# Using the MMPI-2 in Forensic Assessment

- Link: https://www.alquimedez.com/using-the-mmpi-2-in-forensic-assessment
- Published: 2021-09-10T08:39:58+00:00
- Author: alquimedezhemo

Henry Montero, LMHC, CASAC-2, CTTS

**Alquimedez Mental Health Counseling**
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The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was originally published 
in 1940 and an updated edition called the MMPI -2 was published in 1989. The MMPI-
2 is imperative because it is the most commonly accepted psychometric test used 
for the measurement of adult psychopathology. The **forensic** analysis is used 
in cases where an individual’s **mental health**, medical state, and employment 
is concerned.

**Important Factors**
 The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory was designed
using an empirical test construction method. The process included using testing 
scales like a hypochondriasis scale to determine whether they have the issue or 
not.

Benefits of using MMPI-2 are that the questions asked to make it considerably difficult
for participants not to provide proper answers. So, for example, if a candidate 
who is attempting the test is trying to fake his responses, this is made increasingly
difficult because of the make-up of the test.

Secondly, as the examination is based on empirical evidence, which renders any clinical
assumptions futile, therefore, the results are not based on preconceived personality
traits. The data obtained are effective as they provide conclusive evidence of what
is wrong with the patient in most cases.

Another advantage of the MMPI-2 is that even individuals who are employed in high-
risk jobs like aircraft pilots and the police can undergo the examination and their
psychological state can be determined.

The MMPI-2 is a licensed test that must be purchased before it can be used. As users
must buy it before they move onto its administration and interpretation, this means
that occupational health physicians and psychiatrists almost always use it.

**Administration**
 In its entirety, the comprehensive dossier includes 567 test
items each of which takes between 60 to 90 minutes to complete. The MMPI-2-RF contains
338 queries which take between 35 and 50 minutes to finish. Copyright is applicable
on the test courtesy of the University of Minnesota, which is why it must be paid
for.

Moreover, the scoring of the test should also be done by a professional. Like we
mentioned earlier, a trained psychologist or psychiatrist should carry out the scoring.
It is better if they have acquired the necessary training to use the MMPI before
they begin.

Other aspects of the test are that the MMPI can be executed autonomously or conducted
in groups as well. However, it must be noted that the test is designed for people
aged 18 and over only.

**Scales**
 In total, there are ten scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality
Inventory. These are Hypochondriasis, Depression, Hysteria, Psychopathic deviate,
masculinity-femininity, paranoia, psychasthenia, schizophrenia, hypomania, and social
introversion respectively.

These scales are used for validation and help in the assessment of the accuracy 
of the answers given by each. Since these tests are used to provide **forensic**
evidence in matters like employment screenings and custody evaluations, candidates
may try to lie on it and give made up answers. Therefore, the scales are imperative
as they determine how accurate the test is and the extent to which the answers may
be distorted.