MMPI Content and Supplemental Scales 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The MMPI-2 Anxiety (ANX) content scale primarily measures which type of symptom?
- Somatic complaints only
- General anxiety symptoms including tension, worry, and sleep disturbance (Correct answer)
- Social anxiety and phobias exclusively
- Panic disorder with agoraphobia
Correct answer: General anxiety symptoms including tension, worry, and sleep disturbance
The ANX scale captures broad anxiety symptoms such as tension, worry, concentration problems, and sleep disturbance.
Question 2: Which MMPI-2 content scale is most associated with low self-esteem and negative self-concept?
- Depression (DEP)
- Low Self-Esteem (LSE) (Correct answer)
- Social Discomfort (SOD)
- Negative Treatment Indicators (TRT)
Correct answer: Low Self-Esteem (LSE)
The LSE scale directly assesses negative attitudes about oneself, including feelings of incompetence and self-doubt.
Question 3: The MMPI-2 Bizarre Mentation (BIZ) content scale elevations suggest which clinical concern?
- Antisocial behavior and rule violations
- Psychotic thought processes and unusual beliefs (Correct answer)
- Somatic preoccupation and hypochondriasis
- Anger control problems
Correct answer: Psychotic thought processes and unusual beliefs
BIZ assesses psychotic-like ideation including strange thoughts, paranoid ideation, and hallucinations.
Question 4: A client scores high on the MMPI-2 Work Interference (WRK) content scale. What does this most likely indicate?
- High occupational achievement and motivation
- Attitudes and behaviors likely to interfere with job performance (Correct answer)
- Preference for manual over intellectual work
- History of workplace discrimination
Correct answer: Attitudes and behaviors likely to interfere with job performance
High WRK scores reflect poor work attitudes, low confidence, and behaviors that predict occupational dysfunction.
Question 5: The Cynicism (CYN) content scale on the MMPI-2 measures which attitude?
- Distrust and negative views of other people's motives (Correct answer)
- Pessimism about one's own future and prospects
- Critical attitudes toward authority figures only
- Cultural alienation and value conflicts
Correct answer: Distrust and negative views of other people's motives
CYN reflects misanthropic beliefs and suspicion that others are motivated by selfishness and dishonesty.
Question 6: Which supplemental scale on the MMPI-2 was specifically developed to detect ego strength and ability to benefit from psychotherapy?
- Anxiety (A)
- Repression (R)
- Ego Strength (Es) (Correct answer)
- Social Responsibility (Re)
Correct answer: Ego Strength (Es)
Barron's Ego Strength scale (Es) was designed to predict response to psychotherapy and personal resources for coping.
Question 7: The MMPI-2 Family Problems (FAM) content scale elevation indicates which pattern?
- Strong family cohesion and positive home environment
- Discord, conflict, and lack of love within the family (Correct answer)
- Estrangement from extended family members only
- Grief reactions related to family loss
Correct answer: Discord, conflict, and lack of love within the family
High FAM scorers report significant family conflict, marital discord, and an unpleasant home environment.
MMPI Content and Supplemental Scales 2
The MMPI-2 Anxiety (ANX) content scale primarily measures which type of symptom?