Classification accuracy of MMPI-2 validity scales in the detection of pain-related malingering: a known-groups study.
The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2nd edition (MMPI-2; Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989) validity indicators in the detection of malingering in clinical patients with chronic pain using a hybrid clinical-known groups/simulator design. The sample consisted of patients without financial incentive (n = 23), nonmalingering patients with financial incentive (n = 34), patients definitively determined to be malingering based on published criteria ( n = 32), and college students asked to simulate pain-related disability (n = 26). The MMPI-2 validity scales differentiated malingerers from nonmalingerers with a high degree of accuracy. Hypochondriasis and Hysteria were also effective. For all variables except Scale L, more extreme scores were associated with higher specificity. This study demonstrates that the MMPI-2 is capable of differentiating intentional exaggeration from the effects on symptom report of chronic pain, genuine psychological disturbance, and concurrent stress associated with pursuing a claim in a medico-legal context.
Bianchini
Kevin J
KJ
University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA.
Etherton
Joseph L
JL
Greve
Kevin W
KW
Heinly
Matthew T
MT
Meyers
John E
JE
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008950:MMPI; D008297:Male; D008306:Malingering / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D010556:Personality Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery