ABSTRACT
In a recent article Graham (1979) proposed adjustments to MMPI scale score interpretations for clients whose age, race or education differed markedly from those of the standardization sample. He stated, for example, that individuals older than 55 to 60 typically obtain scores 5–10 points higher on scale 2 (D) than the standardization group; hence T-score cutoffs for inferences associated with moderate elevations on this scale should be raised from 60 to 69 to 70 to 79 for this group. In a similar manner, Graham (1979) suggested that clients with college educations should have 5 to 10 points subtracted from their scale L T-scores, 5 points added to scale K T-scores and 10 points added to scale 5 (Mf) T-scores prior to interpretation. Adjustments were also advocated for blacks and adolescents. Graham (1979) also raised the question concerning whether these effects are additive. That is, if a patient is a teenager and black, should scale 8 (Sc) be adjusted by 10–20 points before interpretation? He implied that no empirical evidence exists on this issue, but that clinical experience suggests that the 5–10 point adjustment is sufficient.
