Good news. Your application for that dream job has been successful and you have landed an interview. However, the letter also states that you will be expected to take a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) test as part of the screening process. Show
Your first response might be to panic at the thought of sitting a test, envisioning hours of revision and preparation, but the MMPI is far from an academic exam or standard personality test. The MMPI test is commonly used to recruit for high-risk roles, such as commercial airline pilots and police officers, where mental health plays an important role in decision-making and carrying out the job safely and efficiently. It examines aspects of the candidate’s personality to ascertain their mental stability, whether they are suitable for the job and how they can be expected to perform in that job over time and under stress. The test is administered and the results are interpreted by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist who has received training in the use of the MMPI. It cannot be used without this professional guidance. Unlike other recruitment-related tests, the MMPI does not have a pass/fail format. There are no right or wrong answers, and it is therefore unlikely that a candidate will be able to cheat the test. What Is the MMPI?The MMPI was first developed in the late 1930s by psychologist Starke R Hathaway and neurologist JC McKinley at the University of Minnesota as a clinical tool to assess mental health, specifically to diagnose mental disorders. The MMPI was subsequently revised in the 1980s and 2000s to its current format and is now the most regularly used mental health clinical assessment tool. The MMPI test uses ten clinical scales to assess the candidate’s personality and behaviors. The test contains between 338 and 567 questions depending on which version is used, can be administered individually or in groups, and may be taken in either a computerized or paper format. The length of the test varies between 35 and 90 minutes, again depending on which version is used. The primary use of the MMPI is in a clinical setting to assess mental health, but it also proves helpful in legal disputes regarding custody and as part of the recruitment screening process. Types of MMPIThe MMPI test is available in three different versions. Two of these are for adults, while the third was designed for use by teenagers. These three types are:
Why Are My Employers Using This Test?Not all employers will use the MMPI test as part of their screening process, although other psychometric tests may be administered. The MMPI test is used by employers who are recruiting for high-risk jobs where mental health can be imperative to the safe and effective fulfillment of the role. High-risk jobs include:
The MMPI test, like other psychometric tests, provides information on whether a candidate has the correct personality and skills to carry out a role effectively. The MMPI test provides information on the candidate’s emotional and mental stability, how they cope with stress and how, therefore, they will perform in the position. Equally, the employer seeks to discover whether the candidate is a good fit for their organization and its vision for the future. The focus of the test may vary depending on the requirements of the specific job, for instance, seeking respect for authority in the armed forces or mental stability in the case of an air traffic controller. Employers may also use the MMPI test as a way to check their employees’ mental wellbeing as they develop in their roles. How Do I Get a Good Score on the Test?Unlike an academic test, there are no right or wrong answers and therefore no ‘good score’. Instead, the MMPI seeks to identify the candidate’s personality, skills and levels of mental health. The test requires that the candidate answers honestly. To ensure this, several control questions are included in the test. Read the questions thoroughly, try not to overthink your response and answer honestly. Improve your MMPI test score Validity Scales of the MMPI-2 TestValidity scales assess whether the candidate has answered the questions in the MMPI test honestly, whether their response is intentional and their possible motivations for answering in this way. For instance, do they rate highly in dishonest answers or questions related to defensiveness? Many of the questions in the MMPI test will be related directly to at least one of the following validity scales:
The validity scales for the MMPI-2-RF test are similar with slight variances. Clinical Scales of the MMPI-2 TestThe MMPI-2 test uses ten clinical scales to denote a series of psychological conditions and tendencies. These are:
It should be noted that the MMPI-2-RF test uses different clinical scales and several additional types such as cognitive and interpersonal scales. How to Prepare for the MMPIThe MMPI is not a test in the traditional sense of the word, so you cannot revise for it in the way that you would for an academic exam. However, there are still things you can do in the run-up to the test: Step 1. PracticeThere is no way to predict what questions you will be asked in the MMPI test, although they will relate to the above validity and clinical scales. However, you can prepare by familiarizing yourself with the format of the test. As the MMPI test is administered by a qualified psychologist, there are limited online resources available, but you may find these practice tests from JobTestPrep and JobAssessmentHelp useful. Familiarizing yourself with the MMPI test format beforehand will make you less likely to panic on the day and misread the questions. Practice an MMPI Test with JobTestPrep Step 2. Improve Your Emotional IntelligenceEmotional intelligence is the awareness and effective handling of your emotions in a way that lessens the stress in your life and allows you to interact with others positively. You can improve your emotional intelligence by developing four key skills:
Improving emotional intelligence is a lifelong endeavor but you can begin to work on it now. Ways in which you can do this include:
Step 3. Prepare to Be HonestIt may seem obvious that you will answer the test questions honestly but doing so may not be as simple or straightforward as it might seem. Putting aside intended dishonesty, you may think that you have answered honestly when you have given the answer that you think is the acceptable response. It is the answer you think you should give rather than the truth. For instance, a man may feel he should adhere more closely to the male stereotype, so he answers in a way that feels more masculine to him. Alternatively, you may give an answer that unintentionally reflects you in a better or worse way than is true. For instance, you play down your talents through a lack of confidence or you exaggerate your skills because you have an inflated opinion of yourself. Before you answer any question, think about what the real truth is. Key Points to Bear in MindThe MMPI is difficult to prepare for in the same way as you would prepare for an academic exam because it does not result in a pass/fail outcome. The test is designed to recognize dishonest, exaggerated or self-deprecating answers, so it is impossible to cheat. The best way to approach the MMPI is as an opportunity to discover more about yourself under the guidance of a qualified psychologist. Take advantage of the practice test papers from JobTestPrep and JobAssessmentHelp to familiarize yourself with the test format. Work at improving your emotional intelligence through developing your self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management skills. Think about how you will answer the questions honestly, without exaggerating or under-selling yourself. In the run-up to your MMPI test, practice self-care to ensure that your brain and body are fully prepared. Make sure you are well-rested and have had a few good nights’ sleep. Try to remove as much stress from your life as possible. Ensure you eat healthy, nutritious meals and are well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. On the day of the MMPI test, keep these key points forefront in your mind to achieve the best possible result:
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the history of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory?The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory was initially developed in the 1930s by Starke R Hathaway. Hathaway was a psychologist who designed the test as a tool to aid in diagnosing a variety of mental health conditions. The assessment has evolved to form the test which is widely recognized today. It is now used in a variety of different situations alongside its original purpose. For example, it is often seen as part of the recruitment process and testing can be requested as part of custody arrangements and court proceedings. How does the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory work?The MMPI is designed to assess 10 categories of behavior. When answered honestly, the test can give an accurate insight into an individual's mental health and overall wellbeing. It can also be used by employers to identify key personality traits which are desirable in potential employees. How reliable is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)?The overall reliability of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) depends on how honestly an individual answers the questions. As long as they are completely honest, the test can accurately be used to identify and diagnose several personality traits and mental health conditions. Can someone be diagnosed with a personality disorder with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)?Yes, although it will usually form a part of a broader range of tools that are used. Why does the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) have a masculinity-femininity scale?Essentially, these questions are used to identify how well individuals identify with traditional gender roles. How long does it take to complete the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory?This will depend on which version of the MMPI someone is taking. Different tests are used for different purposes. Depending on the test which is taken, it will take between 35 and 90 minutes to complete. What purpose does the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) serve?The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory can be used for a wide variety of purposes. When it was originally developed, it was used to help diagnose mental health conditions. Over the years, variations of the assessment have been developed that can be used as part of the recruitment process when looking for employees with a specific mindset or personality type. Some variations are designed to assess children and teenagers. These are commonly used in clinical situations as well as helping to provide evidence in custody disputes. ConclusionAs employers look for better ways to find the best candidates for the job, personality tests are likely to be used more extensively. The MMPI, with its interpretation by a qualified psychologist, offers added guidance for high-risk roles where mental stability and emotional intelligence are key. The MMPI may be difficult to prepare for, but it can be best handled by using practice papers to become familiar with the format, developing your emotional intelligence and answering all of the questions with complete honesty. Is the MMPIThere are no plans at this time to discontinue the MMPI-2 or MMPI-2-RF, but the MMPI-3 is intended to be a replacement version of the test.
How is the MMPI used to assess personality?The MMPI has built-in clinical scales that describe a person's psychological processes and how they respond to stress. Each scale is made of a specific group of questions (unknown to the test taker), which the test developer's field research says indicates a particular psychological condition.
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