Using the technique MMPI(Minnesota Multidisciplinary Personality Inventory, MMIL modified by Berezin F.B. and etc., SMIL modified by L.N. Sobchik) in models for building effective production activities has a number of significant advantages:
1. The questions presented in the methodology reflect the picture of the well-being of the subject (recipient), his habits, behavioral characteristics, his attitude to various life phenomena and values, the moral side of this attitude, the specifics of interpersonal relationships, the direction of interests, the level of activity and mood, etc. .
Most of the statements are projective in nature and gradually reveal the recipient’s reactions in different situations modeled by the statements of the methodology. Therefore, it can be argued that this method of studying personality occupies a certain intermediate position between a conscious subjective assessment and a projective study of unconscious personality tendencies, which significantly improves the quality of diagnostic material and expands the understanding of personality.
2. Although the MMPI methodology is built on the principle of a questionnaire, the assessment of the data obtained as a result of the study is based not on a direct analysis of the recipient’s answers, but on the data of the statistically confirmed discrete significance of each answer in comparison with the average normative data.
4. Personality traits and qualities determined by this method effectively help to distinguish behavioral tendencies formed on the basis of temperamental characteristics and manifested as behavioral features inherent in the characteristics of the polarity of factors 16PF.
4. The MMPI method is based on the study of personality traits and qualities, personal states that have the nature of consistently manifested behavioral characteristics. It turned out that these features, being initially identified in the behavioral complexes of persons with clinical deviations, have one or another degree of expression in the stable behavior of healthy people.
In psychoanalytic practice, such expression of behavioral characteristics is explained as the use in life of certain sets of primary and secondary unconscious defenses, formed as a result of certain failures in the process of early development of the mental structures of the individual.
With serious disruptions at a certain stage of development, a kind of “stuck” and “generalization” of the mental state occurs, which subsequently leads to neurotic or more severe psychotic clinical deviations. The consequence of such “stuckness” will be a behavioral complex, called in clinical practice as “ psychopathic», « hysterical», « manic-depressive», « schizophrenic" and so on.
It is believed that the personality in the process of development was unable to form optimal systems of interaction at a certain stage and its further development occurred both through this underdevelopment and under its influence that distorts other stages.
S. Freud called the causes of neurosis the structural features of the psyche and fate, as a system of a kind of complex distorting external influence on the psyche at a certain stage of development.
Depending on the characteristics of the mental structure, stage of development and nature of the impact, clinical behavioral characteristics are already formed.
It turned out that even with healthy mental functioning, peculiar traces remain, similar to the nature of the formation of neuroses. Naturally, they differ in the strength of their impact and, most importantly, in their consequences for the form of life activity.
Characterological features can be explained as features formed on the basis of structural components of the psyche that have survived certain external influences in the process of ontogenesis (environment, systems of parental and educational influence, emerging mechanisms of object interaction, etc.) and have taken on the form of persistent behavioral systems acceptable to the individual interactions.
Acceptability can be expressed as a certain development of neurotic reactions characteristic of stages and forms of development, the violation of which in clinical forms leads to persistent and pronounced behavioral characteristics.
In clinical manifestations psychopathic behavior, the mechanism of personal interaction in the “child - parents” system is disrupted at the stage of formation of the leading mechanisms of socialization and the level of this violation causes significant social disadaptation and lack of adequacy in the processes of object interactions.
While maintaining adequacy and normal functioning, the peculiarities of the formation of socialization systems can only be expressed as similar manifestations psychopathic type of character with inclinations dominance, manipulation in social role systems, aggressive demonstrative behavior and other features characteristic of clinical manifestations of psychopathy.
In this case, the general psychopathic type character and the characterological inclinations and characteristics themselves will manifest themselves very stably in behavior, although they may be masked in systems of behavioral “mimicry” inherent in such characterological behavior.
Naturally, the level and forms of characterological inclinations and characteristics are very variable, and the MMPI technique is aimed at determining them.
Academic psychological schools tend to explain characterological typological differences by a complex combination of constitutional, individual and personal characteristics or traits, formed and developed under the influence of the environment or influence external to the individual, taking a certain form and stably manifesting itself in various systems of life.
In our case, the nature of characterological differences is not so important as its behavioral expression as a category of stability, development, form of relationships and interactions, experienced states and other features that affect the efficiency of production activities, measured and quantified in this methodology.
MMPI rating scales
As with any technique, the MMPI technique has a number of rules, beyond which the test results become unreliable.
MMPI technique is the most protected from attempts by recipients, for one reason or another, to deliberately distort the results (present themselves in a different form).
The function of rating scales is, along with identifying the factor significance of the recipient’s answers in comparison with the average normative data (the procedure for converting “raw” scores into T-scores of factor scales), determining the level and nature of such distortions.
Rating scales or reliability scales, in addition to determining the reliability of the data obtained as a result of testing, determine the recipients’ attitudes towards the testing process, their attitude towards the methodology, towards the diagnostician, towards the results of the process itself.
Scale "?" :
Selected by the recipient if there is no certainty in the answer.
It is considered normal to have 30 raw points in the method, reflecting answers of this kind.
From 40 to 60 raw points on this scale indicates alertness; above 70 raw points indicate unreliable testing data.
Unreliability by scale "?" reflects a reluctance or inability to delve into the essence of methodological issues. It may be a consequence of insufficient interest in the test results or manifest itself as a condescending attitude towards the diagnostician.
Such results can also be recorded when attempting to formally participate in the procedure, when, for one reason or another, direct refusals to participate are unacceptable, and recording reliable results is not part of the recipient’s plans.
In such cases, retesting and analyzing the answers together with the recipient most likely will not change the attitude towards the technique.
There have been repeated attempts to exclude scales "?" from the MMPI methodology, especially during forensic psychological examination procedures, when answering the questions posed to the expert required a mandatory determination of the recipient’s characterological characteristics.
And in this version of the methodology, in most cases there was a refusal to test, but through a random choice of answers, and the absence scales "?" significantly distorted the test results.
During diagnostic procedures in production activities, the unreliability of data on scale "?" is an independent diagnostic factor for analyzing the reasons that prompted such an attitude towards the technique.
The identification of formal participation in the procedure and the recipient’s reluctance to delve into the essence of the issues is significant in the system of building relations between employees personnel services and the organization and is a compelling reason to analyze and reconsider these relationships.
L scale:
Includes statements that reveal the recipient's tendency to present himself in the most favorable light possible by demonstrating very strict adherence to social norms.
High performance in "L" scale(65 T and above), that is, more than 10 raw points, may indicate a deliberate desire to decorate oneself, to show oneself “in the best light,” denying the presence in one’s behavior of weaknesses inherent in any person.
In such cases, they try to hide the necessarily manifested ability to at least sometimes or at least a little get angry, be lazy, neglect diligence, severity of manners, truthfulness, accuracy in the most minimal extent and in the most forgivable situation.
At the same time, the personality profile turns out to be smoothed out, understated or recessed.
Most of all the highest indicators L scale affect the underestimation of the 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th scales. That is, components are isolated from behavior that are capable, to one degree or another, according to the recipient, of reducing the negative image components of the individual.
A similar picture of behavior can be demonstrated by individuals, professionally or for other reasons, who strictly follow conventional norms of behavior.
Usually, hiding “childish pranks” is a consequence of conscious social control and attempts to follow professionally significant forms of behavior. Although this is a personal tendency, it practically does little to distort the general structure of behavior.
It is worse if a system of behavioral norms takes root in the psyche to the point of displacement from consciousness of the very facts of a single violation of these norms, even in early youth.
This form of behavior will be accompanied not only by careful personal adherence to these norms, but also by persistent demands that everyone around them comply with such norms.
Such behavior in production activities can seriously complicate the working conditions of many employees, especially those directly subordinate to a manager with this form of behavior.
Promotion L scale within 60-65 T is often found in people of a primitive mental make-up with low adaptive capabilities.
Moderate increase L scale up to 60 T is observed in old age and is considered normal, as a reflection of age-related personality changes towards increased normative behavior.
In production activities, increase L scale can be observed in situations of motivational significance for the recipient of test results.
During professional selection, employee certification or competitive nomination for a position, the desire to follow norms and rules is considered by the recipient as preferable and can distort the image of the individual. To exclude such an effect, it seems advisable in the preliminary testing procedure to draw the recipient’s attention to the possibility of displaying such aspirations.
Improving results by L scale from 70 to 80 T-scores turn the personality profile into questionable in terms of reliability, exceeding 80 T-scores - into unreliable.
With high (doubtful) results of the scale and significant increases in the level of the profile on certain clinical scales, there remain possibilities for interpreting the data, but more as additional material to the results obtained using other methods.
With proper preliminary instruction and compliance with the rules of the technique, it is rarely possible to obtain reliable results after unreliable primary ones through joint analysis of questions and retesting with the recipient. This does not indicate inattention as a factor distorting test results, but rather the stability of such behavioral characteristics that this technique cannot cope with.
F scale:
High scores on this scale (T70 points and above) may cast doubt on the reliability of the test results.
The scale consists of statements regarding unusual thoughts, desires and sensations, and overt psychotic symptoms.
The choice of such statements may be determined by inattention, negligence in choosing answers, the desire to incriminate oneself, to stun the diagnostician with the uniqueness of the individual, the desire to emphasize the defects of one’s character, the tendency to dramatize existing circumstances and one’s attitude towards them, an attempt to portray another, fictitious person, rather than one’s own characteristics.
Reduced performance due to fatigue or illness may also be reflected by high scores on this scale.
Some promotion may be the result of being overly diligent, self-critical, and outspoken.
In individuals who are more or less disharmonious and in a state of discomfort, indicators can be at the level of 65-75T, which reflects emotional instability.
High performance F scale, accompanied by an increase in the profile on the 4th, 6th, 8th and 9th scales, are found in individuals prone to affective reactions and with low conformity.
Indicators above 70T, as a rule, reflect a high level of emotional tension or are a sign of personal disintegration, which can be associated with both severe stress and neuropsychic disorders of a non-psychogenic nature.
With a reliable result of the study, a relatively high level of profile on F scale may be observed in various types of non-conforming individuals, since such individuals will demonstrate reactions that are not characteristic of the normative group, and, accordingly, more often give answers taken into account on this scale.
Boost your profile by F scale can be observed in very young people during the period of personality formation in cases where the need for self-expression is realized through non-conformity in behavior and views.
Severe anxiety and personal need for help are also usually manifested in a relatively high level of results on the described scale.
Moderate increase by F scale in the absence of psychopathological symptoms, it usually reflects internal tension, dissatisfaction with the situation, and poorly organized activity.
Essentially, any behavioral and characterological nature that forms high performance indicators F scale has little compatibility with the possibilities for effective implementation of production activities.
In most cases, aggravation as a psychological need for sympathy and attention and the behavioral complex that accompanies it is considered as inappropriate for the effective implementation of activities.
However, it happens that such a behavioral system is characteristic of young people experiencing a state of some tension basalneeds (16 PF - factor Q4). Often, behavioral reactions of this kind are situational and when the tension is reduced, they cease to distort behavior, it “normalizes”, which is actually reflected in the indicators F scale and in complex - on behavior in general. This is worth paying attention to, especially in professional orientation events and when selecting young specialists.
The tendency to follow conventional norms and the absence of internal tension is reflected by a low result in F scale.
K scale:
The scale consists of statements that differentiate individuals who seek to mitigate or hide psychopathological phenomena from individuals who are overly open.
In the original version of the MMPI test, this scale was originally intended only to study the degree of caution of subjects in a testing situation and tendencies (V largely unconscious) deny existing unpleasant sensations, life difficulties and conflicts.
WITH the purpose of correcting this trend, the result obtained from K scale is added to five of the ten major clinical scales in a proportion corresponding to its effect on each of these scales.
However, K scale, in addition to its significance for assessing the test subject’s reaction to the testing situation and correcting results on a number of basic clinical scales, is also of significant interest for assessing certain characteristics of the subject’s personality.
Individuals with high scores K scale(65T and above) usually shape their behavior depending on social approval and are concerned about their social status. They tend to deny any difficulties in interpersonal relationships or in controlling their own behavior, strive to comply with accepted norms and refrain from criticizing others if their behavior fits within the framework of accepted norms.
Obviously non-conforming behavior, deviating from traditions and customs, and deviating from the conventional framework, often causes a pronounced negative reaction in them.
Due to the tendency to deny (largely at the perceptual level) information indicating interpersonal difficulties and conflicts, these individuals may not have an adequate understanding of how others perceive them.
The main trends in this behavior are persistent personal ideas about the importance of following norms and rules in systems of social interaction.
Such individuals are deeply convinced that the true criterion of compliance with a high professional status is the presence of a diploma and certificates of completion of courses in additional education systems, and not the level of development of abilities and knowledge and the ability to effectively apply them in activities (hence the frequent desire to improve and expand education and “collect » diplomas of completion of educational institutions).
In the system of interpersonal relations, in their opinion, all levels of interaction should be carried out exclusively within the framework of norms and rules.
One gets the impression that they have no nuances in their interaction systems. Any minor deviation is suppressed, or is perceived as a personal insult, which often leads them to a certain group isolation.
This is greatly facilitated by an active position in condemning and suppressing violations of norms and rules (to a greater extent, these trends are characteristic of women).
In this case, we have an example of unique behavioral characteristics, built on a system of following the norms and rules of social interaction, often literally and uniquely understood and staunchly independent of group influence.
Examples of such behavioral characteristics are relatively rare; their owners are perceived as bright, eccentric individuals, almost always significantly isolated from the group and not experiencing discomfort from this state.
There would be no point in focusing attention on such features if there were not a similar in nature, but more widespread and disguised behavioral tendency, which is of decisive importance for the effective implementation of activities.
We are talking about a personal tendency to understand and follow norms and rules, especially the forms and means of organizing and carrying out activities. Persons of this type are especially punctual and scrupulous in matters of normalizing “external” behavior, they are distinguished by “softness” of manners and a peculiar sophistication in clothing.
Their main features are that in their goal-setting system and in the main issues of organization, at some moments there occurs a significant shift and a complete orientation towards the situation as “how it should be”, ignoring “how it really is” .
Boundless faith in the correctness of understanding and implementation of activities, lack of self-criticism and complete ignorance and suppression of external influence always lead to disastrous consequences for activities.
Thus, behavioral characteristics that are harmless at first glance - a more thorough normalization of behavior - are transformed into significant originality in the personal understanding of norms and rules and, even further, into the originality of personal ideas about the correctness of the activity, which for the latter becomes a significant test.
This behavioral tendency may correlate well with the pole suspicion factor a L 16 PF, reflecting personal characteristics from a different angle of perception.
On this side, the leading behavioral qualities can be self-importance and lack of consideration for other people. Inattention to people can be based on various mental characteristics and have a wide range of manifestations.
In our case, it is specific and is not a consequence of personal ignorance or a desire to prove something, a manifestation of dominance or other similar tendencies. Simple non-perception, non-notice without any significant emotional coloring.
Trend « aggressive narcissist»follow your desires and your understanding of situations. The tendency is “childish”, that is, formed in early ontogenesis and thus built into a behavioral strategy, which does not allow one to rely on one’s own experience and knowledge, and, especially, on the opinions of other people.
Taking into account the above, when identifying similar trends in the diagnosis of production activities, especially considering that they are practically not amenable to corrective action, it is necessary to very carefully analyze and evaluate the nature that formed them.
With insignificant severity (moderate increase in profile by K scale) the described trends do not violate personal social adaptation, but even facilitate it, creating a feeling of harmony with the environment and an approving assessment of the rules accepted in this environment.
In this regard, individuals with a moderate increase in profile by K scale They give the impression of being reasonable, friendly, sociable people with a wide range of interests.
Extensive experience of interpersonal contacts and the absence of difficulties in their implementation form in individuals of this type more or less high entrepreneurship and the ability to find the right line of behavior. Since such qualities improve social adaptation, a moderate increase in profile K scale can be considered as a prognostically favorable sign.
Individuals with very low profile levels K scale are well aware of their difficulties, tend to exaggerate rather than underestimate the degree of interpersonal conflicts, the severity of their symptoms and the degree of personal inadequacy.
They do not hide their weaknesses, difficulties and psychopathological disorders. The tendency to be critical of oneself and others leads to skepticism.
Dissatisfaction and a tendency to exaggerate the significance of conflicts make them easily vulnerable and create awkwardness in interpersonal relationships.
Index F-K. (Welsh index):
Since trends measured by scales F And TO, are largely oppositely directed, the difference in the primary result obtained on these scales ( Welsh index) is essential for determining the attitude of the subject at the time of the study and judging the reliability of the result obtained.
The average value of this index in MMPI technique amounts to 7 for men and 8 for women.
The intervals at which the result can be considered reliable (if none of the rating scales exceed 70 T-scores) are:
- for men from 18 before +4 ;
- for women from 23 before +7 .
If the difference FK ranges from +5 before +7 for men and from +8 before +10 for women, the result seems doubtful.
The greater the difference F-K, the more pronounced is the desire of the subject to emphasize the severity of his symptoms and life difficulties, to evoke sympathy and condolences.
High index level F-K may also indicate aggravation.
Index decline F-K reflects the desire to improve one’s self-image, mitigate one’s symptoms and emotionally charged problems, or deny their presence.
Low level Welsh index may indicate dissimulation of existing psychopathological abnormalities.
MMPI Basic Scales
General characteristics:
1st scale: (hypochondria or somatization of anxiety) overcontrol:
An increase within 70T is an indicator of tightness, overcontrol, and increased orientation toward normativity as a stable personality trait, manifested by excessive attention to deviations from the normal functioning of one’s body.
With maladaptation (i.e., with an increase in the indicator of this scale above 70·T), hypochondriacal traits are revealed.
Low indicators (50T and below) have the opposite meaning, i.e. reflect the absence of the listed personality characteristics and condition.
2nd scale: (anxiety and depressive tendencies) pessimism:
Reveals this quality along with dissatisfaction and a tendency to worry.
A leading rise on the 2nd scale is characteristic of a hyposthenic type of response, and indicators above 70·T reveal a depressive state.
3rd scale: (hysteria or repression of factors causing anxiety) emotiveness:
“Emotional lability” scale.
When its indicators increase within the normative range, it reflects high sensitivity to environmental influences and instability of the emotional state, worsening with higher scores (above 70 T) up to hysterical, hysterical or hysteriform manifestations.
4th scale: (psychopathy or implementation of emotional tension in direct behavior) impulsivity:
Within an increase to 70T, it reflects the sthenic type of response.
Above 70 T - impulsive, poorly controlled behavior of psychopathic individuals of an excitable circle, as well as within the framework of a psychopath-like syndrome of residual organic or endogenous origin.
Reflects the degree of conformity to gender-role behavior and the level of sexual adaptation.
6th scale: (paranoidity or rigidity of affect):
Normally, it reflects a tendency towards pedantry, competition and getting stuck on negative experiences.
High scores reveal affective intensity of experiences, hostility, and a tendency to paranoid reactions.
Treats the same as 4th scale to a sthenic (with a significant increase to a hypersthenic) type of response.
MMPI scale 7: (psychasthenia or fixation of anxiety and restrictive behavior) anxiety:
Reveals increased fearfulness, constitutionally determined anxiety, uncertainty, conformity, suspiciousness.
Indicators above 70T reflect the problem of pronounced psychasthenic accentuation, the predominance of inhibited (hyposthenic) traits, and an anxious state within the framework of neurotic or neurosis-like disorders.
8th scale: (schizoid or autistic) individualistic:
It can be elevated in non-conforming individuals with pronounced independence of judgments and actions, non-standard thinking, which at high rates manifests itself as originality of interests, unpredictability of actions, irrational approach to solving problems, and separation from reality.
9th scale: (hypomania or anxiety denial) optimism:
Reveals the level of optimism and reflects the sthenic type of response.
Indicators below 50T are alarming in terms of a decrease in life-loving tendencies and general activity.
0th scale: (social introversion or social contacts):
Reflects the level of sociability and social involvement of the individual.
Focus primarily on the world of subjective experiences (increased to 70 T) up to isolation and autism (above 70 T).
Focus on the world of the real environment of an extroverted personality (indicators below 50 T) or an emotionally immature personality with weakened self-control (if indicators are below 40 T).
1st scale: (hypochondriasis or somatization of anxiety) overcontrol:
A scale with a leading peak (60-69 T) in a profile in which the remaining scales are at the level of 45-54 T, reveals the motivational orientation of the individual to meet normative criteria both in the social environment and in the sphere of physiological functions of one’s own body.
The main problem of this type of personality is suppression of spontaneity, inhibition of self-realization, control over aggressiveness, hypersocial orientation of interests, orientation to rules, instructions, inertia in decision making, avoidance of serious responsibility for fear of failure.
The style of thinking is inert, somewhat dogmatic, based on existing generally accepted points of view, deprived of freedom, independence and looseness.
In interpersonal relationships - high moral demands both towards oneself and towards others. Stinginess of emotional manifestations, caution, prudence.
The contradictory combination of restraint and irritability creates a mixed type of response, characteristic of individuals with the psychosomatic nature of maladaptive behavior.
This combination is manifested by constant tension, and the hypersociality of attitudes looks like a “facade”, behind which grumpiness, irritation, and edifying intonations are hidden.
With excessive emotional tension, difficult maladaptation is manifested by an increased focus on deviations from the norm, both in terms of interpersonal relationships, where people of this type are irritated by the irresponsibility and lack of morality of the actions of others, and in the sphere of well-being, where excessive attention to the work of internal organs can develop into hypochondriacality.
In the structure of neurotic disorders or within the framework of neurosis-like pathology, high rates of 1st scale(above 70 T) reveal hypochondriacal symptoms.
Hypochondriacity worsens and takes on the character of senestopathies with an accompanying peak in 8th scale.
Peak combination 1st and 2nd scales more typical of aging men, and it manifests itself not only hypochondriacality, but also such personal traits as dogmatism and hypocrisy intensify, thinking becomes more inert, and in interpersonal contacts caution, didacticism, and edifying tone become more pronounced.
1st MMPI scale in structure "neurotic triad" (1,2,3 scales) reveals a defense mechanism of the “flight into illness” type, while illness (explicit or imaginary) is, as it were, a screen masking the desire to shift responsibility for existing problems onto others and is considered as the only socially acceptable way to justify one’s passivity.
Climbing 1st scale accompanies, as a rule, the psychosomatic nature of a maladaptive reaction, and in the “sawtooth” type profile, high values 1st scale can reveal the main component in the structure of the “ulcerative personality type” and often reflect gastroenterological problems, gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers at the psychological level.
Expressiveness of meanings 1st and 3rd scales is quite common, but is more common in women.
Psychological properties 3rd scale largely obscure and absorb characteristics 1st, if the scales are at the same level.
With indicators 1st scale MMPI prevailing over 3rd a passive attitude towards conflict, avoidance of solving problems, and self-centeredness, masked by a declaration of hypersocial attitudes, are revealed.
Essentially, this is a neurosis-forming factor of a lack of emotional warmth and attention in childhood under normal conditions and their increased demonstration during injuries and illnesses.
Peculiarities of the psyche and the specificity of manifestations of attention from others contribute to the formation and consolidation of the mechanism of manipulation through “going into illness.”
With personal immaturity, this mechanism is transferred into adulthood and is transformed on others practically unchanged and develops into a rigid, non-constructive behavioral style of reducing pronounced (neurotic) emotional tension by including (manipulating) others in concern for a “painful” state.
In the behavior of persons of this type, the unconscious desire for the status of a patient is a kind of justification for insignificant activity and an attempt to strengthen social protections and a certain guarantee of attention from others in one complex.
This behavior differs significantly from the behavior of individuals who formed most of the scale values as a result of correction - adding 0.5 of the indicator to the “raw” scores K scale.
In this case, concern about the physical condition and a peculiar attitude towards medications, medicinal herbs, infusions and other traditional and non-traditional methods of treatment (with T up to 70 points) reflects a behavioral feature as a form focused on health care and not accompanied by complaints and attempts to attract the attention of others .
Both of these types, each based on their nature, demonstrate extraordinary knowledge of pharmacology (while not being specialists in this field), techniques and methods of treatment, methods of fasting, training methods for maintaining and improving health.
If for the “hypochondriacal” type, knowledge of this kind is a kind of “professionalism” of being “in illness,” then for individuals “correctionally dependent” they have a different, dual property. They demonstrate a tendency to be treated effectively and thoroughly, comprehensively strengthening their health and reflect “love” and active participation in the treatment and promotion of the health of others by recommending the most effective remedies and methods, necessarily tested on themselves.
Such “love” for treating others can form the assumption of a kind of compensation for the lack of attention from others and a certain similarity in this between both types of behavior. This is far from true. Persons of the “correctionally dependent” type of behavior, although they demonstrate “involvement” in the treatment of others, do this rather to implement their well-adapted and socially approved egocentrism, than to attract attention and manipulate others. In this way they only realize the uniqueness of their “ greatness”, good nature and love for others through providing them with services to effectively improve their well-being.
An increase in the scale (above 50T), regardless of the nature that formed such an increase, is most often a prognostically unfavorable basis for the effective implementation of management activities.
Increasing the scale in conjunction with weak The type of temperament in most cases reflects behavior accompanied by diligence, a tendency to follow norms and rules, with low personal activity, significant perseverance, and a lack of need for a wide range of social contacts.
This behavioral complex is fully consistent with those types of activities, the conditions for the implementation of which provide opportunities for the implementation of such features and these features themselves contribute to effective activity.
Variations strong type of temperament and more often, mobile and inert, combined with high performance 1st scale The “hypochondriacal type” is reflected by such features as aggressive manipulation of the environment, low production activity with increased social activity.
In the context of production activities, such a combination most often becomes an active source of interpersonal problems, is practically not corrected and is characterized by poor controllability.
With the “correction dependent” type hypochondriacal character, specialists are often effective, especially in individual or personally isolated activities.
They are very persistent in achieving their goals; in their activities they often strive to find “their own” or express their personal identity. However, they undergo frequent and long-term treatment and constantly attend preventive measures and procedures.
2nd scale: (anxiety and depressive tendencies) pessimism:
The leading peak on the 2nd scale, which does not go beyond the norm, reveals the predominance of a passive personal position.
The leading motivational focus is avoiding failure.
Individuals of this type are characterized by a high level of awareness of existing problems through the prism of dissatisfaction and a pessimistic assessment of their prospects.
A tendency to think, inertia in decision making, a pronounced depth of experience, an analytical mind, skepticism, self-criticism, some lack of confidence in oneself and one’s capabilities.
They are capable of refusing to realize immediate needs for the sake of distant plans.
To avoid conflict with the social environment, egocentric tendencies are inhibited.
The neurosis-like effect with this type of behavior is concentrated in the affiliative area of needs, which acts as a leader in the structure of behavior.
The needs for understanding, love, and a friendly attitude towards oneself, due to the characteristics of behavior, are not realized to the degree necessary for the individual and, in a certain way, further aggravate these characteristics.
This process is reflected in a certain way and correlates with the behavioral characteristics demonstrated by representatives schizoid type of character , forming a pole timidity factor a N.
A communication imbalance with the continued internal activity of desires for broad and deep social contacts and the lack of external possibility of their implementation due to the dominant tendency to avoid failure forms a coherent personal explanatory concept.
It is based on high personal standards when choosing objects of interaction and failures are attributed to the reluctance to “exchange on trifles” in anticipation of deep and rich mutual feelings of love, respect, mutual understanding, etc.
The lack of positive experience of social interaction and persistent avoidance of failures leads in stressful situations to a tendency to stop reactions, that is, to block activity, or driven behavior, subordination to the leading personality.
Defense mechanisms include refusal of self-realization and strengthening of consciousness control.
Peak by 2nd scale MMPI, reaching the level of 70 T, along with neurosis-forming situations that influenced the system of formation of interpersonal relationships in early ontogenesis, may also reflect behavioral characteristics formed as a result of experiencing a sharp and significant disappointment for the individual after an experienced interpersonal failure or in connection with a disease, sharply disrupting the normal course of life and long-term plans.
This profile outlines a certain state, at least a depressive reaction within the framework of the adaptation syndrome.
However, this is only a quantitative aspect that reveals the characteristics of not only a psychogenically provoked state, but also provides for the predisposition of a given individual to such reactions in a state of stress.
Depression is the most common and common reaction to distress in most people.
However, with pronounced sthenic type of response, even in situations of severe stress, for example in situations of prolonged anxious anticipation of the outcome of a situation that is significant for the individual, can be demonstrated as defensive, states of bravado, carelessness, self-sufficiency, etc. as manifestations opposite to a depressive state.
It turns out that the depressive type of response is not at all a universal and strictly obligatory reaction to psychotrauma.
High scores on the 2nd MMPI scale can reveal in the recipient not only a low mood due to negative experiences, but also personal characteristics a tendency to acutely experience failures, to anxiety, an increased sense of guilt with a self-critical attitude towards one’s shortcomings, and lack of self-confidence.
These features are aggravated in a profile with pronounced peaks along 2nd, 7th and 0th scales and a significant decrease in 9th. This behavior is typical of persons with accentuation of the inhibited type, with anxious and suspicious traits.
In the eternal conflict between egocentric and altruistic tendencies, representatives of this group give preference to the latter with a refusal of self-realization, thereby equalizing the balance between these contradictory tendencies and reducing the risk of conflict with the environment.
If the increase is 1st scale means an unconscious, repressed refusal of self-actualization, then an increase in 2nd reveals conscious self-control, when unfulfilled intentions due to external circumstances or internal reasons are reflected in a low mood as a result of a deficit or loss.
At the same time, individuals of this type can show sufficient activity, following the leader, as the most conforming and socially pliable group.
Moderate increase 2nd scale With the onset of adulthood, it is considered as a natural “acquired skepticism”, a wiser attitude towards life’s problems, as opposed to the carelessness and optimism of youth, manifested by relatively lower performance indicators. 2nd scale and high in 9th.
Simultaneous increase 2nd And 9th scale reflects a tendency to mood swings, cyclothymic personality variant or cyclothymia, which can be reflected as a correlation with the pole cyclothymia factor A 16 PF.
Profile with peaks by 2nd And 4 scales and a significant decrease by 9th should be alarming in terms of increased suicidal risk, since, in addition to the characteristics 2nd scale, a decrease in the level of love of life and optimism, determined by 9th scale and increased impulsivity, reflected 4th scale.
Although with such characteristics, suicide attempts are more used as blackmail of others and, with such motivation, are rarely planned as the final way out of the situation, such a balancing act between manipulation and suicidal tendencies can lead to serious consequences.
High performance in production activities 2nd scale contribute little to the effective implementation of management activities.
Communication imbalance does not prevent the effective implementation of activities in types not related to the mandatory manifestation of social activity.
Sometimes, individuals with such behavioral characteristics by their mere presence can very effectively stabilize a group and even act as a kind of standard for business interaction.
Such workers are very effective in analytical and a number of creative areas of activity without extensive social contacts, such as organizational and economic analysis, marketing, design and industrial design and a number of other activities where a serious, thoughtful attitude to the work performed is especially important.
3rd scale: (hysteria or repression of factors causing anxiety) emotiveness:
The 3rd scale is called the “ emotional lability».
Increasing the profile on this scale reveals the instability of emotions and the conflicting combination of multidirectional tendencies:
- a high level of personal aspirations is combined with the need to participate in the interests of the group;
- selfishness, with altruistic declarations;
- aggressiveness, with a desire to please others.
Persons with a presenter 3rd scale They are distinguished by the predominance of an artistic type of perception, a certain demonstrativeness, brightness of emotional manifestations with some superficiality of experiences, instability of self-esteem, which is significantly influenced by an influential environment.
Their behavior is accompanied by a conviction that their “I” is identical to the declared ideals, a certain “childishness,” and immature attitudes.
Easy adaptation to various social roles, artistic postures, facial expressions and gestures attracts the attention of others, which serves as a stimulating factor for them, exciting and flattering their vanity.
Profile with host 3rd scale(70 T and above) reveals accentuation by hysterical type, in which the above features are sharpened.
Signs of emotional immaturity are revealed that are more characteristic of a female type of behavior with a certain infantilism, affectation, and dependent tendencies.
Despite their pronounced egocentrism and tendency to feel sorry for themselves, such individuals strive to level out the conflict and attach great importance to the status of a family man.
Persons with high 3rd scale(above 75 T) is characterized by increased nervousness, tearfulness, excessive dramatization of ongoing events, and a tendency to narrow consciousness up to the point of fainting.
In situations of stress, people with high 3rd scale the profile is characterized by pronounced vegetative reactions.
One of the versions of the formation hysterical type behavior favors neurosis-forming the situation of violation of the sex-role mechanism in the processes of formation of the psyche in the early stages of ontogenesis.
In most cases neurosis-forming situation is formed in girls as a result of inadequate influence from dominant and domineering mothers in response to the child’s attempts and according to his ideas to behave in accordance with this role.
Excessive punishment in response to behavior that, in the child’s opinion, does not go beyond the permitted rules, distorts the mechanism of gender-role behavior, and all later mechanisms of social adaptation are formed under the influence of this distortion.
Mental development “gets stuck” in a situation of misunderstanding of the rules for choosing behavioral strategies.
The child’s psyche begins to carefully and in a certain way record behavioral techniques and situations that are especially noted by others as significant manifestations of exclusivity and leading to admiration.
Over time, such techniques, transforming, will turn into “templates” and will be used appropriately and inappropriately in situations of adult life.
Essentially hysterical type behavior is a complex of two mental tendencies.
One tendency is aimed at searching for socially approved and acceptable forms and methods of behavior that are not natural and normal for the psyche, because natural ones were categorically suppressed and are therefore unconsciously perceived as forbidden.
Another tendency is aimed at developing mechanisms for the realization of natural desires and needs within the framework of such forms, which is expressed as the use of established “templates” and forms a general strategy of behavior as “artificial”.
In adulthood, the personality continues to be weighed down by “childish” authoritarian prohibitions and the mechanisms of neurotic “stuckness” continue to control behavior.
Neurotic “stuckness” easily “transfers” the source of the formation of such prohibitions to the spouse and forms a special attitude towards marriage as a social state of the individual and towards behavioral aggressiveness characteristic of this type of behavior.
The basic basis for the formation hysterical type behavior are mainly of two temperamental types - weak, with the prevalence of excitation processes and strong, unbalanced type.
At weak type of temperament, behavioral characteristics under stress-forming factors are easily transformed into a system of using protective mechanisms of “escape” into functional disorders.
The impossibility of conforming to “ideal” norms of behavior is explained as a functional limitation of forms of life activity.
An attempt to defend oneself leads to such forms of merging of the desired state of malaise and its real symptoms that the latter essentially reflect actual violations. An attempt to play the disease and conversion symptoms form a state in which the person playing the disease begins to believe in its reality.
An important role in this mechanism is played by aggression, which in this form takes the form of passive aggression and has manifestations in the form of attempts to create in others a significant feeling of guilt for causing such a serious physical illness.
When forming a hysterical type of behavior based on strong, unbalanced type of temperament, conversion symptoms and strategy for such behavior are not very realistic.
Increased basic personal activity does not contribute to passive withdrawal “into illness”; on the contrary, concentrating around the “core of neurosis”, it focuses on social mechanisms of compliance with the ideal image of a “good girl” who is liked by everyone.
Attempts to behave in accordance with ideal ideas, significant personal activity and the need for strong innervation as an optimal condition for life, serious problems in the mechanisms for realizing needs force such individuals to use a special set of secondary unconscious mental defenses.
This complex includes the practice of free sexualized relationships, behavior with an emphasis on challenging social norms and rules, the desire to please everyone and to use all available techniques and methods for this.
Such a complex is a kind of destructive desire to provoke, through behavior and actions, a neurosis-forming situation from distant childhood with an obsessive unconscious desire to experience it again and again.
A significant behavioral imbalance in this type of behavior appears to be the mechanism of transferring the source of the “core of neurosis” to a new object that is in no way connected with it.
Not experiencing empathic dependence in systems of personal interaction due to the immaturity of the empathic properties themselves, such persons skillfully play the full range and depth of personal involvement in interaction and convince themselves and experience the significance of their feelings.
The lack of empathy in these external manifestations of the desire for love and admiration from everyone around them turns these desires into “inexhaustible” from within and any individual manifestation of love and admiration becomes equally valuable and significant for them. Because of this, any personal behavioral “negativity” is carefully controlled and only what is likely to be liked remains in behavior.
When choosing an object and understanding that the relationship is strong enough, the transfer mechanism is activated. It seems that such a transfer of the neurosis-forming source to another object is the main thing in the most unconscious motivation for building serious relationships of interaction.
The psyche tries to “make” the primary external source of limiting the mechanisms for satisfying needs and which has long ago become internal and its own, again “make” external and “alien”, transferring the properties of the primary source to a suitable object. As soon as this is successful, the psyche begins to behave in relation to the object that replaces the primary source as the very source of limitations and begins to “fight” it with all available means, limited in childhood. Hence such a behavioral complex and such a special set of psychological defenses.
From the perspective of an object replacing the source of neurotic restrictions, the transformation of “ideal”, well-controlled relationships into a system of neurotic interaction with a full set of behavioral attributes and destructive tendencies corresponding to such interaction is unexpected and incomprehensible and contributes to the preservation of relationships only until the object is convinced that what is required of him is something he cannot give by definition.
The desire to explain the nature of the formation of the neurotic mechanism and the principles of its activation and functioning stems from general mental characteristics concentrated in the system of dependencies of neurotic and normal types of behavior.
The neurotic severity of behavioral characteristics, equated to the clinical level (severe neuroses, the level of borderline mental state and psychosis, as an extreme manifestation of maladaptation of behavior), is of little interest to non-specialists in the field of psychiatry and, even more so, has little relevance to aspects of production activity.
However, the ability to maintain persistent behavioral tendencies, mechanisms for implementing activity, elements of unconscious motivation, etc. in normal behavior. as a unique behavioral stable type, identical to the neurotic one, but not so intense and maladapted, it contributes to the study of neuroses as a kind of matrix of normal behavior.
The presence of such an ability to preserve and the “similarity” of normal behavior to neurotic behavior made it possible, on the basis of clinical deviations, to develop a number of diagnostic techniques, including MMPI, and at the level of quantitative indicators to determine the degree of expression of behavioral characteristics as stable and typical in relation to neurotic ones.
Such a neurotic feature as primitively described in our case hysterical type, in normal behavior can be reflected as a stable type of behavior to a certain extent (depending on the severity on the scale) corresponding hysterical and preserving its characteristic tendencies.
Any normal behavior is the result of a complex concentration of typical behavioral characteristics that, in clinical deviations, have a bright, hypertrophied expression, and in the norm, have only a tendency to manifest themselves, or slightly correct the behavior, giving it originality of character and personal characteristics.
A complex concentration of typical features is rarely found as equally expressed. In a behavioral system, one or two types will necessarily prevail over the rest, giving it stability and features inherent in their nature and shaping behavior within the framework of these features.
Actually, identifying these features and using them in systems for organizing effective activities is the main goal.
Different temperamental natures with hysterical type of character and the use of “one’s own” types of unconscious psychological defenses does not exclude from the behavioral complex the types of defenses characteristic of another temperamental type. They are simply used less frequently and less willingly.
At weak type of temperament and the main type of defense through “withdrawal into illness”, it is difficult to physically participate in extended systems of interaction, but it is possible to perfectly apply “game” role-playing skills for a narrow circle of spectators.
At strong, unbalanced temperamentally, passive clinical difficulties are unbearable due to the inability to realize activity and provide an optimal level of excitement of the nervous system, but fantasies on topics of accidents and suicidal tendencies are preferable and applicable.
The latter intricately combine components of self-pity, attempts to correct the existing state of affairs, pity of others and the presence of opportunities for the implementation of aggression.
Suicide games are most popular among mentally active people hysterical type. In addition to manipulating others, carried out at the highest artistic level (because they themselves believe in the possibility of such a way out), they make it possible, through the sensation and experience of the fear of death, to significantly reduce the level of personal anxiety and from this experience a kind of relief.
Combination in MMPI high 1st And 3rd scale with relatively low 2nd looks like Roman V and is called the “conversion five”. The properties inherent in the 3rd MMPI scale come to the fore, absorbing, to a large extent, the signs 1st scale. At the same time, the orientation towards social norms, which only mask the egocentric tendencies of the individual, remains relevant.
With a high “conversion five,” the transformation of neurotic anxiety into functional somatic disorders to a certain extent serves as a way to gain a comfortable social position.
The combination of high performance 3rd And 4th scale significantly enhances characteristics 3rd, increasing the likelihood of behavioral reactions according to hysterical a type with a tendency to “self-inflate” in conflict situations and a pronounced desire for emotional involvement.
Behavioral features hysterical type represent great opportunities for organizing effective production activities.
Stable, organized behavior, motivationally oriented towards a wide range of social contacts and effectively optimized and well equipped for this with personal resources, turns such specialists into unique ones in activities focused on external factors of production activity.
Adapted behavior of specialists with hysterical character type is a consequence of the ability to manage their activity and allows them to remain within the normative framework of the rules, leveling out all the negative manifestations characteristic of neurotic characteristics.
However, significant basic personal activity and a prevailing focus on social contacts to the detriment of normalization and regulation of production activities require specialized management tools and certain operating conditions in which such specialists can be especially effective and efficient.
4th scale: (psychopathy or implementation of emotional tension in direct behavior) impulsivity:
As a leader in a profile located within the normative range, this scale reveals an active personal position and high search activity.
The structure of motivational orientation is dominated by achievement attitudes, accompanied by confidence and speed in decision making.
With objective indicators indicating the presence of sufficiently high intelligence, persons with this characterological type can demonstrate an intuitive, heuristic style of thinking, which, without relying on accumulated experience and with haste in decision-making, can acquire a speculative nature.
The behavioral complex may manifest itself impatience, risk taking, high level of aspirations, the stability of which has a pronounced dependence on momentary motivations and external influences, on the success of the actions taken.
Behavior is relaxed, accompanied by spontaneity in the expression of feelings and manners. Statements and actions often precede planned and consistent thoughtfulness of actions.
There may be a tendency to resist external pressure, a tendency to rely mainly on one’s own opinion, and even more on one’s own motives.
Behavior is colored by a pronounced lack of conformity, a desire for independence And independence. In a state of emotional capture - the predominance of emotions of anger or admiration, pride or contempt, i.e. pronounced, polar emotions, while control of the intellect does not always play a leading role.
In personally significant situations, conflict may appear.
Stress manifests an effective, sthenic type of behavior, determination, and masculinity.
Persons of this type do not tolerate monotony well, monotony makes them drowsy, and the stereotypical type of activity makes them bored.
One of the versions of the formation psychopathic type behavior is a persistent lack of attention, “warmth” of interaction and care in the early stages of ontogenesis.
In extreme cases, the inattention of parents (or persons replacing them) leads to the impossibility of forming a mechanism of reverse personal dependence, which plays an important role for the developing psyche in the future structures of social interaction.
In response to the unrealized socialized need for care and interaction, the psyche begins to develop and function in an autonomous, socially isolated mode. Such development can lead to a structural basic attitude, as an attitude with absent personal socialized obligations.
More broadly and conventionally, this relationship can be defined as the absence conscience.
If we consider the concept conscience as a system of internal personal attitude to the consequences of actions and actions, then in our case such an attitude was not formed, there was no one to form it and the psyche had to adapt in autonomous conditions to life without this important mental component.
Lacking conscience as an internal criterion for evaluating actions, the psyche develops focusing on external criteria. “Good” and “bad” begin to be recorded according to the consequences of external reactions. “Bad” becomes “bad” if it is noticed and reacted to. Everything that was not noticed and that was not reacted to (was not punished) is “good”.
Naturally, such a system of grading consequences forms such behavioral characteristics as cunning, dexterity, increases intuitive feeling dangers, forms and develops aggressiveness as a preventive protection system and many other properties inherent psychopathic type of character.
The basic temperamental property for psychopathic type is strong, unbalanced type.
For weak temperament type lacks “energy”, and strong, balanced and mobile and inert types are quite stabilized in the manifestation of activity and less in need of attention during the periods of formation of socialized complexes of object interaction.
Temperamental characteristics color behavior and give it a number of properties concentrated in the area of personal activity.
The psychophysiology of the response itself is no different from the standard parameters of temperamental characteristics, and it is the socialized components of the psyche that orient it accordingly.
In the process of life, three main tasks are constantly solved, around which the main personal orientation is formed.
First - implementation of personal activity and ensuring optimal innervation of mental functioning.
Second - ensuring the highest possible social status as a position reflecting the exclusivity of the individual.
Third - the desire to manipulate and control and manipulation itself as a reflection of the ability to do this without a significant orientation to the result.
In the desire to manipulate others, the desire and ability to control is concentrated, as well as a reflection of exclusivity, and a kind of object transfer, characteristic of all neurosis-forming complexes, is realized.
Similar behavioral tendencies correlate well and are manifested in the pole dominance factor a E and the pole insight factor a N and reflect in behavioral originality the mechanism of fusion and implementation of these three personal tasks.
High performance in MMPI scale 4(above 70 T) reveal a hyperthymic (excitable) variant of accentuation, characterized by increased impulsivity. One of the features of this behavior is difficult self-control.
At the same time, against the backdrop of good intelligence, such individuals have the ability to have a non-standard approach to solving problems and moments of creative insight. A person is not dominated by the dogmas of the traditional approach and insufficient reliance on experience is compensated by the mechanism of original creative perception and processing of current information.
A pronounced tendency towards a creative approach when solving problems is especially characteristic of individuals with a high level of intelligence and a profile with peaks in 4th And 8th scale and low values for 2nd or 9th.
With such behavioral characteristics, the originality of thinking may be accompanied by the originality of personal experiences, impulsiveness of behavioral reactions and a general system of non-conforming behavior, which requires increased attention to determining the compliance of views and behavior in general with generally accepted norms.
High peak by 4th scale(above 75 T) reveals psychopathic traits of the excitable type, pronounced impulsiveness, conflict, enhancing the characteristics with concomitant increases in other scales of the sthenic register - 6th, 9th, and, giving them behavioral traits, high performance 3rd And 8 scales.
With a combination of high 4th And 2nd scale, the properties of the latter weaken the aggressiveness, non-conformity and impulsiveness of indicators 4th scale, since there is a higher level of consciousness control over behavior.
Two equally high peaks 2nd And 4 scales the profile reveals an internal conflict rooted in an initially contradictory type of response.
The behavioral structure combines multidirectional tendencies - high search activity and the dynamism of excitation processes and pronounced inertia and mental instability.
In behavior, this is manifested by the presence of a contradictory combination of a high level of aspirations with self-doubt, high activity with rapid exhaustion, which is characteristic of a neurasthenic type of experience.
Under unfavorable social conditions, such features can serve as a basis for alcoholism, as well as for the development of certain psychosomatic disorders.
Peaks by 4th And 6th MMPI scales reflect an explosive (explosive) type of reaction.
The height of the peaks in the range of 70-75 T reflects the accentuation of this type; higher rates are characteristic of the profile of a psychopathic personality of an excitable type with a tendency to explosive aggressive reactions.
If the personal characteristics inherent in this profile and manifested by a pronounced sense of competition, leadership traits, aggressiveness and stubbornness, are channeled into socially acceptable activities, then the owner of these properties can remain sufficiently adapted mainly due to the social niche that is optimal for him, within which such qualities and properties are preferred and acceptable.
In situations of authoritarian-imperative pressure, any forms of opposition that hurt the self-esteem and prestige of the individual, aggressive reactions from others, persons with this type of profile easily lose the adaptive state mode and give an explosive reaction, the degree of controllability of which is determined by the indicators of scales reflecting inhibited traits.
Features of adaptive behavior in production activities psychopathic character types can and do find very effective types and methods of application.
The main problem when working with individuals of this type is the motivational-target system of group interaction.
Personal qualities and properties that form the orientation initially isolate such specialists from systems of common goals for the group. However, if you provide them with the opportunity to independently form group goals and, at the same time, the success of the activity will be adequately reflected in their status position, then such conditions will significantly neutralize behavioral features that are negative for the activity.
When building optimal interaction based on the correspondence of personal and group goals, when optimizing operating conditions and fulfilling a number of minor and completely feasible conditions, it is possible to significantly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of activities by attracting employees with such behavioral characteristics.
5th scale: (severity of male or female character traits):
5, the MMPI scale is interpreted differently depending on the gender of the subject.
Increased performance 5 scale in any profile mean a deviation from the typical role behavior for a given gender and a complication of sexual adaptation.
Otherwise, the interpretation is polar, depending on whether the profile is female or male to be deciphered.
In profile men promotion by 5 scale reveals passivity personal position (if other scales do not contradict this), humanistic direction of interests, sentimentality, refinement of tastes, artistic and aesthetic their focus, the need for friendly, harmonious relationships, sensitivity, vulnerability.
In interpersonal relationships, a tendency to smooth out conflicts and restrain aggressive or antisocial tendencies is revealed even in those profiles where there is an increased 5th scale combined with equally elevated scales sthenic register 4th, 6th or 9th.
An increase is quite common 5th scale in the normative profile of adolescents and young men. This is mainly a consequence of a certain lack of differentiation of gender-role behavior and softness, unformed character.
This phenomenon can cause certain difficulties in professional selection processes. With maturity indicators 5th scale tend to decrease.
During the aging period, disruption of sexual adaptation is reflected in an increase in the profile of 5th scale. Similar disturbances may be reflected in some chronic diseases accompanied by decreased libido.
Profile with peaks by 5th And 8th scale and low values for 4th, characterizes narcissistic type personalities with a penchant for demagoguery, narcissism, aesthetic reasoning, and mannerisms.
This behavior is typical of “cold” individualists, sensitive to the dissonance of their “I” with the environment and, because of this, have a weakness only for those who adore them.
These behavioral characteristics correlate well with the personality traits reflected by the pole suspicion factor a L 16 PF and significantly specify the behavioral type.
In the profile reflecting the sthenic type of response, there are relatively low indicators 5th scale(50 T and below) reveal a typically male style of gender-role behavior, rigidity of character, and lack of sentimentality.
U women high scores on the MMPI scale 5 reflect traits masculinity, independence, desire for emancipation, independence in decision making.
In a sthenic type profile, an increase 5th scale enhances the traits of cruelty, and in the hypersthenic profile - antisocial tendencies.
With simultaneously increased 5th and low 3 scales reveals the absence usually inherent in women flirtatiousness, gentleness in communication, diplomacy in interpersonal contacts. At the same time, masculine characteristics of behavior are quite clearly manifested.
Features of gender-role behavior of women with high (70 T and above) 5th scale the profile acquires the features of a masculine style.
In behavior, tendencies of a pragmatic attitude towards social contacts with a lack of inclination towards constancy and emotional attachment prevail.
These trends intensify with a profile with peaks along 4th, 5th And 9th scale and low values for 0 scale.
Low performance 5th scale in a woman's profile reflect a traditionally female style of gender-role behavior - the desire to be taken care of and find support in a husband, gentleness, sentimentality, love for children, commitment to family interests.
Combination of low scores 5th scale with elevated 3rd And 8th characteristic of women with a pronounced aesthetic orientation, with a rich imagination, emotionality and impressionability. Usually this combination is accompanied by a tendency to quickly get used to different role positions and artistic images, manifested by rich body plasticity and expressive facial expressions and intonation.
For tendencies determined by this factor there is no unambiguous basic mental basis.
It can be assumed, that weak the type of temperament can contribute to the formation of “smoothness” of male traits in the male profile and variations strong temperament can contribute to the formation of “masculinity” in a woman’s profile.
In this case, energetically active men of non-traditional gender role orientation and active “traditional” women completely drop out of the behavioral system.
There are many reasons that deform gender-role behavior and they can be concentrated both in the area of neurosis-forming factors of early ontogenesis and in the area of the formation of later socialized behavioral structures, for example, during the period of pubertal formation of gender identity, which immediately precedes and is the basis for intersexual interaction.
For production activity, these reasons are the least significant of the entire set of reasons that deviate behavior because they practically do not provide freedom of maneuver in building effective models of production activity.
Any variations in deviations and male and female behavior do not provide tangible advantages in increasing the efficiency of production activities.
Increased female “masculinity” is easily replaced by even average male “masculinity,” and male “femininity” is caricaturedly demonstrative and socially rejected by both sexes.
Production activity is more or less gender indifferent and, because of this, gender role incongruence negatively affects the system of interpersonal relationships and is a prognostically unfavorable sign.
6th scale: (paranoidity or rigidity of affect):
The 6th MMPI scale with a single peak in the profile that does not go beyond the normal scatter reflects stability of interests, perseverance in defending one’s own opinion, sthenic attitudes, activity of a position, intensifying when counteracted by external forces.
Persons of this type tend to practicality, sober outlook on life, the desire to rely on one’s own experience, a synthetic mindset with a pronounced desire for systemic constructions and specifics, for the exact sciences and fields of knowledge.
Persons with a presenter 6th scale in profile show a love of accuracy, loyalty to their principles, straightforwardness and perseverance in upholding them.
The ingenuity and rationality of the mind can be combined with its insufficient flexibility and difficulties in switching in a suddenly changing situation.
They are impressed by accuracy and specificity, irritated by amorphousness, uncertainty of tasks, carelessness and sloppiness of the people around them.
Manifested in interpersonal contacts a sense of rivalry, competitiveness, desire for a prestigious role in the reference group.
High emotional involvement with the dominant egoistic idea, the ability to “infect” others with one’s passion and a pronounced tendency to plan action are the foundation for the formation of leadership traits, especially with good intelligence and high professionalism.
In short, these types of people affective, touchy, stubborn, hardworking, inventive, sincere and naive. They may be characterized by harshness, malice and rigidity of thinking.
Rigidity of affect in people of this type is associated mainly with egoistic motives, and behavioral characteristics are usually a response to the actions of others, perceived affectively as infringing on the personality, and on this basis, rigid personal attitudes are built.
The formation of such attitudes often occurs on the basis of erroneous perception or incorrect interpretation of situations of interpersonal interaction. Such situations are presented as internally logical and even based on real facts of attempts at personal infringement.
Rigid affect associated with egoistic motives causes rancor. It is also associated with a long-term experience of one’s own successes, and this experience includes pride in one’s worth, increased self-love and dissatisfaction with the lack or insufficiency of recognition from others.
Persons of this type are significantly concerned about their prestige and are distinguished by increased sensitivity in relation to real or imaginary injustices.
The combination of sensitivity with a tendency to self-affirmation gives rise to suspicion, a critical, hostile or contemptuous attitude towards others, stubbornness, and often aggressiveness.
Individuals of this type are ambitious and are guided by a firm intention to be better and smarter than others, and in group activities they invariably strive for leadership.
They are incapable of mental “repression” and therefore, in order to satisfy ambition and “mental optimization” of life, they constantly need real achievements that confirm their prestige and significance.
This tendency can create high motivation and greater productivity in areas and activities where the level of achievement is determined and depends on the level of motivation, perseverance and is sufficiently standardized.
Even a moderate increase in performance 6th scale usually indicates affective rigidity, a tendency to suspicion, a tendency to reflect on the actions of others that seem incompetent or dishonest, especially in observing the norms and rules of activity.
The basic basis of this type of behavior is the most profound, little studied and, therefore, not entirely obvious and unambiguous system of objective interaction in its influence on the psyche, which is formed at the very early stages of ontogenesis.
In the process of mental development, mechanisms of objective interaction are formed. A peculiar process of studying object properties and their intermediary significance between the individual and objects (parents) takes place.
The system of object interaction itself begins to develop and become more complex through objects in the form of toys, dishes, clothes, etc.
This process is very stable both due to the underdevelopment of socialized mental structures and due to the relatively low significance of objective functions for this process. However, peculiar deviations that form behavioral characteristics can also occur in it.
They are expressed in a more objective intermediary meaning for the psyche. That is, in normal functioning, the psyche, having gone through the stage of intermediary object development, moves to another stage, normally using objects exclusively from the standpoint of their functionality.
In our case, originality is expressed as the process of endowing objects with certain object properties or, more precisely, as an incomplete separation of object and object properties.
The object, being an exclusively functional mediator in the process of object interaction, took over some of the object properties and itself turned into a unique object.
This kind of “stuckness” at the stage of objective interaction is always accompanied by three main behavioral properties, ranked according to the degree of formation.
The first is the unconscious desire to master an unlimited number of consumer goods and, as the highest stage, material (monetary) accumulation as an unconscious tendency of meaningless (unused) possession.
The second is a clear and special structural relationship to substantive interaction.
This attitude is expressed in an unconscious desire for order, cleanliness, neatness, the development of rituals for cleaning the home, determining a reasonable place for each item and strict adherence to the rules and procedures for its use, etc.
The third is the transfer and use of rules of object interaction into systems of socialized object interaction.
If the first two basic behavioral properties have relatively little influence on the general structure of behavior and can be considered as a “hobby,” then the third is very significant and can serve as the basis for a wide behavioral diversity.
The third behavioral property corrects the manifestations of two important personal mental qualities - aggressiveness and volitional components.
Aggression and will in the behavioral manifestations of the characteristics of the mental structure are, to a certain extent, manifestations of the activity of rivalry as a state of interpersonal interaction and the very level of its effective manifestation.
In our case, the system of object interaction is objective and activity is realized indirectly through objective interaction without penetrating into the systems of direct interpersonal interaction. Therefore, it is difficult for people of this type to encounter situations of manifestation of open interpersonal aggression and they rarely participate and try to avoid situations that require extreme manifestations of significant volitional properties.
Both activity and will are concentrated within the framework of the functional properties of interpersonal interaction. The interaction system itself is built and implemented on the principles of functional interaction. Therefore, the structural basis of interaction is rationing and regulation. Both internal attitudes and external manifestations reflect this normalization and form behavioral characteristics.
It is not surprising that people of this type are highly resistant to stressful situations. They are simply not affected by non-functional manifestations of interaction, they do not perceive and do not understand what is wanted from them outside the framework of norms and rules, but they are perfectly oriented within the framework of the rules and actively and persistently (manifestation of will) participate in bringing justice when they are violated.
The ability to live according to the rules is the only available system of interpersonal interaction for them. Violation of the rules confuses them and “forces” them to unconsciously “devalue” both the situations of such violations and the persons who form them.
The inability to avoid such situations (official production interaction, social and everyday life, forced group) provokes a maximum concentration of activity (aggression) and will to change such situations and bring them into line with understood norms and rules.
The consequences of such a struggle at the level of clinical behavioral maladaptation form a wide range of behavioral properties, from compulsive neuroses to paranoid constructs of extensive modification.
Both clinical maladjustment and normal manifestations of behavioral characteristics are reflected by the structure of the personality profile.
The combination of peaks on 6th And 1st scale characteristic of individuals whose concerns about their physical health develop on the basis of affective rigidity. At the same time, the number of unpleasant physical sensations is small, but the significance of somatic sensations and their influence on behavior is very high.
Peaks on the 6th and 2nd MMPI scales reflect the tendency to develop affectively rich delusional ideas in initially subdepressed individuals and the presence of a melancholy-angry construct.
With such characteristics, difficulties in the system of interpersonal relationships often manifest themselves, and suspicion and anger contribute to disruption of social adaptation.
The combination of peaks on 6th And 3 scales. In this case, the desire to focus on external assessment runs into perceptions of hostility from others.
As a result of the combination of these tendencies, suspicion and aggressiveness are suppressed during social interactions and even a positive attitude is declared both towards others and to interaction situations. However, sometimes, a few but persistent somatic complaints are used to put pressure on others.
This phenomenon is especially pronounced when combining the peak 6th scale And " conversion V"neurotic triad.
Peak combination 6th And 4 scales reflects a tendency towards antisocial behavior.
Such characteristics are characterized by neglect of moral and ethical norms, customs and rules.
The higher MMPI scale 6 towards 4th, the more often antisocial manifestations are replaced by persistent hostility towards others.
Such individuals are characterized by sullenness or dysphoric-angry affect, a tendency to persistent objections and outbursts of aggression.
Open manifestations of intolerance, hostility, suspicion and other characteristics reflected 6th scale will be more pronounced as the values decrease 5th scale for men and when increasing them in women.
The specialization of such modifications is mainly determined by temperamental characteristics and situational factors.
Temperamental properties form the level of activity and “color” behavioral properties; situations provoke and trigger maladaptive mechanisms.
In our case, behavioral modifications of maladaptive forms and their diversity are the least interesting, since they are exclusively in the zone of psychiatric knowledge and are categorically unacceptable for any type of production activity.
In fact, the personal characteristics of well-adapted individuals of this type and the specifics of their formation and manifestation provide a huge amount of analytical material that does not contribute to the unambiguous conclusions in model activity forecasts.
Persons of this behavioral type demonstrate a significant set of properties that are positive for activity.
The main ones are diligence and the desire to follow norms and rules, the prevailing trend of status growth.
Despite the fact that their tendency for status growth is a consequence of a personal egoistic orientation, entirely focused on occupying a psychologically comfortable position in the system of normalized activities (pronounced careerism), it is quite often realized in high official appointments, especially in administrative and economic systems. , promoting bureaucratic mechanisms for organizing activities.
One gets the impression that such organizations are purposefully staffed with specialists and managers whose mental make-up is to further formalize and normalize, to “dehumanize” an already formalized and normalized activity to the limit.
If for administrative and economic management activities the personal characteristics of the type in question may look positive, then for most types of production activities, especially management, they are not very acceptable.
Specialists of this behavioral type can be very effective in areas of activity, the conditions for which are normalized and regulated.
Applied economics and accounting, almost all types of “functional” industries - everything that requires punctuality, perseverance, scrupulous adherence to norms and rules, attention to detail from a specialist and, moreover, does not require direct and intense personal interactions.
Especially the presence of the latter condition can greatly contribute to a significant “improvement” of character.
Carrying out interaction on the principles of “objectivity” - through numbers, norms and rules, not only harmonizes external behavioral manifestations, but also internally contributes to good mental stabilization through an optimal understanding of the rules of activity.
Such stabilization to a certain extent contributes to a decrease in status trends. There is no meaningful basis for achievement motivation. There is no point in striving to change the status position in order to optimize an already stable and optimal (arranged as a system of interaction) position.
Naturally, this is possible only if internal personal and external, real status criteria coincide. This is facilitated by a high level of material reward, which makes it possible, by accumulating material (monetary) resources, to realize the main unconscious tendency - the “hobby” of accumulation.
In order for a specialist of this behavioral type to function effectively in production activities, it is necessary to significantly stimulate him financially, limit direct personal interaction, normalize and regulate the conditions for carrying out activities, isolate him from making strategically determining decisions, limit status trends, exclude him from situations of official competition, etc.
From the foregoing it is clear that production activities can offer individuals of this type a very limited scope of effort.
This behavioral type would not need close attention if its representatives did not have a number of pronounced and superficially very promising features for activity.
Almost fanatical determination, consistency and independence from group influence, strict adherence to norms and rules personally and demands from others, desire for status growth and personal recognition, professional improvement, impeccable appearance, etc. - a portrait of an almost ideal leader.
Failure to recognize this behavioral type and involve such specialists in carrying out activities without restrictions can lead to serious negative consequences for both the specialist and the activity.
Persons of this behavioral type are difficult to recognize. Leading peak by MMPI scale 6 often accompanied by a low profile, reflecting a tendency to hide the depth of existing personal problems. This is due to the increased sense of caution and mistrust characteristic of such individuals.
Profiles with a “recessed” profile should be especially wary 6th scale. Indicators below 50 T are implausible and are a consequence of hypercompensatory
attitudes of aggressive individuals, reflecting their excessive tendency to emphasize their peacemaking relations.
7th scale: (psychasthenia or fixation of anxiety and restrictive behavior) anxiety:
7th scale refers to indicators of a hyposthenic, inhibited type of mental response.
Profile enhancement reveals the predominance of a passive-passive position, lack of self-confidence and the stability of the situation, high sensitivity and susceptibility to environmental influences, increased sensitivity to danger.
The behavior of individuals of this type is dominated by the motivation of avoiding failure, sensitivity, orientation toward congruent relationships with others, and dependence on the opinion of the majority.
Individuals of this type are different a developed sense of responsibility, conscientiousness, commitment, modesty, increased anxiety regarding small everyday problems, anxiety for the fate of loved ones.
They are characterized by a peculiar empathy - a feeling of compassion and empathy, increased nuance of feelings, pronounced dependence on the object of attachment.
Thinking is somewhat inert. The uniqueness of goal control with elements of “fluctuating” attention is expressed in a tendency to double-check what has been done and an increased sense of duty.
Noted pronounced intuitiveness, tendency to doubt, reflexivity, critical self-observation with a tendency to low self-esteem.
Moderate increase in values 7th scale at men accompanied by behavioral characteristics such as shyness, sentimentality, peacefulness, strong individuality, often with a feeling of dissatisfaction.
U women - is often a sign of a neurotic reaction and is expressed as increased sensitivity, conscientiousness, pickiness and pedantry in work, developed intuitiveness.
The general trend for men and women is indecisiveness with lack of self-confidence.
The peak on the 7th MMPI scale is typical for individuals with pronounced anxious and suspicious traits with a tendency to self-flagellation, “chewing” various problems and painful introspection.
Often attention is focused on one's bad habits, relationship difficulties, and manifestations of authority.
Persons of this type are very concerned with issues of morality and are the most anxious of the representatives of all characterological types.
A mental feature of this type of behavior is a low ability to repress negative signals and increased attention to them. They strive to keep even insignificant facts in the spotlight, to take into account and anticipate even unlikely possibilities, and are in a constant state of anxiety.
Persons of this type are unlikely to identify what is really important and significant in the totality of facts, and to abstract from unimportant details.
In activity, such behavior is expressed as a leading tendency to avoid failure and is formed by the fear of the possibility of incurring danger by doing the wrong thing or failing as a result of a mistake.
This fear underlies restrictive behavior, which manifests itself in the refusal of activities in cases where success does not seem guaranteed.
The tendency to avoid failure is transformed into a tendency to develop a system of rules that eliminates the need to make decisions in each individual case, which can give the impression of rigidity, stubbornness and formality. This system of rules is a kind of fight against obsessive anxiety, internal mental tension and low noise immunity.
Situations with an unpredictable outcome, a rapid change of significant, disordered and unplanned factors are stressful for people of this type of behavior.
The basic basis of such behavioral characteristics is excessive parental strictness or “rigidity” of attitude during the formation of “empathic socialization” in the developing mental structure.
The inadequacy of a single mother, expressed in her attitude towards the child as an obstacle to building personal relationships and (or) a constant reminder with her presence of the experienced family failure, forces the child’s psyche to adapt in a certain way.
The consequences of such adaptation are different for boys and girls. It is likely that gender mental differences already at an early stage of ontogenesis suggest in boys less dependence on the mother as an object in the process of formation of socialized behavioral structures.
Therefore, a “hard” attitude during the period of socialization, or, more accurately, the consequences of such influence are expressed in the male type of such behavior only as sentimentality and peacefulness and are accompanied by a great and peculiar “attachment” to the mother in adulthood, which peculiarly “colors” behavior and causes difficulties in relationships with the other sex, but practically does not maladapt behavior in general and very rarely leads to neurotic deviations.
For girls, “empathic socialization” is an important and significant process in the formation of personal socialization, in which the mother is not only an object of sexual identification, but also a “guide” in behavioral strategies.
A “hard” attitude in this process forms a model of an unattainable “ideal self”, which is constantly set as an example and attempts to correspond to this model form systems of maladaptive behavior leading to neurotic deviations.
The peculiarity of this behavior is the low threshold for stress formation. This is also facilitated by temperamental characteristics in the form weak type of nervous system and an accessible strategy of unconscious protection from external “object” pressure.
Although the combination of such features forms behavioral modifications, all their diversity is concentrated in defensive techniques.
The combination of peaks on 7th And 1st scale indicates easily arising concerns about the state of one’s physical health as a consequence of a high level of anxiety and the desire to avoid possible dangers.
Anxious fears about the state of one's physical health are often combined with more or less vague unpleasant physical sensations.
With a high tendency to form fixed obsessive fears, somatic sensations are relatively constant and few in number.
Typically, such a behavioral system is reflected by increased values 2nd scale, and the level 9th depends on a pessimistic assessment of the situation and the level of personal activity.
This personality profile is usually accompanied by high values F scale and low K scale, which reflects the degree of “basic” anxiety and unconscious need for help.
The combination of peaks on 2nd And 7th scales The MMPI typically indicates that low self-esteem and a pessimistic outlook are characteristic of depressive type(isolated peak 2nd scale) in this case are more pronounced and stable and are combined with constant internal tension, anxiety or fears.
High values 7th scale and a more or less pronounced decrease in indicators 9th may reflect a personal gloomy overtones of life situations and future prospects, a feeling of one’s own insufficiency, which may be accompanied by a decrease in activity productivity, initiative and creates a general feeling of depression.
Peak combination 7th And 2nd scale and raising your profile to MMPI scale 3 may reflect a combination of anxiety and phobic disorders with a tendency to vividly and colorfully demonstrate one’s condition with the desire to evoke the patronizing attitude of others through emphasized helplessness.
Isolated peaks 7th And 3rd scale reflect a relatively rare and clearly disharmonious behavioral type. It combines elements of polar personal structures - a penchant for punctuality, thoroughness, accuracy, a desire for thoroughness, some heaviness and understated social spontaneity are paradoxically combined with demonstrativeness, self-centeredness, and the desire to be in the center of attention.
Such behavioral characteristics are accompanied by frequent reactions of anxiety, since while maintaining a high need for attention, recognition and general demonstrative behavior, individuals of this type are much more critical than purely demonstrative individuals and react very painfully to noticed negative signals.
The combination of high values 7th And 4 MMPI scales at relatively reduced rates 2nd scale reflect the behavioral characteristics of carefully following social norms and controlling aggressive tendencies.
Such personal characteristics make it possible to hide overt asocial tendencies and internal rejection of moral and ethical standards. However, aggressive tendencies are still implemented through techniques and methods of causing feelings of anxiety and guilt in others.
Peak combination 7th scale and an increase in the severity of male character traits (indicators 5th scale) reflect an increase in the tendency to rigid behavior.
With an increase in the severity of female traits, an increase in diverse fears and difficulties in making independent decisions is reflected.
Combination of high values 7th And 6 scales, especially with increasing values and 2nd scale often indicates a tendency towards delusional or delusional formation with a high level of anxiety. Typically, this profile structure indicates the relative ease of occurrence of pathological conditions.
In production activities, specialists of this behavioral type can be effective if their personal characteristics are taken into account.
Along with negative qualities for activity - a discrepancy between self-esteem and inflated ideal personal ideas, a reduced threshold for stress formation and, as a result, blocking of activity or driven activity following the majority or leader, general restrictive behavior and excessive intellectual processing, there are also a number of positive qualities.
Easy tolerance of monotony, good motivation through incentives and measures to increase self-esteem, thoroughness in the implementation of norms and rules contribute to efficiency in a number of activities based on stable stereotypes of job operations.
The most common personality type to experience a significant increase in profile 7th scale - psychasthenic.
This type of person is different self-doubt, indecision, a tendency to carefully double-check one’s actions and work done, very obligatory and responsible, with a dependent position, oriented towards the opinion of the group, with a highly developed sense of duty and adherence to generally accepted norms, prone to altruistic manifestations, conforming, reacting with increased guilt and self-flagellation for the slightest failures and mistakes.
Trying at all costs to avoid a conflict that they experience extremely painfully, psychasthenics act at the maximum level of their capabilities in order to earn approval from others, and most importantly - what is most difficult - their own approval.
With an excessively self-critical attitude towards themselves, they are characterized by an unconscious desire for an unattainable personal ideal. In this regard, they are in a state of constant tension and dissatisfaction, manifested in obsessions, excessive restrictive actions, and rituals necessary for self-soothing.
Peculiarities psychasthenic reactions are most common among normally adapted individuals and practically do not distort the system of socialized interaction.
Even clinical maladjustment relatively rarely goes beyond acceptable forms of interaction and is expressed only by a number of phobias (fear of heights, closed or open spaces, diseases, etc.), or absessive and compulsive neuroses, which often present few difficulties for others. Therefore, maladapted forms psychasthenic type do not particularly interfere with the implementation of production activities if its conditions are properly organized, and a number of personal characteristics allow it to be carried out very effectively.
A big advantage of this type of behavior for activity is “group dependence”. The “painful” experience of conflict situations by owners of this type turns them into a kind of “barrier” in systems of intragroup interaction, which significantly contributes to the reduction of interpersonal tension and the establishment of productive systems of industrial interaction.
8th scale: (schizoid or autistic) individualistic:
8th scale - “individualism scale” in MMPI. Increased, in a profile with normative indicators on other scales, it reveals isolated-contemplative personal position, analytical way of thinking.
With this personality type, the tendency to think prevails over feelings and effective activity.
A holistic style of perception is formed - the ability to recreate a complete image based on minimal information.
With good intelligence, individuals of this type are distinguished by creative orientation, originality of statements and judgments, as well as interests and hobbies.
A certain selectivity in contacts, a certain subjectivity in assessing people and phenomena in the surrounding life, independence of views, a certain attraction to abstraction, a high need to actualize one’s individuality.
Personalities of this type find it more difficult to adapt to everyday forms of life and prosaic aspects of everyday life. Their individuality is so pronounced that it is virtually useless to predict their statements and behavior by comparing them with familiar stereotypes. They have an insufficiently formed rational platform for everyday life; they are more focused on their subjectivity and intuition.
Even minor frustrations can lead to anxiety and the expression of negative emotions. In this case, compensation for the condition is achieved through autization and distancing, that is, through “withdrawal” into the “inner world” and maintaining a “mental distance” between oneself and the environment.
In clinically pronounced cases, behavior can take on the form and characteristics defined as schizoid syndrome.
The term " schizoid syndrome" is conventionally used to designate that characteristic set of manifestations, which includes emotional coldness and inadequacy of emotions, originality of perception and judgment, which is expressed in strange or unusual thoughts and actions, selectivity or formality of contacts.
For individuals with a profile peak at 8th scale characterized by an orientation mainly towards internal criteria, a decrease in the ability to intuitively understand others, to play their roles, that is, the inability to put oneself in the place of one or another of the people around and, in connection with this, insufficient adequacy of the emotional response.
For individuals of this type, it becomes difficult, and in extreme cases impossible, to objectively assess themselves “from the outside” in the system of interpersonal interaction.
The behavior of such individuals may seem devoid of natural emotional coloring, peculiar, eccentric or arrogant. At the same time, they are characterized by dissatisfaction with the situation and vulnerability, which are weakened by autism, which acts as a psychological defense mechanism.
Already with a moderately pronounced profile peak on the 8th MMPI scale, the originality of perception and logic may be accompanied by difficulties in communication with others.
These difficulties manifest themselves in both non-verbal and verbal contacts.
In nonverbal contacts, communication difficulties are associated with insufficiently adequate facial expressions or motor maladjustment.
In verbal contacts, difficulties are manifested in the fact that although the statements of persons of this type are logical and grammatically constructed correctly, they can create the impression of ambiguity or insufficient intelligibility to others.
The tendency to vague and vague formulations is largely due to the fact that obtaining a clear idea of a well-structured social situation, the invasion of outlined social stimuli into the inner world of individuals of the type in question can act as a source of anxiety, tension, and long-term negative emotions.
Violation of social communication can lead to a lack of a clear idea of how to behave in a given situation, and what exactly others expect.
The originality of thinking may be due, in particular, to the loss of the ability to control the intelligibility and acceptance of one’s judgments as a result of the already noted violation of social communication. At the same time, many of these individuals exhibit great ability to construct communications that use symbols that obey an initially given rigid system of rules, for example, the rules for operating mathematical symbols.
The difficulty of everyday contacts leads to an even greater increase in isolation, since situations requiring such contacts generate or intensify the feeling of internal tension.
Distance and alienation lead to even greater difficulties in a real assessment of the situation and the overall picture of the world and increase feelings of alienation and misunderstanding, inability to become a valid member of the group to which they formally belong.
The desire to eliminate one’s isolation and inability to overcome communication difficulties gives rise to ambivalence in relationships with people, associated with the expectation of attention from others and the fear of coldness on their part.
As a result, either excessive friendliness or unjustified hostility is manifested towards others, and excessively intense contacts can be replaced by sudden breaks.
The insufficiency and “originality” of social contacts causes anxiety about the significance of one’s personality, serves as the basis for autistic fantasizing and the formation of affectively rich ideas or groups of ideas.
The peculiar system of autistic perception significantly limits and filters external negative signals, distorting the systems of socialized interaction. One gets the impression of “empathic coldness” and a general inability to form emotionally rich relationships.
However, events and relationships happen that can cause an emotional response. In such cases, empathic sensitivity and personal vulnerability are unexpected for others.
Individuals of this behavioral type can have a wide range of social contacts, characterized by formality and lack of adequate emotional content and occurring without sufficient consideration of the reactions of the environment.
The main feature of the behavioral type under consideration is the maladaptation of the foundations of socialized interaction.
If in all other cases the basis of maladaptive behavior lies in the mechanisms of a peculiar interaction with an already formed and significant object for the psyche (parents), then in this case the most likely source of the formation of such behavior can be considered violations of a peculiar, deepest, primary, in some ways even before personal interaction process.
If we abstract to the level of object interaction (biological), it becomes clear that during this period it is the process of satisfying needs (food, warmth, care) that in a certain way shapes the future system of object interaction.
Insufficient satisfaction of needs for the psyche (perhaps both conditions and personal relationships are important in this process) disadapts the psyche in the construction of systems of object interaction.
The only possible response of the developing psyche to insufficient satisfaction of interaction needs is their limitation - autism.
These restrictions are transferred to the system of object interaction, confusing the very important object distinctive complex “friend - foe”.
Such object non-distinction takes root in the process of mental development and forms the process of “withdrawal” into a personal “cocoon”.
Such “freedom” from socialization contributes to the development of systems of extra-object interaction (communication through symbols) and abstract (extra-object) operating, not tied to systems of socialized needs and a unique attitude towards stress-generating situations and many other behavioral peculiarities.
If the personality traits reflected in the peak of the profile on 8th scale are combined with unpleasant physical sensations (often peculiar) and ideas related to the state of physical health, then an increase in the profile and on 1st scale.
Moreover, if the profile peak is at 8th MMPI scale significantly higher than the peak at 1st and, especially if at the same time there is an increase in the profile by 6th scale with a simultaneous low profile level at 3rd And 7th scales, then the formation of affectively rich and difficult to correct concepts related to the state of physical health, overvalued and even delusional formations is likely.
If the profile peak is slightly exceeded by 8th scale This type of profile most often indicates a rigid pattern of behavior focused on caring for physical well-being. Such care is used as a means to rationally explain alienation and isolation from others by the presence of somatically caused difficulties.
It should be noted that the more pronounced the peak on 8th scale, the more pretentious and unusual the descriptions of somatic sensations acquire.
If the feeling of insufficient connection with the environment, an unsatisfied need for contacts is expressed in an increase in anxiety or depression, the profile peaks at 8th scale combined with a peak at 2nd.
An ambivalent attitude towards others gives rise, along with the desire for contacts, to gloomy distrust, and a frequent increase in profile on the 4th MMPI scale reflects socialization difficulties associated with an insufficient ability to perceive the customs, rules and norms that guide the majority of people around them in their behavior .
On the rating scales, a profile peak is noted at F scale,associated mainly with low,conventionality. This profile configuration is quite typical for schizoid individuals who are concerned about their isolation and experience difficulties in social adaptation.
If demonstrative tendencies due to a high level of repression appear in individuals who feel alienated, misunderstood and not included in the social environment, then a combination of peaks on the 3rd and 8th MMPI scales is usually noted.
This profile indicates deep disharmony, since it reflects a paradoxical combination of focusing on current behavior, on external evaluation, on the approval of others with a tendency to build one’s behavior based on internal criteria, with difficulties in interpersonal communication.
Being concerned about the place of their personality in society and its significance, these individuals often form the circle of their acquaintances and contacts in such a way as to create a unique environment in which their significance is unconditionally recognized.
Along with building a unique environment, individuals with the described type of profile can resolve the question of their place in society and the significance of their personality by identifying with some form of activity, the high significance of which they proclaim. At the same time, they prefer situations in which this identification, as well as competence in the chosen field of activity, cannot be questioned (individual activity, narrow specialization, etc.).
Such a combination, with a fairly pronounced rise in the profile, almost always indicates a painful state of one nature or another, or at least the ease of decompensation.
If social adaptation is disrupted as a result of difficulties in interpersonal connections, this is usually reflected in the personality profile by a combination of peaks on 8th And 4 scales.
In clinical cases, this combination, sometimes with an additional peak at 6th scale, occurs quite often.
Individuals with this type of profile are characterized not by aggressive antisocial behavior, but by antisocial actions committed as a result of misunderstandings, inability to adapt to certain conditions, inability to clearly understand the social norm and as a result of a unique approach to the situation.
The inability to properly organize and control their contacts and originality of thinking may determine the connection of these individuals with deviant groups. This connection is one of the most common reasons for their antisocial behavior.
This type of profile is typical for adolescents and young men with a pronounced tendency to treat others with distrust, to perceive them as a source of potential danger or, in any case, as strangers.
A constant feeling of threat can push them to a preemptive attack.
If such a behavior pattern persists into adulthood, it contributes to an increase in isolation and alienation and an increase in social adaptation disorders.
In cases where disruption of interpersonal connections and increasing autization are accompanied by the formation of an affectively charged idea or group of ideas, the personality profile is characterized by a combination of peaks on 6th And 8 scales.
Pronounced elevations in profile on these scales, especially in the absence of elevations on the scales neurotic triad, indicate a tendency to form difficult-to-correct concepts associated with the idea of the presence of threatening or dangerous actions of others.
In these cases, a pronounced selectivity of perception is characteristic, in which predominantly information is perceived that reinforces the already formed concept.
If such a selection of information is so pronounced that it leads to a loss of contact with reality, and interpersonal relationships are organized on the basis of uncorrectable concepts, then a person with the described type of profile replaces real society with a pseudo-society, which is a set of his own projections. This is evident in the clinic. delusional syndromes.
If the tendency to focus on internal criteria and communication difficulties is combined with severe anxiety, then the personality profile may be characterized by an isolated and more or less uniform rise (“ plateau") on 7th And 8 MMPI scales.
This type of profile reflects a feeling of specialness or uniqueness of one’s personality and anxiety about the lack of recognition of such an individual by the environment.
Such feelings (not necessarily unconscious) lead to depressive tendencies, which may not be reflected by increased values. 2nd scale.
Depressive symptoms are often combined with irritability and anxiety or a feeling of increased fatigue and apathy.
This type is more often characteristic of adolescents. In adulthood, such manifestations are a consequence of a certain degree of infantilism.
Attracting specialists to production activities schizoid type adapted behavior and their inclusion in group activities is accompanied by a number of organizational issues and creates consequences that initially require close attention.
The prevalence of “functionality” or “creativity” in an activity is a strategic issue and is formed by the goals of the activity and adjusted by the conditions of its implementation.
Persons schizoid type are " professional", born analysts, " specialists» mediated through interaction symbols, since they are practically the only representatives of maladaptive behavior using intellectualization as a leading unconscious mechanism of psychological defense.
Operating with cause-and-effect relationships is not work for them, reflecting indirect personal needs, but in fact is a primary need for social functioning.
Initially disrupted mechanisms of personal-object interaction provoke and motivate them to closely study and analyze systems of interpersonal interaction, analyze motivations and needs, and painstakingly study those around them.
Being outside these systems of interaction and excellent analytical capabilities allow them to have a good understanding of interpersonal problems, however, communication maladaptation and the uniqueness of interactions do not allow them to effectively implement these features.
The same mechanisms, that is, a certain personal isolation, provoke them to study and analyze global cause-and-effect relationships and aspects of world functioning, and it is quite possible that the same mechanisms underlie genius.
It turns out that the impossibility of optimal inclusion in the system of interpersonal interactions forms a number of abilities leading to the “generation” of ideas, which the “generator” himself is practically unable to use properly.
The use of such specialists in the form of creative analysts in their activities gives a huge effect and significantly pays off all the costs associated with the conditions for organizing their activities.
These conditions are relatively simple. Persons of this behavioral type need a free, creative style of activity not limited by formal and regime frameworks.
Any management of their activities will cause opposition.
The best option is partnership cooperation at the level of ideas, since any practical implementation with their participation can have such an intricate form that all ideological advantages are easily lost.
A special condition is the creation of “industrial isolation”.
The tendency to create a “personal environment”, high activity, egocentrism, bright individuality and intellectual development of such individuals, under conditions of free activity, can be realized in the formation of employees “ club of interests", lying far beyond the scope of production activities, which cannot contribute to its effectiveness.
In fact, competent suppression of such attempts and constant provision of materials for reflection and a “front” for making efforts is sufficient guidance for such specialists who, having almost exorbitant personal motivation, do not need more managerial interaction and control. And how to take advantage of the results of their work will depend on the abilities and capabilities of the activity leaders.
9th scale: (hypomania or anxiety denial) optimism:
The leading peak on the 9th MMPI scale of the normatively corresponding profile reflects active personal position, high level of love of life, self-confidence, positive self-esteem, high motivation to achieve a certain originality.
Such activity and motivation are focused more on motor mobility and speech productivity rather than on specific and practical goals.
Such behavioral characteristics are often accompanied by a general high spirits.
In response to opposition, an angry reaction easily flares up and just as easily fades away.
Success causes a certain exaltation, an emotion of pride.
Everyday difficulties are perceived as easily surmountable, otherwise the significance of a difficult state or position is easily devalued.
In persons of this behavioral type there is no inclination to seriously delve into complex problems, carelessness prevails, a joyful perception of the entire surrounding world and one’s existence, brightness of hopes, confidence in the future, confidence in one’s happiness.
Increased MMPI scale 9 reflects accentuation of the hyperthymic or exalted type and reveals inflated personal self-esteem, ease of decision-making, lack of particular discernment in contacts.
Such features are accompanied unceremonious behavior, a condescending attitude towards one’s mistakes and shortcomings.
Easily occurring emotional outbursts end in quick release. Often there is inconstancy in affection, excessive laughter, falling in love, in a word, characteristics that are completely natural for adolescence, but which are significantly infantile for an adult.
In cases where the main way to eliminate frustrating stimuli is the denial of any difficulties, anxiety, one’s own and others’ guilt (impunitive reactions), then the personality profile is usually characterized by a peak at 9th scale.
The tendency to deny anxiety is usually expressed by the absence of spontaneous mentions of any difficulties that may cause it, by an expression of disdain for the difficulties that are mentioned from the outside, by declared optimism.
Individuals with moderate profile increases by 9th scale are characterized optimism, sociability, ability to be highly active, ease of communication.
Individuals of this type are characterized by “emotional brightness”, the ability to experience pleasure in life, realistic, imaginative thinking and lack of adherence to a rigid scheme.
They easily become the “soul of society”, adapt well to changes and even strive for them, and do not experience difficulties when it is necessary to rebuild their life pattern.
In a situation of stress, the person with the leader 9th scale in the profile, they show excessive, but always purposeful activity, and at the same time they can imitate a person who is authoritative for them.
The basis of such behavioral characteristics is not the system of personal-object interaction that distorts mental development, but the socialized environment itself, which acts as a limiter of unconscious mental activity.
The energy of this behavioral type is the basic temperamental activity corresponding strong, unbalanced type of nervous system.
In this case, increased basic mental activity, which initially requires optimal external innervation, already at the early stages of development encounters problems that form behavioral originality.
Increased personal activity forms search diversity, which leads, in the process of interaction with the outside world, to repeatedly experienced states of fear. Fear of the unknown outside world and personal activity, intertwined, form a conglomerate of external activity, which is a reflection of unconscious personal aspirations to constantly experience new impressions.
This feature of mental development is transformed into adult behavioral tendencies, adapts during the development process and takes its final form in behavioral features that have a wide range of manifestations, since there is no object-based restriction on the expression of activity.
More precisely, with personal-object maladaptation, personal activity is concentrated in a certain way on the mechanism of maladjustment and in a certain way constantly “revolves” around it. In our case, there is no such attachment; the entire diversity of the external environment performs this function and diversifies behavioral characteristics and relatively rarely leads to maladjustment at the clinical level.
Increased self-esteem and high activity, reflected by an increase in profile on 9th scale with a simultaneous reduction in profile by 2nd And 7th scales can find expression in the desire to lead others or to rise above others through competition.
In the first case, the peak at 9th scale and a decrease by 2nd And 7th scale combined with an increase in profile by K scale, reflecting the desire to deny one’s own weaknesses and emotional problems, the desire to comply with conventional norms and intolerance of violations of these norms by others.
Persons of this type cannot tolerate uncertainty and hesitation, strive to be as informed as possible, and willingly take on leadership, displaying great energy and organizational abilities.
Their leadership is usually perceived by others as a natural phenomenon, since they command respect due to their energy, awareness and high performance.
For people of this type, situations in which their desire for leadership is blocked or in which, in their opinion, sufficient information is not available, are sources of mental stress.
If with the same type of profile on the main scales there is a decrease in the profile by K scale, usually reflecting a tendency to critically evaluate others and be suspicious of their motives, then activity and high self-esteem are realized in the desire to rise above others through competition, to demonstrate one’s strength and (or) to emphasize the weakness of other people.
In men, this tendency can be realized by demonstrating the opportunities provided by physical superiority; in women, it can manifest itself in the desire to emphasize their external attractiveness.
Individuals of this type experience a sense of threat if they find themselves in a situation where they cannot arouse envy and demonstrate their superiority, and especially if this requires them to express or admit dependence.
If increased activity, high ambition, and self-esteem, reflected in an increased profile on 9th scale are combined with the inability to achieve the desired position and realize current aspirations, and the resulting anxiety is attributed to the somatic state, then in the profile there is a simultaneous increase in the values and 1st scale.
Individuals of this type usually consider themselves to be somatically ill and have a negative attitude towards attempts to interpret their complaints as a consequence of situational or emotional difficulties.
Their behavior is characterized either by tension and an active desire for somatic therapy, or by demonstrative optimism and the desire to emphasize their resilience in the face of a serious illness. The latter option is especially likely if "neurotic triad" expressed "conversion V".
Boost your profile by 9th scale may reflect a high level of motivation and activity shaped by a strong sense of threat.
In this case, there is a paradoxical combination of profile rises by 2nd And 9th scale. Such a profile may reflect a combination of a sense of self-worth and high personal potential with anxiety about the recognition of these qualities by others.
Concern with problems of this kind is typical for adolescents and young men during the period of personality formation, and in adulthood indicates traits of infantility.
The combination of increased self-esteem, the ability to ignore difficulties, high but poorly organized activity with a high ability to repress negative signals, demonstrativeness, emotional immaturity and selfishness is reflected by high values 9th And 3rd scale.
Often this combination is characteristic of artistic personalities, whose enthusiasm, ability for prolonged effort and efficiency of activity increase in the presence of a large audience.
Peaks on 9th And 4 scales reflect an insufficient ability to internally perceive social norms.
Persons with this type of profile experience a constant attraction to experiences, to an external exciting situation. If this drive is not satisfied, they easily develop a feeling of boredom, which is discharged in dangerous, sometimes destructive actions that seem senseless and devoid of foundation to an outside observer.
Their disregard for existing rules and customs, protest against moral and ethical norms is actively implemented, often without any correction of their behavior in connection with a situation that poses a threat to themselves.
Persons of this type can commit offenses, and their social danger increases if the described line of behavior is carried out consistently and rigidly, which is usually accompanied by the appearance of a peak and 6th scale.
The presence of additional peaks on 7th scale And scales "neurotic triads" reflects less likely antisocial behavior depending on the severity of these peaks. In this case, antisocial attitudes are realized in socially acceptable ways.
The combination of peaks on 9th And 6th MMPI scales indicates a certain consistency and purposefulness of organized behavior around a certain personal concept.
In this case, affective rigidity and a feeling of hostility from others complicate the system of interpersonal interaction.
Individuals of this type usually strive to assert their superiority and use others to achieve their goals, which they consider useful and necessary for everyone.
In clinical maladjustment, such features are accompanied by the emergence of overvalued or paranoid formations against the background of hypomanic affect.
High activity, a constant desire for action, combined with anxiety, can be expressed in profile rises to 7th And 9th scale.
High activity makes it easy to commit certain, often insufficiently thought-out actions, and high anxiety leads to subsequent careful analysis of one’s actions, to constant doubts about the correctness of what has already been done.
Such individuals easily develop feelings of guilt and regret in connection with a past situation, but this does not change their behavior in the future. In extreme conditions, this can lead to chaotic behavior.
If autism, focus on internal criteria, difficulties in interpersonal contacts are combined with increased activity, ease of switching attention and optimism, then in the profile this is usually reflected in increased indicators 8th And 9th scale.
A significant increase on these scales may indicate a lack of ability for consistent actions and logical constructions due to the fact that the results of such actions and conclusions cause anxiety.
Lack of fixation on anything, refusal of clear formulas or avoidance of complete formulations in this case has a defensive nature.
The main problem for individuals of the behavioral type under consideration is the constant “loading” of the psyche with the optimal level of innervation, a unique implementation of the search tendency.
This tendency is well realized in socialized systems of interaction, in changing forms and places of activity.
Socialization of interaction ensures communication and allows the desire to dominate to be realized, for example, through high competence in areas of consulting, the desire to be visible, etc.
When changing the forms and places of activity, “saturation” of monotony is avoided, the desire for “novelty” and unique search aspirations for the “best option” of activity are realized.
Providing such operating conditions in a complex guarantees the most productive and effective results for such specialists.
The best environment for their activity is conditions that require frequent switching of attention.
Constant and varied mental “employment” is most optimal for such specialists.
At the same time, situations associated with monotonous activities that require care, painstaking, long-term fixation of attention are stressful for them and can cause mental adaptation disorders.
0 scale: social introversion or social contacts:
This scale, as well as the attitude towards behavioral characteristics itself, is based on identifying extroverted or introverted personal properties and qualities are more controversial than informative.
Attempts to identify stable behavioral characteristics in the characteristics of thinking, affect and the degree of intensity of social contacts may be of some practical value as secondary reflected typological personal characteristics in the sphere of socialized interaction and cannot serve as a leading factor in determining the basic traits that shape behavior.
0 scale due to its functionality, aimed at determining the nature of socialized interaction, it correlates well with temperamental personal characteristics and a number of factors 16PF, predictively enriching the process of modeling production activities.
Increased 0 scale reflects the hyposthenic type of response and reveals passivity of the personal position and a greater focus of interests in the world of internal experiences.
This behavioral response is different inertia in decision making, secrecy, selectivity in contacts, desire to avoid conflicts.
In a situation of stress - inhibition, avoidance of contacts, escape from problems.
High performance 0 scale reflect not only isolation and taciturnity, but are often a sign of internal disharmony and a way of hiding the originality of one’s character and awkwardness in communication from others.
Sometimes such persons can give the impression of being quite sociable, but this comes at the cost of significant personal stress.
Difficulties in interpersonal interaction create isolation, unsociability, a desire for activities not related to communication and anxiety reactions in cases where forced contacts are carried out regardless of the will of the subject.
Such features can transform into significant autism, characteristic of schizoid type response.
Reducing the profile level by 0 scale reflects the desire for interpersonal contacts and interest in people.
Persons with this type of profile sociable, emotionally responsive, syn-tons, they have well-developed communication skills.
They willingly take on social responsibilities, have a large number of interpersonal contacts in various areas and experience great satisfaction from these contacts.
If the profile is on 0 scale sharply reduced, this usually indicates the presence of such a large number of contacts that their implementation is inevitably accompanied by the fleeting and superficial nature of communication.
Degree "social extraversion" represents a secondary characteristic of typical personal characteristics and can be specified from them.
Most pronounced extraversion is determined by the spontaneity of behavior, that is, the ability to take active actions not caused by direct external stimuli - a quality that is highly correlated with both temperamental characteristics and characterological types.
An increase in spontaneity of behavior in interpersonal contacts reflects an increasing need for social connections, communication with new people, liveliness of an emotional response, the ability to endure inevitable friction without reactions of anxiety and depression, that is, social extraversion increases.
Such features, along with a reduced profile by 0 scale, are reflected by its increase in 9th And K scale, and often on 3rd scale.
Reducing the profile level by 0 scale may be associated with a tendency to self-affirmation, increasing one’s importance in the eyes of others, and dominance. In this case, along with a decrease in the profile by 0 scale Usually there is an increase in 6th.
The profile level is often increased by 9th scale but, unlike the previously considered type, there are low indicators for K scale.
Persons with this profile character are different independence, perseverance in achieving goals, a tendency to lead others (especially subordinates) and are critical of received instructions and dominant authorities. The principles that guide them may be quite strong, but are usually not conventionally determined, but are formed on the basis of personal experience.
With a decrease in social spontaneity, desires arise to prefer a narrow circle of close people to wide contacts. At the same time, difficulties arise in establishing new contacts with anxiety reactions during interpersonal friction, and in this regard, social introversion increases.
This behavior, in addition to raising your profile on 0 scale correspond to his rises to 2nd And 7th scales.
Social extraversion can also manifest itself as a desire to fulfill duties associated with an awareness of a sense of duty. In this case, there may be a “willing” assumption of social responsibility associated with the implementation of wide contacts.
Due to the relatively low social spontaneity, such contacts will be difficult and serve as a source of anxious reactions or emotional tension.
Individuals with such characteristics may be difficult to communicate with due to their tendency to be guided in their behavior by a rigid code of norms and a tendency to moralize. At the same time, others can note their reliability.
Social extraversion, determined by such personal characteristics, is usually reflected in the personality profile by a decrease in values by 0 scale and promotion by 7th.
If the desire to make social contacts is not based on an internalized norm and a sense of duty, a withdrawal from social contacts is observed whenever one’s own need does not prompt this.
In this case, increasing the profile by 0 scale combined with its reduction by 7th.
If the increase social extraversion is associated with an orientation towards external assessment, with a constant need for support from the group, then a decrease in profile by 0 scale usually combined with an increase in it by 3rd.
A decreased need for support from the group and increased autism lead to an increased profile on 0 scale, reducing it by 3rd and often promotion by 8th.
It should be noted that the pronounced increase in profile by 0 scale may also indicate autism and about the unique approach to interpersonal relationships characteristic of schizoid individuals, even in the absence of a peak on 8th scale.
Peak profile at 8th scale when it decreases by 0th also reflects the originality of the approach to interpersonal relationships, which in this case are expressed in extensive, but poorly organized and devoid of adequate emotional contacts.
At profile peaks at 1st And 0 scales we can talk about a limitation in the sphere of communication due to a feeling of somatic distress.
Level reduction 0 scale at profile peak 1st usually indicates a combination of a tendency to present somatic complaints with a pessimistic assessment of prospects and the need to familiarize with such an assessment as wide a circle of people as possible.
Profile level 0 scale at its peak 2nd generally reflects the degree of severity "call reactions" and seeking help.
Lower profile 0 scale reflects the severity of anxiety disorders, an increase - actual depressive tendencies.
Peak combination 4th And 0 scale indicates a limitation of the circle of social contacts and a decrease in the likelihood of antisocial behavior, which is more realistic with a decrease in indicators 0 scale.
0 scale, indirectly reflecting the behavioral characteristics of the system of socialized interaction, has more auxiliary significance for the processes of modeling production activities.
© Sergey Krutov, 2008
© Published with the kind permission of the author
The MMPI test is rightfully one of the most famous and popular tests in the whole world; it has its own unique history of creation. Among professional psychologists there are both his devoted fans and fierce opponents.
MMPI - Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory was created in America in the early forties of the last century by two psychologist researchers: Stark Hathaway and John McKintley. The primary purpose of creating this test was the professional selection of pilots during the Second World War (it was necessary to separate the norm from the pathology). Much time has passed since then, the first version of the questionnaire became outdated, and in 1989 it was replaced by another, modified version of the MMPI - 2.
Around the 1960s, in the USSR, our domestic psychologists began adapting this test. They have done a lot of work in this direction. Currently, the most popular MMPI test options are:
The MMPI test, produced by a well-known company for the production of psychological instruments, the methodological manual for which was developed by Igor Leonidovich Solomin - Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Psychology at St. Petersburg State University of Transport.
A modification of the MMPI test is the SMIL test (Standardized Multifactor Method for Personality Research). This option was developed by Russian psychologist, Doctor of Psychology Lyudmila Nikolaevna Sobchik.
The classic version of the test in America is still used today, primarily in the clinic, with the aim of separating psychological norms from pathology. In our country, the main purpose of using the MMPI test (SMIL): an in-depth study of the psychological characteristics of the individual.
In particular, the technique is able to identify:
Character traits,
Leading needs
Motivational orientation
Defense mechanisms
Ability to adapt and possible type of maladjustment,
Leadership ability
Peculiarities of perception,
Emotional condition,
Stress level
Presence of mental disorders,
Suicidal tendencies
Predisposition to alcoholism,
Professionally important qualities, etc.
Impressive?
The scope of application of the technique is very wide:
Healthcare sector
Forensic psychological examination
Psychological counseling
Selection and assessment of personnel, study of the personnel reserve
Correctional facilities
Education system
Employment services
Business area
Sphere of law enforcement agencies
What is the testing procedure like? The psychologist gets to know the client, finds out his well-being and clearly gives instructions. After this, the test taker begins to answer questions (and there are a lot of them - about 567 in the full version or 399 in the abbreviated version). If a “manual” version of the test is used, a special answer form is filled out; if a computer version is used, the answers are automatically entered into a special program for calculating the results. This takes an hour on average.
Next, a professional psychologist who has been trained in this technique begins work. After mechanical calculation of the data, a graph called a “personality profile” is constructed. It is a broken line marked on a grid, which has conventional meanings.
Do you think we're already coming to the end? No! From now on the work is just beginning!
The first three scales on the profile are additional scales with the help of which the psychologist sees the client’s attitude towards the testing procedure, the degree of his truthfulness, frankness, the presence of a desire to embellish his strengths and hide his weaknesses, and, sometimes, on the contrary, the desire to say too much about himself (as if wanting to stun the psychologist), etc. These scales are also called control scales - they give an idea of the reliability of the results obtained and determine whether it makes sense to continue working with the interpretation of the main profile.
The main ten scales of the personality profile open the door wide for the psychologist into the world of the client’s personality. And every time it’s a new unique world! And this is where only the professionalism of a specialist is able to “paint a complete picture”, see not only the client’s problems (or mental disorders), but also find a way of compensation for him, find his own niche for him, where he can reveal himself as a person and be effective .
Interpreting a personality profile is a serious matter, even for a professional. Full concentration on work is required, it takes time. The psychologist takes on great responsibility when interpreting the results, because often not only the status and personal well-being of the client, but also his fate, and sometimes his life, can depend on the conclusion...
It’s one thing when a specialist sees some deviations from the norm that can be compensated, and another thing when the threat of suicide is clearly visible (for example, against the background of a general stressful state). In such cases, the main thing is to have time to prevent it, and this is a huge amount of hard work for a psychologist, but it’s worth it!
I would also like to focus on this point. Let me give you an example. The personnel department of one enterprise had a full-time psychologist. A high-level official sent the “patient” with the goal of establishing “whether everything is okay with his head, otherwise he’s strange, etc.” The psychologist suggested immediately contacting the appropriate specialist - a psychiatrist (if a diagnosis was needed), but the manager refused.
The psychologist warned that it was not in her competence to make psychiatric diagnoses, but she would conduct a diagnosis (in order to identify the causes of possible maladjustment). And so the client passed all the tests, and in the end no “deviations” were identified. To clarify the diagnosis, the psychologist once again recommended contacting a psychiatrist, but the customer manager was not satisfied with this option. And the patient was not happy with the “normativity” either!
At this time, seeing that they deliberately want to make a “crazy” out of a person, the psychologist turns for professional help to a colleague - a clinical psychologist of the highest category who has extensive experience in the clinic. Having discussed the complex case in detail, the clinical psychologist does not find even the slightest deviation in the patient’s psyche.
And then, by chance, a new manager (middle level) is hired into the service - and, as if by order, she also has a higher education in psychology. But that, as they say, is not all! This “psychologist” proudly claims that she is a medical psychologist. The official (testing customer) is dissatisfied with the work of the “stubborn” specialist - and with hope turns to the new one...
As a result, the medical psychologist, spending about five minutes on the patient’s profile (and at the same time asking the staff specialist questions about the names of the scales), made a lengthy conclusion that in the near future the patient may develop, no less, schizophrenia! And she recommended that he undergo treatment at a sanatorium (don’t even ask me - why?). And she made her diagnosis in absentia, without ever seeing the “victim.” The customer is satisfied - curtain!
In conclusion, I would like to once again emphasize to everyone that the MMPI test is a powerful weapon of psychodiagnostics, but in the capable hands of a professional it will save and help, but in the hands of an arrogant dropout it will harm or even destroy. Please note that use of the MMPI by non-experts may cause significant harm to the personality and quality of life of the test taker. Trust only professionals!
An excellent program that includes two techniques at once - SMIL(Standardized Multivariate Personality Research Method) and eight-color M. Luscher test.
Having completed the full version of the SMPI (Standardized Multifactor Personality Test), based on the MMPI (Minnesota Multifactor Personality Inventory), you will have a complete picture of your personal characteristics, receive a detailed text description of the result and, of course, the personality profile itself in the form of a graph.
The Luscher color test is also aimed at studying a person’s personal characteristics and assessing his emotional state.
The program is very convenient, allows you to maintain a database of subjects (subjects) and can be useful not only for those interested in psychology, but also for professionals.
Standardized multifactorial method of personality research (SMIL) - adapted MMPI test
The SMIL technique is the most popular of all psychodiagnostic tests used in clinical practice.
As a result of the study, the doctor or psychologist receives multifaceted personality drawing(in the context of a state determined by the current situation) or the structure of painful changes woven into the fabric of personal characteristics. Interpretation of the data obtained during the examination allows us to assess the motivational sphere, level of self-esteem, style of interpersonal behavior, character traits, type of response to stress, defense mechanisms, cognitive style, driving needs, mood background, sexual problems, suicidal tendencies, etc.
The great advantage of this technique is the presence in its structure reliability scales(the “lie” scale L, the actual “reliability” scale F and the “correction” scale K), which make it possible to determine not only the reliability of the results, but also the attitude of the subject towards the examination procedure itself. This makes it possible to consider the test results through the prism of trends identified using reliability scales towards exaggerating existing problems or smoothing them out.
The standardized multifactorial personality research method is a modification of a popular test all over the world. MMPI, created by American psychologists I. McKinley And S. Hathaway. This is a quantified (quantitative) method of personality assessment, which, thanks to the automated method of processing survey results, makes it possible to maximally avoid the dependence of the obtained data on the subjectivity and experience of the experimenter (this refers to the calculation, and not the interpretation itself, the correctness of which is higher, the better trained and more experienced psychologist).
The goal that the creators of the original test set for themselves was to develop a system of discrete values that would allow differentiate pathological manifestations from the norm. Relying on nosological approach of Kraepelin, the authors of the original test constructed, using statistical analysis of empirically collected data, ten diagnostically significant scales, on which the average normative level, conventionally designated as 50 standard divisions (T), was compared with answers quantitatively more than twice the standard deviation from the average normative level (50T ± 20T , that is, above 70T or below 30T).
Time has revealed the conventionality of nosological boundaries, and the interpretive approach of the MMPI authors turned out to be very primitive and incomplete. The rigid framework of the Crepellin nosological scheme, on which I. McKinley and S. Hathaway based their interpretation, as experience has shown, is too narrow for a real picture of the clinical diversity of mental disorders with their numerous atypical and transitional forms. The conceptual personal approach was completely absent.
The interpretation of the modified and restandardized MMPI test, which in the new version received the name SMIL, is a much more differentiated approach based on the theory of leading tendencies and the corresponding individual-personal typology.
The basis of interpretation instead of that used by American psychologists discrete approach laid continuum approach, subtly differentiating transitional states and personal characteristics between normal and pathological conditions.
To avoid psychopathological categoricalness, the names of the scales were changed in such a way that it became possible to gradedly assess the degree of manifestation of a particular tendency: moderate indicators reflect characterological properties, increased - accentuation of personality, high peaks reveal pronounced psychopathic traits or clinical register symptoms.
The methodology questionnaire is a set of statement questions. If answers are received to 566 of them (full version), then the result reveals not only the SMIL profile, which gives a personality portrait when interpreted, but also indicators of almost 200 additional scales that play a clarifying role. The shortened version contains 398 statements. It allows you to get a personal portrait on basic scales, but does not provide information on additional ones.
The items in the SMIL questionnaire look like statements, not questions. The person being examined, answering on behalf of his “I,” as if alone with himself, analyzes his character and the characteristics of his condition.
Most of the basic scales of the methodology, instead of purely clinical names, were given new ones that correspond to their psychological essence and do not provoke the hanging of psychiatric labels in cases where we are talking about accentuation of personality or character traits.
SMIL profile- this is the broken line that connects the quantitative indicators of ten basic scales. The highest indicators appear in the form of profile peaks. Usually they serve as the main object of interpretation. However, it is impossible not to take into account both the increases accompanying the peak and the low indicators of other scales.
As a result of the work carried out, domestic standards were obtained for both basic and additional scales.
In the profile sheet, reflecting the relationship between the indicators of the basic scales, 50T is the line of a statistically verified “norm”, from which indicators are counted both upward (increase) and downward (decrease).
The spread of indicators ranging from 30 to 70T determines a fairly wide range of the so-called normal corridor.
Increases on the SMIL scales within the range of 56 - 66T reveal those leading trends that determine characterological characteristics of the individual.
Higher indicators of different basic scales (67 - 75T) highlight those accentuated features, which at times complicate a person’s socio-psychological adaptation.
Indicators above 75T indicate impaired adaptation and about the deviation of the individual’s condition from normal. These can be psychopathic character traits, a state of stress caused by an extreme situation, neurotic disorders and, finally, psychopathology, the presence of which can only be judged by a pathopsychologist or psychiatrist - based on the totality of data from psychodiagnostic, experimental psychological and clinical studies.
Additional scales are usually used to clarify the results obtained using the basic scales of the technique.
Max Lüscher's eight-color test
This test is used to identify emotional and characterological basis of personality and subtle nuances of its current state.
To carry out the testing procedure you need: a set of colored cards (8 pcs.), a pen and a sheet for recording results.
Examination procedure: Shuffle the colored cards and place them with the colored surface facing up at approximately the same distance from each other.
After this, give the subject the following instructions: “From the suggested colors, choose the one you like best. At the same time, focus on the color as such, try not to associate it with any things - the color of the car, clothes that suit you, cosmetics, etc.”.
After the desired card is selected, it is removed to the side and placed with the colored side down. Next, you ask the subject to choose the most pleasant color from the remaining seven. The selected card must be placed with the colored side down to the right of the first one, and so on. Then rewrite the card numbers in laid out order.
After 2-3 minutes, mix the cards again and repeat the examination procedure. In this case, it is necessary to explain to the subject that the study is not aimed at studying memory, and he must choose colors as if he were seeing them for the first time.
Key notes:
1. The subject must adhere only to the data of color shades tested over many years and does not have the right to imagine, for example, a lighter, more “beautiful” color.
2. Each color must be selected separately. Under no circumstances should you choose two or more colors at the same time as a beautiful color composition.
3. The subject must decide completely freely which of the proposed colors he likes or dislikes. At the same time, he should not be rushed into answering or helped with leading questions.
4. In no case should colors be chosen with the idea that they are suitable for clothing, curtains, etc.
Primary colors and their symbolic meaning:
No. 1. - Blue colour. Symbolizes calm, contentment, tenderness and affection.
No. 2. - green color. Symbolizes perseverance, self-confidence, stubbornness, self-respect.
No. 3. - Red color. Symbolizes willpower, activity, aggressiveness, offensiveness, authority, sexuality.
No. 4. – yellow color. Symbolizes activity, desire for communication, curiosity, originality, cheerfulness, ambition.
Additional colors and their symbolic meaning:
No. 5. – purple color, No. 6. – brown color, No. 7. – black color, No. 8. - grey colour.
These colors symbolize negative tendencies: anxiety, stress, fear, grief.
Data processing:
As a result of testing, we highlight the following positions: both of the most attractive colors receive a “+” sign, the second pair – pleasant colors – have an “x” sign, the third pair – indifferent colors – are indicated by an “=” sign and the fourth pair – unattractive colors – receive a “” sign. -".
It is believed that in the normal psychophysiological state of the subject, the primary colors should be in the first five places, and the additional ones in the last. If they are located differently, this indicates the presence of some kind of psychological conflict or state of physiological distress that is a source of anxiety.
Often the source of this anxiety is so repressed from consciousness that a person feels only vague anxiety, without knowing its causes. But regardless of the degree of its awareness, the presence of a constant source of stress causes compensatory type behavior. Since such activities are “replacement” in nature, they rarely lead to true satisfaction, depleting the body’s resources.
This leads to the following conclusions:
1. If at least one of the primary colors is in the last three places, then it and the subsequent colors indicate a state of anxiety. The method of alarm compensation is determined by the characteristics of the color in the first position.
2. If, in the presence of anxiety, one of the primary colors comes first, then compensation is considered more successful than in the case of an additional color, which indicates the inadequacy and failure of compensatory behavior.
3. The presence of gray, brown or black at the beginning of the color range means a negative attitude towards life. If one of these colors is in second or third place, then it itself and all the colors to the left of it are considered as compensation.
4. If grey, brown or black occupy one of the first three positions and at the same time there are no primary colors in any of the subsequent positions, then whichever color occupies the last position should be considered a source of alarm.
To assess the intensity of anxiety states and compensatory tendencies, the following notations are proposed:
! – if the main color is in 6th place (additional color is in 3rd place)
!! – if the main color is in 7th place (additional color is in 2nd place)
!!! – if the main color is in 8th place (additional in 1st place)
All existing exclamation marks (presence of compensations and alarms) are added together. The sum of conditional points (!) can range from 1 to 12. It is believed that the more “!”, the more unfavorable the prognosis.
Position meaning:
In the eight positions of the rank sequence, the following relation is distinguished:
1st place: the cutest color gets the aspiration sign. It shows the means that the subject needs and to which he resorts to achieve the goal.
2nd place: it also has the sign of "aspiration" and shows that it is a goal.
3rd, 4th place: both have the sign of “sympathy” as a symbol of their own state. This is a person’s well-being, his opinion about his health, his disposition.
5.6 place: it bears the sign of “indifference.” Indifference shows that this color and property are neither confirmed nor rejected, they are indifferent. For the subject, this color and property are temporarily lost, abolished, they seem to “float in the air.” Indifferent color is irrelevant, perceived at the moment as an indifferent, unrealizable property, which, however, can be actualized if necessary.
7.8 place: both colors have a sign of "rejection". Colors that the subject rejects as unattractive express a need that, due to expediency, is inhibited, because spontaneous satisfaction of this need has negative consequences.
MINNESOTA MULTI-DISPECTIVE. Personality Inventory (MMPI)
The personality questionnaire was proposed by S. Hathway and J. McKinley in 1940. It is an implementation of the typological approach to the study of personality and occupies a leading place among other personality questionnaires in psychodiagnostic research.
The questionnaire consists of 550 statements forming 10 main diagnostic scales. For each statement, respondents must give a specific answer. Intended for persons aged 16 years and older with an IQ of at least 80 (according to Wechsler).
There are two modifications of MMPI currently in use.
SMIL (standard methodology for personality research - Sobchik L.N., Lukyanova M.F., 1978). Includes 566 questions (550 original and 16 duplicates). Makes it possible to diagnose 10 main and up to 200 additional scales. The technique is closest to the international standard MMPI, but is cumbersome and in itself has a strong impact on the subject in the manner of an “examination of mental disorders.”
MMIL (Berezin F.B. et al., 1976). Includes 377 questions and makes it possible to reliably diagnose 10 main scales. For this modification, a more significant amount of work on psychometric adaptation has been carried out. Modification MMIL presented below.
Theoretical background
Own theoretical basis MMPI does not have. To compile statements, the authors used patient complaints, descriptions of the symptoms of certain mental illnesses in clinical guidelines (classification of mental illnesses proposed by E. Kraepelin), and previously developed questionnaires. The statements were initially presented to a large group of healthy people, allowing their normative values to be determined. These indicators were then compared with those obtained from various clinical groups. Thus, statements were selected that reliably differentiated healthy people from each of the studied groups of patients. These statements were combined into scales named according to the clinical group for which the scale was validated.
At the same time, one cannot help but dwell on a number of comments regarding the MMPI.
The original MMPI clinical scales were based on traditional psychiatric classifications, which, although popular, rest on questionable theoretical foundations. The artificiality of these categories has caused concern in clinical psychology for a long time. Therefore, it is characteristic that factor analysis based on the intercorrelations of questions and scales shows high intercorrelations among the main clinical scales of the MMPI, which calls into question their value for differential diagnosis.
The MMPI, therefore, does not provide a nosological diagnostic assessment. The personality profile obtained during research using this technique characterizes only the characteristics of the individual at the time of the study. Therefore it cannot be assessed as a "diagnostic label". However, the characteristics of the patient’s personal properties obtained from such a study significantly complement the picture of the pathopsychological register syndrome.
Validity and reliability data
The validity of the MMPI, established on the basis of differentiation of clinical groups, is quite high. Test-retest reliability ranges from 0.50 to 0.90. Split-half reliabilities showed wide variability from scale to scale, ranging from 0.50 to 0.81.
Description of the technique
MMIL (a multifaceted personality study technique is a questionnaire-type test that includes 384 statements covering a wide range of personal characteristics, attitudes, interests, psychopathological and psychosomatic symptoms. Statements can be presented either on cards or in the form of a text brochure. The first presentation option usually used for individual research, the second for group research. In the brochure version, the number of statements is reduced to 377 due to statements relating to sexual issues (in a mass study, such statements cause unwanted tension).
Below are the main clinical scales.
1. Hypochondria scale (Hs) - determines the “closeness” of the subject to the astheno-neurotic personality type.
2. Depression scale (p) - designed to determine the degree of subjective depression, moral discomfort (hypothymic personality type).
3. Hysteria Scale (Hu) - designed to identify individuals prone to neurotic reactions of the conversion type (using symptoms of a physical illness to resolve difficult situations).
4.
Psychopathy Scale (Pd) - aimed at diagnosis
sociopathic personality type.
6. Paranoia scale (Ra) - allows you to judge the presence of “extra valuable” ideas and suspicion.
7. Psychasthenia scale (Pt) - the similarity of the subject with patients suffering from phobias, obsessive actions and thoughts (anxious-suspicious personality type) is established.
8. Schizophrenia scale (Sc) - aimed at diagnosing schizoid (autistic) personality type.
9. Hypomania scale (Ma) - determines the degree of closeness of the subject to the hyperthymic personality type.
Along with the scales identified on the basis of a study of typical groups of patients, the test includes two scales, the validation of which was carried out in a study of healthy individuals.
5. The masculinity-femininity scale (Mf) is designed to measure the degree of identification of the subject with the role of a man or woman assigned by society.
0. Social introversion scale (Si) - diagnostics of the degree of compliance with the introverted personality type.
In addition to the listed main test scales, there are three rating scales that allow you to minimize the installation effect and determine the reliability of the result obtained.
1. “Lie” scale (L) - designed to assess the sincerity of the subject.
2. Reliability scale (F) - created to identify unreliable results (associated with the negligence of the subject), as well as aggravation and simulation.
3. Correction scale (K) - introduced in order to smooth out distortions introduced by the subject’s excessive isolation, as well as excessive openness.
Conducting a survey
The subject is told that he must answer whether each of the 377 statements is true or false. The answer is marked by crossing out the square to the right or left of the statement number. If the statement is found to be true, the square to the left of the number (under the letter “B”) is crossed out, if incorrect, the square to the right (under the letter “H”) is crossed out. The answer “I don’t know” is not marked in any way.
The researcher reports that the first reaction is the most natural and therefore you need to answer immediately, so as not to waste time thinking. If this condition is met, the subject responds to 4-7 statements per minute, and completion of the technique takes from 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
Some statements included in the test may cause confusion among subjects due to the fact that they relate to severe painful phenomena or situations that are difficult for the subject to attribute to himself. In this case, they should be informed that the set of statements is the same for the study of different populations, and mechanical processing of the results does not allow excluding any statements, because changing the approval number will inevitably cause errors in decoding. If the subject seeks advice regarding a specific statement and his own attitude towards it, the researcher should not suggest or explain the meaning of the statement, but indicate that one must be guided by one’s own understanding of the statement, or recall the corresponding point of the instructions. The researcher should not comment on the question, express attitudes towards it in words, facial expressions or intonation. If difficulties arise, it is useful to discuss with the subject 2-3 statements that are indifferent in content to make sure that he correctly understood the instructions.
Processing the results
The results are processed using special key tablets. Each scale has its own tablet. For scale 5 there are two tablets, separate for men and women. Using tablets, the primary result for each scale is calculated. The answer that matches the “key” is worth 1 point. The result obtained on the K scale, or a certain proportion of it, is added to the primary result on some scales: to the 1st scale - 0.5; to the 4th - 0.4; to the 9th - 0.2 of this result, and to the 7th and 8th scales - it is added in full. Taking into account the correction, the value of the result on each scale is noted on a special map compiled on the basis of the population standard. The lines connecting these points are drawn separately for the rating and basic scales and form the profile of the methodology for multilateral personality research.
The map is designed in such a way that once a profile is plotted on it, it is scored in T-scores. If rating scales produce results greater than 70 T-scores, the result obtained is questionable, and if they exceed 80 T-scores, the result is unreliable. In this case, the technique is presented again. It is better to repeat the technique on the same or the next day. If the result is reliable, the resulting profile is interpreted.
Basics of interpretation of the methodology for multilateral personality research
The information about the meaning of various profile types, which is given below, does not exhaust the variety of possible options, but they can be used as a guide when working with the technique. A systematic presentation of this information is especially useful for researchers beginning to work with the described methodology, since it allows them to quickly acquire the necessary interpretation experience.
The basic rules for assessing a profile, the violation of which most often leads to erroneous interpretation, can be formulated as follows.
1. The profile should be assessed as a whole, and not as a set of independent scales. The results obtained on one of the scales cannot be assessed in isolation from the results on other scales.
2. When assessing a profile, the most important thing is the ratio of the profile level on each scale to the average profile level and especially in relation to neighboring scales (profile peaks). The absolute value of the T-norm on one scale or another is less significant.
3. The profile characterizes the personality characteristics and current mental state of the subject. In clinical practice, it reflects the characteristics of the psychopathological syndrome, and not the nosological affiliation of the disease. Therefore the profile cannot be assessed as a "diagnostic label".
4. The results obtained cannot be considered as unshakable, since the connection of the profile with the current mental state determines its dynamics with changes in this state.
5. Interpretation of individual profiles requires consideration
the entire body of data that cannot be pre-existing
are provided in connection with the already noted variety of individual options. Therefore, literature data containing a description of typical profiles can only be used to master the basic principles of interpretation, and not as ready-made recipes. Trying to use a set of ready-made recipes can lead to significant errors in assessing the results of the study. For example, the same profile obtained from a study of a practically healthy person and an inpatient with severe clinical symptoms will have different meanings.
Rating scales
Rating scales were introduced into the original version of the text in order to study the subject’s attitude towards testing and judge the reliability of the research results. However, subsequent study made it possible to establish that these scales also have significant psychological correlates.
L scale
The statements included in the L scale were selected to identify the subject's tendency to present himself in the most favorable light possible, demonstrating strict adherence to social norms.
The scale consists of 15 statements that relate to socially approved, but unimportant attitudes and norms of everyday behavior, which, due to their low significance, are actually ignored by the vast majority of people. Thus, an increase in the result on the L scale usually indicates the desire of the subject to look in a favorable light. This desire may be situationally determined, due to the subject’s limited horizons, or caused by the presence of pathology. However, it must be borne in mind that some people tend to punctually follow the established standard, always observing any rules, even the most insignificant and not of significant value. In these cases, an increase in the result on the L scale reflects the indicated character traits. Belonging to a professional group, from which, due to its specificity, an extremely high standard of behavior and punctual adherence to conventional norms is required, also contributes to an increase in the result on the L scale. This kind of high standard of behavior can be observed, in particular, among justice workers, teachers and in some other professional groups.
It should be noted that, since the statements that make up the L scale are used in their direct meaning, they may not reveal the tendency to appear in a favorable light if it occurs in individuals of sufficiently high intelligence and extensive life experience.
If the results on the L scale are between 70 and 80 T-scores, the resulting profile is questionable, and if the results are above 80 T-scores, it is unreliable. High results on the L scale are usually accompanied by a decrease in the profile level on the main clinical scales. If, despite the high result on the L scale, significant increases in the level of the profile on certain clinical scales are detected, they can be taken into account in the totality of data available to the researcher.
F scale
A significant increase in the profile on this scale indicates accidental or intentional distortion of the study results.
The scale consists of 64 statements, which were extremely rarely regarded as “true” by persons included in the normative group of healthy subjects, according to which the MMIL was standardized. At the same time, these statements rarely differentiated the normative group from the patient groups for which the main scales were validated.
Statements included in the F scale relate, in particular, to unusual thoughts, desires and sensations, overt psychotic symptoms, and those whose existence is almost never recognized by the patients being studied.
If the F scale profile exceeds 70 T-scores, the result is questionable, but can be taken into account when confirmed by other data, including clinical data. If the F-scale result exceeds 80 T-scores, the study result should be considered unreliable. This result may be caused by technical errors made during the survey. In cases where the possibility of error is excluded, the unreliability of the result is determined by the attitude of the subject or his condition. During attitudinal behavior, the subject may recognize as true statements regarding unusual or clearly psychotic phenomena (if he seeks to aggravate or simulate psychopathological symptoms).
An unreliable result associated with the patient’s condition may be observed in an acute psychotic state (impaired consciousness, delirium, etc.), which distorts the perception of statements or the reaction to them. A similar distortion can be observed in cases of severe psychotic disorders leading to a defect. A dubious or unreliable result can be obtained from anxious individuals in cases where an urgent need for help prompts them to give considered answers to most statements. In these cases, simultaneously with an increase in the result on the F scale, the entire profile increases significantly, but the shape of the profile is not distorted and the possibility of its interpretation remains. Finally, changes in the subject’s attention can lead to an unreliable result, as a result of which he makes mistakes or cannot understand the meaning of the statement. If an unreliable result is obtained, in some cases it is possible to increase the reliability of the study through re-testing. In this case, it is more advisable to repeatedly present only those statements for which the responses taken into account were received. If the result of repeated testing is unreliable, you can try to establish the reason for the distortion of the result by discussing his answers with the subject. To avoid breaking contact with the subject, it is necessary to obtain his consent to such a discussion.
With a reliable result of the study, a relatively high level of profile on the F scale can be observed in various types of non-conforming individuals, since such individuals will exhibit reactions that are not typical for the normative group, and, accordingly, more often give answers taken into account on the F scale. Violation of conformity may be associated with the originality of perception and logic, characteristic of persons of the schizoid type, autistic and experiencing difficulties in interpersonal contacts, as well as with psychopathic traits in persons prone to disordered (“bohemian”) behavior or characterized by a pronounced sense of protest against conventional norms. An increase in the profile on the F scale can also be observed in very young people during the period of personality formation in cases where the need for self-expression is realized through non-conformity in behavior and views. Severe anxiety and the need for help usually manifests itself in a relatively high level of result on the described scale.
A moderate increase on the F scale in the absence of psychopathological symptoms usually reflects internal tension, dissatisfaction with the situation, and poorly organized activity. The tendency to follow conventional norms and the absence of internal tension determines a low result on the F scale.
In clinically undoubted cases of the disease, an increase in the profile on the F scale usually correlates with the severity of psychopathological symptoms.
K scale
The scale consists of 30 statements that make it possible to differentiate between individuals who seek to soften or hide psychopathological phenomena and individuals who are overly open.
In the original version of the MMPI, this scale was originally intended to examine the degree of caution of subjects in a testing situation and the tendency (largely unconscious) to deny existing unpleasant sensations, life difficulties and conflicts. The result obtained from the K scale is added to correct the indicated tendency to five of the ten main clinical scales in a proportion corresponding to its influence on each of these scales. However, the K scale, in addition to its significance for assessing the test subject’s reaction to the testing situation and correcting results on a number of basic clinical scales, is of significant interest for assessing certain personality traits of the subject.
Individuals who score high on the K scale tend to base their behavior on social approval and are concerned about their social status. They tend to deny any difficulties in interpersonal relationships or in controlling their own behavior, strive to comply with accepted norms and refrain from criticism to the extent that the behavior of others falls within the framework of the accepted norm. Obviously non-conforming, deviating from traditions and customs, behavior of other people that goes beyond the conventional framework causes a pronounced negative reaction in persons giving high scores on the K scale. Due to the tendency to deny (to a large extent at the perceptual level) information indicating difficulties and conflicts, these individuals may not have an adequate idea of how others perceive them. In clinical cases, an expressed desire to achieve a favorable attitude towards oneself may be combined with anxiety and uncertainty.
With insignificant expression (moderate increases on the K scale), the described tendencies not only do not disrupt the individual’s adaptation, but even facilitate it, causing a feeling of harmony with the environment and an approving assessment of the rules accepted in this environment. In this regard, persons with a moderate increase in profile on the K scale give the impression of reasonable, friendly, sociable people with a wide range of interests. Extensive experience in interpersonal contacts and denial of difficulties determine in individuals of this type a more or less high level of enterprise and the ability to find the right line of behavior. Since such qualities improve social adaptation, a moderate increase in the profile on the K scale can be considered a prognostically favorable sign.
Persons with a very low profile level on the K scale are well aware of their difficulties and tend to exaggerate rather than underestimate the degree of personal inadequacy. They do not hide their weaknesses, difficulties and psychopathological disorders. The tendency to be critical of oneself and others leads to skepticism. Their dissatisfaction and tendency to exaggerate the significance of conflicts makes them easily vulnerable and creates awkwardness in interpersonal relationships.
Index F - K
Since the trends measured by the F and K scales are largely in opposite directions, the difference in the primary result obtained on these scales has
essential for determining the attitude of the subject at the time of judging the reliability of the result obtained. The average value of this index in the MMIL is: 7 for men and 8 for women. The intervals at which the obtained result can be considered reliable (if none of the rating scales exceeds 70 T-points) are for men from -18 to +4, for women from -23 to +7. If the F-K difference is from +5 to +7 for men and from +8 to +10 for women, then the result seems doubtful, but if confirmed by clinical data, it can be taken into account, provided that none of the rating scales exceeds 80 T- points.
The greater the F-K difference, the more pronounced the subject’s desire to emphasize the severity of his symptoms and life’s difficulties, to evoke sympathy and condolences. A high level of the F-K index may indicate aggravation. A decrease in the F-K index reflects the desire to improve one’s self-image, mitigate one’s symptoms and emotionally charged problems, or deny their presence. A low level of this index may indicate dissimulation of existing psychopathological disorders.
Clinical scales
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is a technique created in 1940 by S. Hathway and J. McKinley at the University of Minnesota, which remains one of the most common over the past 50 years. The test was originally developed for the purpose of professional selection of pilots during the Second World War - it is used to study the level of adaptation and study the persistent professionally important inclinations of the employee.
How was the MMPI questionnaire developed?
The methodology was developed as follows: it contained special questions that could identify ordinary people and people with certain psychological symptoms. During the development process, scientists took hysterics, psychotics, and depressively ill people, observed their answers to questions and, based on the distribution of answers, created special scales with which one can judge normality or pathology.
Subsequently, the questionnaire was improved to study specifically personality characteristics that are not similar to clinical manifestations. As a result, the scales were renamed, and a remarkable test for identifying personality traits was obtained.
In the 1960s, scientists worked on adapting the MMPI to domestic reality. Researchers have been working in this direction for a long time, and as a result, the questions and answer options were recalibrated. Changes in the methodology were carried out at the Leningrad Psychoneurological Institute named after. V.M. Bekhterev, and the last major changes were made by L.N. Sobchik. In 1971, a new version was introduced - the SMIL test (Standardized Multifactor Method for Personality Research).
What does he look like today?
It consists of a large number of statements. Answer options are presented in three types: “True”, “False” and “I don’t know”. When working with statements, you should not think long about the answer. The questions must be answered honestly, otherwise the completed test will be considered unreliable. The presented method has a lie scale, and if the results are high, then the test will have to be repeated.
What can you find out with this test?
This test makes it possible to obtain a multidisciplinary personality portrait, which includes the following components: motivational orientation, character traits, suicidal tendencies, driving needs, predisposition to alcoholism, defense mechanisms, the presence of sexual problems, etc.
Analysis of results
The results of this test are calculated using 13 scales. Let's get acquainted with the first 3 scales:
- Lie scale (L) – high scores on this scale indicate an unreliable personality profile, in which case it is better to take the test again. If the indicators, on the contrary, are low, then this indicates the reliability of the individual’s results.
- Reliability scale (F) - it shows how honest the test taker's answers were. High scores on this scale indicate that a person is overly critical of himself.
- Correction scale (K) – the criterion of this scale is the desire of the individual to adjust his answer options in accordance with the social norms of people.
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