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Detection of faking good on the MMPI in a psychiatric inpatient population
Abstract:
The efficacy of the Mp and X minus zero scales of the MMPI in identifying fake-good profiles was investigated. 30 volunteers from the admissions unit of a state mental hospital were administered the MMPI once under instructions to fake good and once under standard instructions. Under fake-good instructions, psychiatric inpatients were able to produce profiles similar to those of normal college students. Both the Mp and X minus zero scales discriminated significantly between the standard and fake-good profiles. Interactions with order of administration occurred for the Mp scale.
Insights
The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory's (MMPI) Mp and X-0 scales effectively identify fake-good profiles. These scales distinguished between genuine and deceptive responses in psychiatric patients attempting to appear normal.
Area of Science:
- Psychological assessment
- Clinical psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is a widely used tool for psychological assessment.
- Identifying deceptive response patterns, such as 'fake-good' profiles, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales, specifically the Mp and X-0 scales, in detecting individuals intentionally presenting a favorable impression ('fake-good' profiles).
Main Methods:
- Thirty psychiatric inpatients from a state mental hospital were recruited.
- Participants completed the MMPI under two conditions: standard instructions and instructions to 'fake good'.
- Response profiles from both conditions were analyzed to assess scale performance.
Main Results:
- Psychiatric inpatients successfully generated MMPI profiles resembling those of normal college students when instructed to 'fake good'.
- Both the Mp and X-0 scales demonstrated significant ability to discriminate between standard and fake-good profiles.
- The Mp scale showed significant interactions related to the order of test administration.
Conclusions:
- The MMPI's Mp and X-0 scales are valuable tools for identifying 'fake-good' response sets in clinical populations.
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for simulated normal profiles and the utility of these specific MMPI scales in detection.
- The order of administration may influence the effectiveness of the Mp scale in detecting deception.