Underreporting on the MMPI-2-RF extends to extra-test measures of suicide risk

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Underreporting in suicide risk assessment poses a significant clinical challenge.
• Accurate identification of suicide risk is vital for effective patient care and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if elevated Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) K-r and L-r scale scores can identify patients underreporting suicide risk.
• To examine the relationship between underreporting, Suicide/Death Ideation (SUI) scale scores, and extra-test measures of suicide risk.

Main Methods:

• The study analyzed data from voluntarily admitted psychiatric inpatients (N=1,011) and outpatients (N=521).
• T-tests and correlational analyses were used to compare scores between underreporting and non-underreporting groups.
• Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) K-r and L-r scales were used to identify potential underreporters.

Main Results:

• Individuals identified as underreporting consistently showed lower mean scores on the Suicide/Death Ideation (SUI) scale and other suicide risk measures.
• The strength of the association between SUI and extra-test suicide risk measures was significant and stronger in outpatients without elevated K-r or L-r scales.
• Underreporting was associated with lower reported suicide ideation across both inpatient and outpatient samples.

Conclusions:

• Elevated MMPI-2-RF K-r and L-r scales may serve as indicators for potential underreporting of suicide risk.
• Clinical practice should consider MMPI-2-RF K-r scale elevations during suicide risk assessments.
• Integrating a therapeutic assessment approach can enhance the accuracy of suicide risk evaluations.