Problems With Using the MMPI–2–RF in Forensic Evaluations: A Clarification to Ellis

Abstract

Toward the end of her article addressing the prevalence of MMPI-2 Scale 4 elevations among child custody litigants, Ellis recommended use of the MMPI-2-RF scales in child custody evaluations. Unfortunately, this recommendation was not supported by a comprehensive review of the literature similar to the one she used to address her primary questions about MMPI-2 Scale 4. This article describes many of the criticisms of the MMPI–2–RF, and its various scales, including the RC Scales and the Fake Bad Scale (recently renamed the Symptom Validity Scale). The MMPI-2-RF and its scales are novel measures whose use may be challenged in forensic settings. Psychologists considering including them as part of a test battery must evaluate their psychometric properties by carefully examining the test manuals, empirical studies, and recent textbooks. Many experts do not consider the MMPI-2-RF to be a viable replacement for the MMPI-2 in critical evaluations such as child custody.