A descriptive and validity study of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) in an elderly Australian sample

This study examined MMPI-2 performance in a sample of 110 (60 female, 50 male) Australians aged 60-96. In addition, it evaluated the concurrent validity of four of the MMPI-2's new Content Scales (DEP, ANX, LSE, and HEA). Descriptive results revealed a pattern of MMPI-2 relative highs (scales L, Hs, and D) and lows (scales Pd, Pa, and Ma) that was, in general, consistent with MMPI profiles demonstrated in previous research on U.S. geriatric subjects. The MMPI-2 Content Scales designed to assess Depression (DEP) and Anxiety (ANX) evidenced substantial concurrent validity for both male and female subjects. The validity results associated with the Content Scales assessing Low Self-Esteem (LSE) and Health Concerns (HEA) were quite positive for male subjects but more mixed for females. In general, these results were seen as supporting both (1) the cross-cultural comparability of the MMPI-2 and its predecessor within this population and (2) the potential value of at least four of the new MMPI-2 Content Scales