MMPI-2 profile differences among sex offender groups.

Abstract

The purpose of this present study was to investigate the differences between the MMPI-2 profiles of male incarcerated offenders. The groups included 25 rapists, 25 child molesters, 25 rapists convicted of additional crimes, and 25 non-violent offenders. The profiles of the sex offenders were obtained at a maximum security prison, while the profiles of the non-violent offenders were collected at a medium security institution. Results indicated that there was an overall significant difference among the four groups on the MMPI-2. Scale to scale significant differences were found between the four groups on Scales F, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and o. Rapists had significant elevations (T-scores of 65 and greater) on Scales F, 4, 6, and 8. Child molesters produced significant elevations on Scales F, 4, 6, 7, and 8. Scale 4 was the only significantly elevated scale for rapists convicted of additional crimes. Non-violent offenders produced no elevated scale scores in their mean profile. The potential implications, limitations, and possible meanings of these results are discussed.