Detection of malingering on the MMPI: A meta-analysis

Abstract

We meta-analytically reviewed 28 studies that used the MMPI to detect malingering. Forty-four comparisons contrasting a malingering and honest group on the raw and T- scaled F score, F — K scale, the original and revised Dissimulation indices, and Subtle/Obvious scales were derived. The overall mean effect size of d = 2.07 suggests that these indices are good at detecting malingering, with the best scales being the T- scaled and raw F (d s = 2.34 and 2.22), the original Dissimulation scale (d = 2.17), and the F — K index (d = 1.89). Effect sizes were much smaller for the revised Dissimulation index and the Subtle/Obvious scales, suggesting caution in their use. Cutting scores for predicting malingering in the individual case were reviewed, with the wide range of cutting scores employed suggesting the need to investigate the appropriate cutting scores for separate use in subpopulations, such as prisoners, disability applicants, military personnel, and psychiatric patients.