NCJ Number
77406
Journal
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Dated: (July 1964) Pages: 119-126
Date Published
1964
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) admission scores of 139 inmates of the Iowa Women's Reformatory were analyzed to determine the MMPI characteristics of this sample of female prison inmates.
Abstract
The mean scores on each of the scales were computed and a mean profile determined. In addition, each of the 139 test protocols was coded according to the Total (Welsh) coding system and an analysis made by noting the frequency of appearance of each scale as one of the first three or last three digits in these coded profiles. Because of the magnitude of the scores, the mean scores yielded somewhat differing results from those obtained from the analysis of the coded profiles. The profile developed from the mean scores showed Scale 4 (psychopathic deviate), Scale 6 (paranoia), and Scale 9 (hypomania) as the first three digits in the mean coded profile; however, in analyzing the coded profiles, Scale 9 appeared almost as frequently in the last three digits as in the first three. In this female prisoner group, Scale 1 (hypochondriasis) and Scale 5 (masculinity-femininity) were the most characteristic low scales. Among the validating scales, the F-scale was found to be elevated, as has been noted in comparable studies by other researchers. General agreement with findings from studies of other delinquent or criminal groups is noted, although the subjects have typically been male prisoners. Areas of disagreement are identified and discussed. Tabular and graphic data and notes are provided. (Author abstract modified)