title: Detection strategies for malingering with the Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test: a confirmatory factor analysis of its underlying dimensions.
abstract: Two of the most widely used measures for the assessment of malingering in forensic populations are the Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST) and the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS). The underlying dimensions of the SIRS have been well established in the literature, but the structure of the M-FAST remains relatively untested. Understanding of its dimensions is critical for construct validity and guiding its proper use. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to provide evidence of a single parsimonious malingering factor to account for the covariation of the M-FAST items in a sample of 244 forensic patients. In addition, the model was cross-validated with an independent sample of 210 forensic patients. Finally, the M-FAST factor was modeled in conjunction with two factors of the SIRS. Results provide further validation of the underlying detection strategy found in the M-FAST.
authors.affiliation: Mendota Mental Health Institute, USA.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Vitacco
authors.forename: Rebecca L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: Craig S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Neumann
authors.forename: Holly A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gabel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007298:Insanity Defense; D008297:Male; D008306:Malingering / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016743:Mental Competency; D008875:Middle Aged