The 3-4/4-3 MMPI code type in an offender population: An update on levels of hostility and violence
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1993
Abstract
Levels of hostility and type of crime committed were compared in 94 male offenders with either 3-4 or 4-3 Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) high point pairs and in 94 randomly selected offenders without these codes who were matched for race with the 3-4/4-3 group. The samples were drawn from all male offenders entering a state prison system over 5 years. Self-report measures included the MMPI, Buss Durkee Hostility Inventory, and Monroe Dyscontrol Scale. Multivariate and univariate analyses showed that those with 3-4 codes did not differ from those with 4-3 codes. Except for higher scores on Megargee's Overcontrolled-Hostility scale, the combined 3-4/4-3 offenders either did not differ from or scored lower than the comparison group on type of crime and all self-report measures of hostility, anger, episodic dyscontrol, and violence. Neither these results nor the majority of research on 3-4/4-3 profiles supports these codes as evidence of a proclivity for violence.
Original Publication Citation
O'Sullivan, M. J., & Jemelka, R. P. (1993). The 3-4/4-3 MMPI code type in an offender population: An update on levels of hostility and violence. Psychological Assessment, 5, 493-498.
Digital Commons @ LMU & LLS Citation
O'Sullivan, Michael J., "The 3-4/4-3 MMPI code type in an offender population: An update on levels of hostility and violence" (1993). Psychological Science Faculty Works. 93.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/psyc_fac/93
