What is the goal of the MMPI assessment?

The goal of the MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) assessment is primarily to detect personality pathology. This psychological assessment tool systematically evaluates various personality traits and psychopathology, making it particularly useful in identifying psychological disorders. The MMPI consists of a series of statements to which individuals respond true or false, and the results can indicate various psychological conditions, including anxiety, depression, and social introversion.

By focusing on personality traits and potential mental health issues, the MMPI provides valuable insights for mental health professionals when diagnosing and forming treatment plans for clients. It is widely recognized for its ability to highlight underlying psychological issues rather than measuring cognitive abilities or coping strategies, which differentiates it from other assessments.

In contrast, while evaluating coping strategies, measuring intelligence, and assessing relapse risk are important in the context of counseling and treatment, they are not the primary focus or ultimate goal of the MMPI assessment. Instead, those aspects might be covered by different methods or assessments tailored explicitly for those purposes.