MMPI-2 PATTERNS IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALES

Researchers have reported conflicting conclusions about the relation o f the MMPI (MMPI-2) clinical scale elevations and race. Consequently, this study examined the concurrent validity of the MMPI-2 in evaluatin g African-American females. Seventy-eight (78) African American colleg e student volunteers were administered the MMPI-2, along with other me asures of personality, achievement, and coping style. Scores revealed 76% of the sample had elevated profiles. Subjects were divided into th ree groups based on frequency of clinical scale code type. Subjects wi th the 5/9 profile elevations functioned as well as normals on measure s of coping skills and mood disorders. Discussion emphasizes the impor tance of clinical interpretation of MMPI data in research programs and the relationship of the data to coping style. (C) 1996 John Wiley & S ons, Inc.