ABSTRACT
The MMPI-A or MMPI-A-RF, used in conjunction with data from other psychometric sources, psychosocial assessment results, and clinical interview findings, provide a rich source of information concerning a variety of respondent characteristics. Test findings from the MMPI-A or MMPI-A-RF include data concerning profile validity and the adolescent’s test-taking attitude. Validity findings also encompass the degree to which the adolescent’s responses were consistent and accurate, both of which serve as essential components to establish the protocol validity. Test profiles also provide information concerning the presence or absence of psychiatric symptoms along a number of dimensions of psychopathology, including the nature, type and extent of symptomatology. Further, inspection of the adolescent’s MMPI-A or MMPI-A-RF results allow for an overall estimate of the adolescent’s adjustment level as well as providing information concerning the adolescent’s characteristic defense mechanisms, and the relative effectiveness of these defenses in protecting the adolescent from consciously perceived emotional distress. The psychologist should also be able to form useful opinions concerning the adolescent’s typical interpersonal relationships, including such issues as interpersonal dominance versus submissiveness, as well as the tendency to become actively engaged with others versus socially withdrawn and isolated.
