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Original Clinical Scales Flashcards

7 cards from real MMPI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Original Clinical Scales flashcards as text

  1. Which MMPI clinical scale is most frequently elevated in individuals with chronic pain conditions?

    Answer: Scale 1 (Hs)

    Scale 1 (Hypochondriasis) reflects preoccupation with bodily functions and physical health, making it the scale most commonly elevated in chronic pain and somatic symptom presentations.

  2. In the MMPI, Scale 7 (Pt) was used to identify psychasthenia. Which of the following best describes psychasthenia?

    Answer: A neurotic condition featuring phobias, obsessions, compulsions, and excessive doubt

    Psychasthenia, an older diagnostic term, referred to anxiety-based neurotic features including irrational fears, obsessive thoughts, compulsive rituals, and guilt, now encompassing OCD and anxiety disorders.

  3. What does a high score on Scale 6 (Pa) suggest when accompanied by high Scale 8 (Sc)?

    Answer: A likely psychotic presentation with paranoid ideation

    The 6-8/8-6 code type strongly suggests a psychotic disorder with paranoid features, poor reality testing, and possible thought disorganization.

  4. The MMPI Scale 2 (D) subscales include 'Subjective Depression,' 'Psychomotor Retardation,' and 'Physical Malfunctioning.' These subscales were developed by which psychologist?

    Answer: Harris and Lingoes

    Harris and Lingoes developed subscales for several MMPI clinical scales (2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9) to help interpret what elevates the parent scale.

  5. A clinician observes a '49/94 code type' on the MMPI. Which behavioral pattern is this most associated with?

    Answer: Antisocial behavior, impulsivity, and substance abuse

    The 4-9/9-4 code type is one of the most recognized antisocial profiles, associated with impulsivity, hedonism, poor judgment, substance use, and disregard for social rules.

  6. On the MMPI, Scale 8 (Sc) is the longest scale with 78 items. High elevations (T > 80) most commonly indicate what?

    Answer: Severe psychological disturbance, alienation, or possible psychosis — not necessarily schizophrenia

    While Scale 8 is called Schizophrenia, very high scores indicate severe psychological distress and alienation but do not confirm a schizophrenia diagnosis — context and code type matter.

  7. Which MMPI clinical scale assesses gender-role interests and is scored differently by biological sex?

    Answer: Scale 5 (Mf)

    Scale 5 (Masculinity-Femininity) uses separate norms and scoring for males and females because the construct of gender-role interest is sex-referenced.