Below average scores on MMPI-2 scales in an outpatient mental health setting
Previous research has generally supported the notion that higher scores on MMPI-2 scales are associated with more psychological symptoms and negative characteristics than average scores. However, much less is known about the meaning of scores that are lower than average (usually defined as T scores less than or equal to 40) on the MMPI-2 despite the fact that low scores, like high scores, represent a set of responses that deviate significantly from the norm. This study asked whether the symptoms, problems, and personality characteristics of clients with below average MMPI-2 scores, as well as the adjustment level of clients with below average MMPI-2 scores, differ significantly from the symptoms, problems, and personality characteristics and adjustment level of clients with average or above average (or high) MMPI-2 scores. The general findings of this study suggest that below average scores on the MMPI-2 contribute interpretive information in addition to what is available from the interpretation of high scores. Furthermore, a complex relationship between below average scores and adjustment level was observed. Better adjustment was indicated when more MMPI-2 scales were below average and a mean MMPI-2 T-score was computed, as opposed to trying to relate a particular below average MMPI-2 scale score to adjustment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved)
https://www.upress.umn.edu/test-division/bibliography/2000-2009/2006/poland_below_2006
https://www.upress.umn.edu/logo.png
Danielle L Poland
(2006)
Below average scores on MMPI-2 scales in an outpatient mental health setting
PhD thesis.