Case Studies for Interpreting the MMPI-A-RF

2021
Authors:

Daniel L. Davis and Yossef S. Ben-Porath

A collection of illustrative adolescent case studies to aid clinicians in problem identification, diagnosis, and treatment planning—the only casebook for the MMPI-A-RF

Case Studies for Interpreting the MMPI-A-RF focuses on detailed forensic issues, including legal backgrounds, case law, and assessment methods specific to use of the MMPI-A-RF in juvenile court and related settings. It will assist clinicians in understanding MMPI-A-RF interpretation, while also being a valuable teaching tool for courses in assessment.

This text by Daniel L. Davis and Yossef S. Ben-Porath masterfully illustrates the use of the MMPI-A-RF through presentations of an outstanding selection of evaluations. Clinical cases include abuse victims and an adolescent with medical noncompliance issues. Forensic cases include cogent examples of legal issues such as competency to stand trial and to waive Miranda rights. Cases are well documented, and interpretations of test results are clearly illustrated. This book is an essential resource for all psychologists who use the MMPI-A-RF.

Robert P. Archer, PhD, ABPP, Eastern Virginia Medical School

Tags

Psychology

The MMPI-A-RF is linked to current models of psychopathology and personality, and features scales relevant for adolescents in a variety of clinical, forensic, and school settings. It mirrors the structure of the MMPI-2-RF, resulting in the most up-to-date, empirically based personality assessment for use with adolescents. Written by the authors of the earlier Case Studies for Interpreting the MMPI-A, this book continues the goal of serving as an authentic and illustrative guide for clinicians in understanding and using the MMPI-A-RF.

Since the publication of the original Case Studies, much has changed for clinicians who assess and treat adolescents. The interpretive model described in this book demonstrates how the MMPI-A-RF can assist clinicians in assessing youth today by highlighting sixteen cases that broadly represent adolescents evaluated in clinical and forensic practice. In addition, one of the most common uses for the MMPI-A-RF is in the juvenile court setting—a landscape that has also dramatically changed since the publication of the original MMPI-A. Case Studies for Interpreting the MMPI-A-RF focuses on detailed forensic issues, including legal backgrounds, case law, and assessment methods specific to use of the MMPI-A-RF in juvenile court and related settings.

Case Studies for Interpreting the MMPI-A-RF will assist clinicians in understanding MMPI-A-RF interpretation, while also being a valuable teaching tool for courses in assessment.

Daniel L. Davis, PhD, ABPP, is a psychologist in private practice in Columbus, Ohio. His practice includes assessment and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems in older children, adolescents, and adults, marriage and family counseling, and forensic psychology. He has served as a senior forensic psychologist with Netcare Forensic Center and as the clinical director of the Buckeye Ranch, a comprehensive treatment center for youth. Dr. Davis has held consulting positions with a number of state mental health and correctional agencies as well as academic appointments with Otterbein University and The Ohio State University.

Yossef S. Ben-Porath, PhD, ABPP, is professor of psychological sciences at Kent State University. He has been involved extensively in MMPI research for more than thirty years and is codeveloper of the MMPI-3, MMPI-2-RF, and MMPI-A-RF and coauthor of test manuals, books, book chapters, and articles on the MMPI instruments. Dr. Ben-Porath’s clinical practice involves supervision of assessments at Kent State’s Psychological Clinic, consultation to agencies that screen candidates for public safety positions, and provision of consultation and expert witness services in forensic cases.

This text by Daniel L. Davis and Yossef S. Ben-Porath masterfully illustrates the use of the MMPI-A-RF through presentations of an outstanding selection of evaluations. Clinical cases include abuse victims and an adolescent with medical noncompliance issues. Forensic cases include cogent examples of legal issues such as competency to stand trial and to waive Miranda rights. Cases are well documented, and interpretations of test results are clearly illustrated. This book is an essential resource for all psychologists who use the MMPI-A-RF.

Robert P. Archer, PhD, ABPP, Eastern Virginia Medical School

Daniel L. Davis and Yossef S. Ben-Porath have crafted an essential resource for users of the MMPI-A-RF. Both newcomers and seasoned users will find much value in studying the wide array of cases as examples of how to expertly interpret the MMPI-A-RF.

Richard W. Handel, PhD, Eastern Virginia Medical School

Contents

List of Tables

List of Figures

Acknowledgments

Part I. Introduction to the MMPI-A-RF

Development of the MMPI-A-RF

The MMPI-A-RF Scales

Administering the MMPI-A-RF

Scoring the MMPI-A-RF

Interpreting the MMPI-A-RF

Part II. The MMPI-A-RF Cases

The Clinical Cases

Betty: A Victim of Human Trafficking

Jim: An Adolescent with Autism

Mary: A Female with a Family History of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Robert: A Male with Anxiety, ADHD, and Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms

Sally: A Youth with Opioid Use Disorder

Sam: A Youth with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Depression

Sarah: A Sexually Victimized Youth

Steve: A Male with a History of Non-compliance with Diabetes Medication

Terry: A Male Referred for Self-Injurious Behaviors

The Forensic Cases

Carl: A Male Referred for a Juvenile Sex Offender Risk Assessment

David: A Youth Evaluated for Competency to Waive His Miranda Rights

Susan: A Female Arrested After Plotting to Commit a School Shooting

Sadie: Susan’s Co-defendant in a School Shooting Plot

Jordan: A Male Sexual Abuse Victim in a Civil Damages Case

Lennie: A Youth Referred for Competency to Stand Trial

Ralph: An Adolescent Evaluated for Bindover/Waiver to the Adult Criminal Justice System

Notes

References

Index