NCJ Number
160689
Date Published
1995
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This chapter overviews research on applications of the original Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the MMPI-2 in corrections, concentrating on their use in assessment and classification.
Abstract
Most early investigations of the MMPI in corrections focused on determining typical MMPI profiles among various samples of criminal offenders. These descriptive studies emphasized the assessment and treatment of juvenile delinquents, adult offenders, and minorities. Although researchers found that profile patterns of different inmate groups have intrinsic interest, they also determined that most correctional users of the MMPI are more interested in how the MMPI can help them manage and treat offenders. Specific applications of the MMPI and MMPI-2 are reported that focus on retrospective versus prospective assessments, studies using the standard MMPI and MMPI-2 scales, studies using special scales, and studies based on multivariate analysis. The MMPI-based offender classification system is described, and directions for future research on personality assessment are noted. 108 references and 6 notes