The validity and clinical utility of the MMPI-2 Malingering Depression scale.
In this study, we examined the validity and clinical utility of the MMPI-2 (Butcher, Graham, Tellegen, Dahlstrom, & Kaemmer, 2001) Malingering Depression scale (Md) in relation to the MMPI-2 F scales (F, F(B), F(P)) to detect feigned depression. Overall, the F(B) scale and the F/F(P) scale combination were the best single predictors, although the Md scale did discriminate successfully cases of feigned depression from patients with bona fide depression. The Md scale added predictive capacity over the F scales, and the F(B) scale and the F/F(P) scale combination added predictive capacity over the Md scale; however, the actual increase in the number of cases predicted was minimal in each instance. In sum, although the Md scale is able to detect accurately feigned depression on the MMPI-2 (predictive validity), it does not confer a distinct advantage (incremental validity) over the existing standard validity scales-F, F(B), and F(P).
Bagby
R Michael
RM
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. michael_bagby@camh.net
Marshall
Margarita B
MB
Bacchiochi
Jason R
JR
D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008950:MMPI; D008297:Male; D008306:Malingering / Q000523:psychology*; D009864:Ontario