MMPI-2 and Race in a Forensic Diagnostic Sample

Abstract

This study examined the association between race and MMPI-2 scores in a sample of 211 individuals who completed the MMPI-2 as part of their court-ordered forensic psychological evaluations. Of these, 137 Caucasians and 47 African Americans produced valid MMPI-2 protocols. The two groups' mean scores on the MMPI-2 validity, clinical, content, and substance abuse scales were compared through a series of analyses of variance. Significant differences between the two groups were found only on the content scales Cynicism and Antisocial Practices, with the African American group scoring higher than the Caucasian group. Discussion focuses on the relative absence of differences between African Americans' and Caucasians' MMPI-2 scores in this study and on directions for further research.