The MMPI Profiles of Narcotics Addicts. II. Ethnic and Criminal History Effects

Abstract

Data from 240 male heroin addicts admitted to the California Civil Addict Program (CAP) were analyzed to determine if incarceration before or after first narcotics use — a behavioral marker termed “sequence” - was significantly related to MMPI profile scores. Furthermore, this relationship was examined separately for Anglos and Chicanos. Results indicate that those Anglo addicts who had been incarcerated before they first used narcotics had significantly elevated scores for Paranoia (Pa) and Schizophrenia (Sc), two scales of the psychotic triad. A significant sequence-by-ethnicity interaction was found, in which the sequence effect was not manifested in Chicano addicts.