The MMPI: development of contemporary norms.

The original standardization of the MMPI was completed approximately 40 years ago. These norms were refined in 1957, but no attempt has been made to develop new standards. Therefore, a contemporary random sample of 1,408 persons living in the midwestern states who were similar to the original sample in area of residence and in the absence of significant medical problems were asked to complete the MMPI. The resulting MMPI data by age and sex are presented. In general, responses from this contemporary sample yielded higher mean scores than appeared in the original standardization group. These data suggest a somewhat more conservative approach to profile interpretation, with more careful consideration of the impact of age and sex on profile configurations.