MMPI Scale Five: Its Meaning, or Lack Thereof

Abstract

As a widely used test of personality and psychopathology, the MMPI play an important part in making decisions that affect people's lives. The addition of "cookbooks" and, more recently, computer-generated output based on MMPI scale scores provide even the most unsophisticated user with what appear to be credible and valid interpretations of scale and profile variations. A comprehensive review of the literature on MMPI Scale Five (MJ) calls into question generalizations arising from scores on the scale. Empirical research provides no consistent meaning for any score level on the scale. Attempts to map the structure of the scale result in numerous factors and account for, at best, 30% of the variance. Discussion focuses on the shortcomings of the scale as well as the assumptions on which it was developed. Conclusions suggest that the concept of sex difference itself is inappropriately defined and establishes artificial boundaries.