Title

MMPI-2 and MMPI-2-Restructured Form validity scales: Complementary approaches to evaluate response validity

Department/School

Psychology, Professional

Date of this version

2012

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Responsible forensic assessment is dependent on an appreciation for how validity scales differ from one another and function across different evaluation contexts. The primary goal of this review is to evaluate whether there is sufficient empirical support to provide expert testimony using MMPI-2 or MMPI-2-RF validity scales. Towards this goal, we briefly describe the development of MMPI-2 and MMPI-2-RF validity scales and review empirical studies that support interpretative strategies. We describe and illustrate with case examples how the respective sets of MMPI-2 and MMPI-2-RF validity scales utilize complementary strategies to detect over- and under-reporting of psychological, cognitive, and physical symptoms. Additionally, the review describes standards for expert psychological testimony and illustrates how MMPI-2 and MMPI-2-RF validity scales are particularly well suited to assess symptom validity and psychological status in secondary-gain settings.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-012-9139-2

Volume

5

Published in

Psychological Injury and Law

Citation/Other Information

Hoelzle, J. B., Nelson, N. W., & Arbisi, P. A. (2012). MMPI-2 and MMPI-2-Restructured Form validity scales: Complementary approaches to evaluate response validity. Psychological Injury and Law, 5, 174-191. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-012-9139-2

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