Beneath the Mask

Abstract

Sensitivity with implications for utility of psychological tests in detecting malingering was examined in 57 men suspected of feigning incompetence to stand trial. The instruments included were the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS), M Test, Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology (SIMS), Rey's 15-Item Memory Test, Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM), and the Atypical Presentation Scale (AP). Results indicate that all measures were relatively sensitive to various types of malingering, although any one test is not likely to be sufficiently sensitive to malingering when employed as a single “malingering test.” Based on test pattern analysis, different subtypes of malingering were identified. These sub-types of malingering ranged from indiscriminant symptom endorsement to more specific symptom endorsements. Subgroups that responded to the test length and format were also identified. Practical issues and decision trees for test selection when assessing different types of malingering are addressed.