ABSTRACT
In this chapter, conceptual and definitional issues as they pertain to socioeconomic status (SES) and personality assessment are presented initially, followed by a discussion of the interpersonal presentation and clinical issues that may be unique to clients across the SES spectrum. Empirical findings that are relevant to SES and personality assessment are noted. Practical considerations in conducting personality assessment across the SES spectrum are provided, framed in terms of the American Psychological Association’s revised Benchmark Competencies (APA, 2012). Throughout, the emphasis is on the MMPI-2 and the Rorschach as the most well-known and widely utilized self-report and performance-based personality measures, although some discussion of other tests, such as the NEO-PI-R, is included. The chapter concludes with a summary and recommendations for moving forward.
