Evaluation context and Symptom Validity Test performances in a U.S. Military sample

Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2012 Dec;27(8):828-39. doi: 10.1093/arclin/acs086. Epub 2012 Oct 9.

Abstract

The study examined Symptom Validity Test (SVT) performance in a sample of military service members on active orders as a function of evaluation context. Service members were assessed in the context of either a pending disability evaluation (Medical Evaluation Board; MEB) or a non-MEB/clinical evaluation. Overall, 41.8% of the sample failed the Word Memory Test; however, significantly more individuals in the MEB group (54%) failed the measure relative to the non-MEB/clinical group (35%). Regardless of group membership, SVT performance had a notable impact on neurocognitive test scores as measured by effect sizes. SVT performance was less strongly associated with self-reported psychological symptoms as gauged by the Personality Assessment Inventory. The current results are discussed in light of previous research on SVT performance in veteran and active duty samples.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention
  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Executive Function*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence
  • Male
  • Malingering / diagnosis*
  • Malingering / psychology
  • Memory*
  • Military Personnel / psychology*
  • Motivation
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Self Report
  • Severity of Illness Index