of the time 2. are seen by others as irritable, grouchy, impatient, and stubborn 3. may feel like swearing and smashing things 4. may have temper tantrums MMPI-2 Interpretation Grieve 5. may lose control and be physically abusive toward others 6. may express anger in passive, indirect ways c. T-Scores < 40 are indicative of individuals who: 1. deny feeling generally angry or hostile 2. claim to not lose control and act abusively 10) CYN–Cynicism a. designed to detect the misanthropes among us b. T-Scores > 65 are indicative of individuals who: 1. see others as dishonest, selfish, and uncaring 2. are suspicious about the motives of others 3. are guarded and untrusting in relationships 4. may be hostile and overbearing 5. may be demanding of themselves but resent even mild demands placed on them by others 6. do not appear friendly or helpful 7. feel that people use each other and are only friendly for selfish reasons 8. incarcerated criminals have high CYN scores c. T-Scores < 40 are indicative of individuals who: 1. express generally positive perceptions of other people 2. are trusting in relationships 3. are not seen as hostile and overbearing 4. are typically friendly and helpful to others 11) ASP–Antisocial Practices a. assesses problematic behaviors, especially in school b. T-Scores > 65 are indicative of individuals who: 1. are likely to be in trouble in school or with the law 2. believe that there is nothing wrong with getting around the laws as long as the laws are not broken (or they are not caught) 3. incarcerated criminals tend to have high ASP scores 4. enjoy hearing about the escapades of criminals 5. have a generally cynical attitude toward others 6. resent authority 7. if male, they may express anger and hostility by swearing and having temper tantrums 8. if female, may express anger and hostility less directly 9. may be seen by others as more dishonest, inconsiderate, and not helpful 10. report stealing things, other problem behaviors, and antisocial practices during their school years c. T-Scores < 40 are indicative of individuals who: 1. have no trouble in school or with the law 2. are not particularly resentful of authority 12) TPA–Type A a. assesses the characteristically Type-A behaviors b. T-Scores > 65 are indicative of individuals who: 1. are hard driving, fast moving, and work-oriented 2. never feel they have enough time to get things done 3. do not like to wait or be interrupted 4. are frequently hostile, irritable, and easily annoyed MMPI-2 Interpretation Grieve 5. tend to be overbearing and critical in relationships 6. tend to hold grudges and want to get even 7. if female, tend to be restless, tense, and suspicious c. T-Scores < 40 are indicative of individuals who: 1. are not particularly competitive, driven, or fast moving 2. do not feel a great time pressure in getting things done 3. are not seen by others as being critical or easily annoyed 13) LSE–Low Self-Esteem a. assesses the client’s opinion of himself/herself b. T-Scores > 65 are indicative of individuals who: 1. have poor self-concept 2. anticipate failure and give up easily 3. are oversensitive to criticism and rejection 4. have difficulty accepting compliments 5. are passive in relationships 6. have difficulties making decisions 7. have many worries and fears c. T-Scores < 40 are indicative of individuals who: 1. are self-confident and expect to succeed 2. are decisive 3. are not sensitive to criticism or rejection 4. do not report worries or fears 14) SOD–Social Discomfort a. assesses comfort levels in social situations b. T-Scores > 65 are indicative of individuals who: 1. are shy and socially introverted 2. would rather be alone than with other people 3. dislike parties and other group activities 4. do not initiate conversations c. T-Scores < 40 are indicative of individuals who: 1. are socially extroverted and sociable 2. enjoy parties 3. are easily able to initiate conversations 15) FAM–Family Problems a. assesses intra-familial difficulties b. T-Scores > 65 are indicative of individuals who: 1. describe considerable discord in current family or family of origin 2. describe their families as lacking in love, understanding, and support 3. resent the demands and ignore the advice from their families 4. feel angry/hostile toward their families 5. see marital relationships as involving unhappiness and a lack of affection 6. describe family members as nervous and having quick tempers c. T-Scores < 40 are indicative of individuals who: 1. describe their families in generally positive terms 2. see families in general as loving, understanding and supportive 3. deny feelings of anger and resentment toward their families 4. do not see marital relationships as involving unhappiness and a lack of affection