Psychological evaluation with the MMPI-2 to parents in judicial litigation of family matters

Abstract

The MMPI-2 has contributed to a better understanding of the psychological functioning of parents who seek their children custody after the breakdown of the relationship. The aim of this study was to identify the personality characteristics of this population. The MMPI-2 of 687 individuals (who underwent through court-ordered psychological evaluation) were obtained. The results are coincident with those found in the literature, moderatedelevations in validity indicators L and K, which are related to defensive type responses; were subclinical elevations obtained as well the clinical scales Hs, Hi, Pa and Dp. Also subclinical elevations were found in supplementary scales R, hr and Rs. By comparing profiles of men and women, significant differences were found in T scores, both obtained for the American sample and the Mexican sample.