Diagnostic implications of markedly elevated MMPI Sc scale scores for nonhospitalized clients

Evaluated the personal adjustment of counseling center clients (N = 60) whose MMPI's highest scale score was a Sc over 70. Analysis of case notes showed that while these clients posed more difficult counseling problems than the average client, the severity of disturbance was markedly less than one would expect from a sample with a mean Sc score of 91. An exploratory stepwise regression analysis indicated that chronic adjustment correlated significantly, R = .79, to an equation in which Sc, MA, R, DY, and Do had positive coefficients and HY, ES and CN negative coefficients. This regression equation also related significantly to the incidence of role identity problems, p less than .01; counselor judgment of client improvement, p less than .001; and bizarre ideation, p less than .001. Consideration of present client stress and prior adjustment factors was discussed as important in formulating less psychopathological interpretations for MMPI profiles with markedly elevated Sc scores.