NCJ Number
129297
Journal
Forensic Reports Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (1989) Pages: 65-87
Date Published
1989
Length
23 pages
Annotation
The use of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) test in forensic evaluation is discussed as it applies both to adult and juvenile assessment. Specific precautions are made regarding the administration, scoring, and interpretation of the adolescent's MMPI.
Abstract
With adolescents, the MMPI will provide accurate descriptions of current behaviors and symptoms of the adolescent which may be evaluated against standardized adolescent MMPI norms and interpreted through an empirical correlate literature. However, because personality traits and psychopathological characteristics of adolescents tend to be less stable than adults, it is best suited for current description rather than for long-term prediction of adolescent behaviors, attitudes, or features. Although computerized interpretation services are now available for adolescent as well as adult MMPIs, their use does not exclude the expertise of the clinician. The accuracy of statements vary with service providers and with codetypes from a particular service. In all cases, the clinician cannot substitute the use of automated reports for expertise in this area. If MMPI is used in a responsible and informed manner, it can serve as a valuable tool for psychological evaluations in forensics. 4 figures and 47 references