Character Structure and Performance on the Mmpi

Abstract

In a sample of 74 normal adults, a typology of character structure based on the developmental theory of Piaget was used to predict performance on the MMPI. The typology's validity was assessed by examining its empirical relationship to 11 clinical scales of the MMPI. Significant differences among the character types were noted for 5 of the 11 scales examined (Hypochondriasis, Depression, Masculinity/femininity, Psychasthenia, and Ego strength). There were significant differences on three additional scales (Hysteria, Psychopathic deviate, and Hypomania) between subtypes of the most numerous character type, which included two-thirds of the subjects studied. Differences among the character types and subtypes were generally consistent with expectations.