Empirical Correlates of Low Scores on MMPI-2/MMPI-2-RF Restructured Clinical Scales in a Sample of University Students

Abstract

In the present study, the authors explored the meaning of low scores on the MMPI-2/MMPI-2-RF Restructured Clinical (RC) scales. Using responses of a sample of university students (N = 811), the authors examined whether low (T < 39), within-normal-limits (T = 39-64), and high (T > 65) score levels on the RC scales are differentially associated with Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ)–defined personality descriptions. Eleven primary MPQ scales and three higher order MPQ scales (Negative Emotionality, Positive Emotionality, and Constraint) were used to yield these descriptions. MANOVAs were conducted for each RC scale and followed up by univariate ANOVAs and post hoc Dunnett T3 tests to identify reliable RC-scale-defined group differences for the individual MPQ scales. For those cases that exhibited significant differences between the low and within-normal subgroups on the Dunnett T3 tests, effect sizes were computed. The authors identified and discussed meaningful MPQ-based personality characteristics of the low scoring subjects.