MMPI Scores of Old and Young Completed Suicides
cedure." Older Ss had significantly higher F scores (s = 0.41, n = 51, rwo-tailed p < 0.01) and significantly lower K scores (s = -0.33, fi < 0.02). They tended to have lower Hy scores (r = -0.24, p < 0.10) and higher Pa scores (r = 0.25, p < 0.10). They did not differ from the younger Ss on the other standard scales: L (r = 0.05), Hs (s = -0.14), D (s = 0.005), Pd (r = -0.22), Mf (I = 0.12), PC (r = -0.07), Sc (s = 0.005), and Ma (r = 0.20). The influence of age on MMPI scores is not well documented (Dahlstrom & Welsh, 1960). Brozek (1955) compared male college students with older male professionals and businessmen and found the older males to have significantly higher K, Hs, D, Mf, and Pa scores, significantly lower Pt, Sc, and Ma scores, and similar L, F, Pd, and Hy scores as compared to the younger males. The pattern of differences in the completed suicides differed considerably from this pattern. Older complered suicides showed significantly more response conformity (F scale) and less denial of personal inadequacies (K scale). They also had a tendency to less often use physical symptoms as a means of resolving conflicts (Hy scale) and a greater tendency to paranoia (Pa scale). However, there did not appear to be a general trend for older Ss to obtain higher scores on all scales, on those scales considered to tap psychotic processes, or on those scales considered to tap neurotic processes. Although Ss' age range was large, only 5 Ss were 50 yr. of age or older. The inclusion of more older Ss may provide larger differences than those noted here.