MMPI: Black and White Differences in the United States

Authors

Stevie Schapiro, Nova Southeastern University
Denieka Ellis, Nova Southeastern University
Charles J. Golden, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Abstract

Findings across different versions of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) have found that Black individuals score higher than White people, most commonly on the Schizophrenia (Sc/8), Infrequency (F), and Lie (L) scales. Studies have found evidence for test bias (Arbisi et al., 2002; Castro et al., 2008; McNulty et al., 1997; Timbrook & Graham, 1994), whereas others have not found meaningful differences between the two groups (Munley et al., 2001; Mcnulty et al., 1997; Ben-Porath et al., 1995; Johnson & Brems, 1990; Penk et al., 1982; Smith & Graham, 1981; Harrison & Kass, 1967). This literature review sought to identify if, why, and in what areas, Black individuals tend to score differently than White individuals. Findings indicate the complexities of these research designs and a lack of constant similarities in scale escalations, suggesting that further understanding the MMPI and race, and especially the individual, can change future treatment for those who identify as Black, as well as any other minority, in the U.S.

Recommended Citation

Schapiro, Stevie; Ellis, Denieka; and Golden, Charles J. (2023) "MMPI: Black and White Differences in the United States," Archives of Assessment Psychology: Vol. 13, Article 4.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/psyassessment/vol13/iss1/4