Differences Between MMPI & MMPI-2

Key Takeaways
– MMPI and MMPI 2 are psychological tests used to assess the personality of individuals.
– MMPI 2 is a revised version of the original MMPI, and is more widely used.
– MMPI was designed for clinical purposes, while MMPI 2 can be used in other fields as well.

MMPI versus MMPI 2

MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) and MMPI 2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2) are two psychological tests used in mental health to assess an individual’s personality. The key difference between the two is that MMPI 2 is the revised version of the original MMPI and is the most widely used psychological test in the field. Unlike MMPI, which was designed specifically for clinical purposes, MMPI 2 can be used in other fields as well.

What is MMPI?

MMPI, published in 1942 by Starke R. Hathaway and John C. McKinley as Medical and Psychiatric Inventory, is a psychometric test that helps psychologists understand the various social, personal, and behavioral issues experienced by mental health patients. The original MMPI consisted of ten clinical scales and validity scales that allowed the psychologist to assess the truthfulness and responsiveness of the client. There is also a version called MMPI-A, specifically used for adolescents.

What is MMPI 2?

MMPI 2, published in 1989, is the revised version of the original MMPI, created to address certain flaws in the original test. It consists of 567 questions and takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete. MMPI 2 has ten subscales that are almost identical to those of MMPI, as well as seven validity scales. It is used not only in clinical psychology but also in other fields, such as industrial settings and legal contexts, although the use of MMPI 2 in these contexts is sometimes considered questionable.

Difference between MMPI and MMPI 2

The main differences between MMPI and MMPI 2 include the date of publication, the subscales, and the usage of the tests. MMPI was published in 1942 and was specifically used as a psychological test for clinical purposes. On the other hand, MMPI 2 was published in 1989 and is used in various contexts, including legal and industrial settings. The ten subscales of MMPI are slightly different from those of MMPI 2, with MMPI 2 featuring hypomania instead of mania.