A Study of Methadone Maintenance Patients with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

The MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) was administered to 65 methadone maintenance patients being treated on an out‐patient basis at Roosevelt Hospital, Metuchen, Mew Jersey. The study investigated the personality characteristics of the subjects and what affect they may have on his employ ability. The present data indicates that the emotional adjustment of the patients may not have a bearing on their present employment, which is predominately in the unskilled area, but it may become a factor when they begin to seek advancement toward higher level positions. The majority of patients scored in the abnormal range on the Pd scale of the MMPI (the Pd scale was based upon patients who exhibited a disregard for social values, an inability to profit from experience, and a difficulty in maintaining satisfactory personal relationships). High Pd scale scores suggest an individual who is impulsive, resentful, and lacking in deep emotional responses. These personality characteristics may be a factor when the patient attempts to seek employment in sales, service, or other fields where personal relationships are important. It is not a factor in their present employment.