The Moderating Effect of Spinal Cord Injury on MMPI-2 Profiles: A Clinically Derived T Score Correction Procedure

Applying a retrospective pretest-posttest design, this study examined the extent to which the physical sequelae of spinal cord injury (SCI) affected mean T scores on the MMPI-2. Forty-two men with SCI answered the MMPI-2, then, after recalling their status prior to injury, re-answered 28 MMPI-2 items judged by 12 physiatrists to reflect the physical sequelae of SCI. The original MMPI-2 scores were compared with corrected scores based upon the 28 pre-injury responses. Significant differences were found on scales F, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9. Significant differences between the MMPI-2 male normative group and the SCI group were found on scales 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 0 when conventional scoring was used but only on scales 5 and 0 when the correction procedure was used. The correction procedure changed interpretive statements associated with the SCI group mean profile. These findings reinforce the need for caution when applying standardized psychological assessment tools to individuals with physical disabilities.