Use of the MMPI-2 in the treatment of offenders

Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol. 2002 Jun;46(3):308-18. doi: 10.1177/0306624X02463005.

Abstract

The MMPI-2 is among the most frequently relied upon inventories for personality assessment. The test is utilized across a variety of nonforensic settings (e.g., psychiatric inpatient and outpatient) as an aid in formulating treatment plans, assessing treatment progress, and measuring treatment outcome. The MMPI-2 can also be utilized in forensic settings in a manner similar to its use in other settings, such as identifying treatment goals and evaluating treatment efficacy. Various MMPI-2 scales can identify an individual's treatment needs, reveal potential obstacles to treatment, and serve as a measure of treatment efficacy. Such information can be very helpful to the clinician in formulating or modifying a course of treatment for offenders. This article provides an overview of the use of the MMPI-2 in treatment planning and describes the relation between scores on the validity, clinical, and various supplementary scales and treatment-related issues.

MeSH terms

  • Crime*
  • Humans
  • MMPI*
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Personality Disorders / therapy*
  • Prisoners / psychology*