MMPI Content and Supplemental Scales 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The MMPI-2 Anger (ANG) content scale differs from Scale 4 (Pd) in that ANG specifically measures:
- General antisocial behavior and rule-breaking
- Poor anger control and irritability as a primary complaint (Correct answer)
- Passive-aggressive expression of hostility
- Anger displaced onto authority figures
Correct answer: Poor anger control and irritability as a primary complaint
ANG focuses on the individual's self-reported problems with anger regulation, irritability, and explosive behavior.
Question 2: Which MMPI-2 content scale would be most elevated in a person who reports multiple unexplained physical symptoms across body systems?
- Health Concerns (HEA) (Correct answer)
- Anxiety (ANX)
- Depression (DEP)
- Negative Treatment Indicators (TRT)
Correct answer: Health Concerns (HEA)
The HEA scale captures a wide range of somatic complaints spanning neurological, gastrointestinal, and sensory domains.
Question 3: The supplemental scale MAC-R (MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale-Revised) is thought to measure:
- Frequency of alcohol use over the past 30 days
- Addiction proneness and risk-taking personality characteristics (Correct answer)
- Consequences of alcohol dependence on functioning
- Motivation to abstain from substance use
Correct answer: Addiction proneness and risk-taking personality characteristics
MAC-R is considered a measure of addiction potential and extraversion-risk-taking rather than a direct measure of alcohol consumption.
Question 4: On the MMPI-2, a high score on the Overcontrolled Hostility (O-H) supplemental scale suggests:
- Frequent overt expression of aggression in daily life
- Chronic suppression of anger with risk of sudden explosive release (Correct answer)
- High hostility combined with poor impulse control
- Passive hostility expressed through social withdrawal
Correct answer: Chronic suppression of anger with risk of sudden explosive release
O-H identifies individuals who habitually inhibit hostility but may display sudden violent outbursts when frustration accumulates.
Question 5: The MMPI-2 Negative Treatment Indicators (TRT) content scale predicts which outcome?
- Strong engagement with and commitment to psychotherapy
- Negative attitudes toward treatment and low motivation for change (Correct answer)
- Likelihood of early dropout due to financial barriers
- Preference for medication over talk therapy
Correct answer: Negative attitudes toward treatment and low motivation for change
High TRT scorers report negative attitudes toward mental health professionals and low belief that change is possible.
Question 6: Which MMPI-2 content scale focuses specifically on antisocial attitudes and behaviors, distinct from Scale 4?
- Cynicism (CYN)
- Antisocial Practices (ASP) (Correct answer)
- Type A Behavior (TPA)
- Anger (ANG)
Correct answer: Antisocial Practices (ASP)
ASP assesses antisocial attitudes, past behavior problems, and endorsement of dishonest practices more directly than the broader Scale 4.
Question 7: The Dominance (Do) supplemental scale on the MMPI-2 reflects which trait?
- Authoritarian attitudes toward subordinates
- Self-confidence, assertiveness, and social poise (Correct answer)
- Aggressive dominance and interpersonal hostility
- Need for control in intimate relationships only
Correct answer: Self-confidence, assertiveness, and social poise
High Do scorers are described as self-assured, assertive, take-charge individuals who feel confident in social and leadership situations.
MMPI Content and Supplemental Scales 3
The MMPI-2 Anger (ANG) content scale differs from Scale 4 (Pd) in that ANG specifically measures: