Raising doubts about claims of malingering: implications of relationships between MCMI-II and MMPI-2 performances

J Clin Psychol. 1994 Jul;50(4):651-5. doi: 10.1002/1097-4679(199407)50:4<651::aid-jclp2270500424>3.0.co;2-c.

Abstract

Test results from 90 personal injury claimants were used to explore the relationship between personality disorders (Dependent, Histrionic, Compulsive, Schizoid, Schizotypal, Paranoid, Narcissistic, Borderline, Antisocial, Avoidant, and Passive-Aggressive) as assessed by the MCMI-II and response style measured by MMPI-2 validity scales (F, K, L, F-K, O-S, Es, and FBS). With the exception of the Dependent and Narcissistic scales, all personality disorder scales were found to have a significant relationship with validity indicators in the direction of faking bad. These results suggest that the presence of characterological factors (i.e., a personality disorder), rather than malingering, contributes to exaggerated results in a forensic setting. Implications for future research are addressed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Expert Testimony
  • Female
  • Humans
  • MMPI / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Malingering / diagnosis*
  • Malingering / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Personality Disorders / psychology
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Wounds and Injuries / psychology*