Reading difficulty of MMPI-2 subscales.

Average reading difficulty based upon the Lexile value was computed for the 567 items and 61 sub/special scales of the MMPI-2. The mean for all items was 600.02 (SD = 304.57), which roughly corresponds to a fifth-grade reading level. Approximately 90% of the items require less than a ninth-grade reading level; 3 items require a high-school education or more. The Amorality (Mal) subscale had an average reading level greater than eighth grade. Nine subscales had 25% or more items above an eighth-grade reading level. The Hypomania (MA) subscales were the most demanding. For persons with low reading proficiency, interpretation of the nine subscales should be made cautiously.