Pessimism in the profile: estimating explanatory style from the MMPI

Regression equations are presented for converting the non-K-corrected raw scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) basic scales to an estimated optimism-pessimism score. This score describes an individual's explanatory style on a continuum from optimistic to pessimistic. These equations will enable clinicians and researchers to estimate an optimism-pessimism score if the MMPI item responses are not accessible or if computer scoring facilities for individual items are unavailable.