Forensic Applications of the MMPI-2: Current Status and Future Directions (From Forensic Applications of the MMPI-2, P 253-271, 1995, Yossef S Ben-Porath, et al, eds. -- See NCJ- 160683)

• NCJ Number: 160694
• Author(s): J R Graham; Y S Ben-Porath; K P Stafford
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Applied Psychology, Volume 2: Individual, Social, and Community Issues

Annotation

Although some professionals use the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2) inappropriately in relation to legal issues, the instrument can be used with confidence to address relevant aspects of forensic evaluations.

Abstract

The MMPI-2 is probably the most effective tool available to assess response sets and distortions. In situations where individuals may be strongly motivated to distort the manner in which they present themselves, having a way to assess the honesty and accuracy of their self-descriptions can be extremely valuable. Further, the MMPI was designed to assess clinical conditions and the MMPI-2 is well suited for this purpose as well. MMPI-2 data can significantly add to understanding the emotional status of persons involved in legal matters. In addition, MMPI-2 data can generate descriptions and hypotheses about behaviors and characteristics that can have a direct bearing on a particular legal issue. Although there is a significant research base underlying the interpretation of MMPI-2 data, most of the research has been conducted in mental health or medical settings rather than in forensic settings. More research is needed to determine the extent to which findings from mental health settings can be generalized to forensic settings. The importance of adequate training for psychologists in the use of the MMPI-2 is emphasized. 21 references and 1 note