The Changing Face of MMPI Practice

Abstract

To assess the status of changing MMPI practice a questionnaire was sent by mail to 368 licensed psychologists in Kansas with a 40% response rate ( N = 147). The modal respondent had 14.2 yr. of experience. Virtually all reported that they currently used the MMPI: 37.0% reported using the MMPI, 80.1% MMPI-2, and 40.4% MMPI-A. A majority (67.6%) used computerized scoring with local scoring used by three out of four respondents. Computerized administration was used by 15.9% and computerized interpretation by 43.8%. Most used both High Point Codes (91%) and Elevation (84.7%) for interpretations. Two of three respondents thought that the High Point Codes and Elevations for the MMPI and MMPI-2 are related. The results of this survey of current practice suggest that many practitioners may be making false assumptions about the nature of the MMPI-2 and MMPI-A and their relationships with the original MMPI. If the MMPI is to retain its hard-fought presence as a diagnostic, forensic, and selection tool, we must pay greater attention to these issues.