Criterion Group: Members diagnosed with the condition of interest are selected for scale development; this ensures specificity in results.
Empirical Keying Procedure: Items are systematically selected based on their ability to differentiate between groups (diagnosed individuals versus control) based on empirical data.
Interpretation of Scales
Higher Scores: Generally indicate more severe symptoms.
Interpretive Inferences: Suggested descriptors for high scores are based on research associations with specific behaviors or symptoms.
Low Scores: Generally not interpreted, except for Scales 5 and 10.
Defining High Scores
Common thresholds:
MMPI: T score > 70
MMPI-2: T score > 65
Alternate interpretation methods include: High point interpretation (interpret the highest score regardless of T score) and specific points (Graham’s method suggests T score > 65).
Clinical Scales Overview
Scale 1: Hypochondriasis [Hs]
Development: Based on a criterion group of 50 patients focused on bodily concerns and fears of illness (32 items).
Interpretation:
Excessive bodily concerns and vague somatic complaints.
Diagnoses may include somatoform disorders, conversion disorders (if T > 80), and depressive or anxiety disorders.
Patients are often described as selfish and resistant to psychological explanations.
Scale 2: Depression [D]
Group: 50 depressed patients, primarily in bipolar episodes, and includes 57 items.
Interpretation:
Symptoms include sadness, hopelessness, and self-deprecation.
High levels of anxiety and poor concentration are common.
Associated with various depressive diagnoses and physical complaints.
Scale 3: Hysteria [Hy]
Development: Grounded in patients exhibiting hysterical reactions to stress (60 items).