Grooved Pegboard adds incremental value over memory-apparent performance validity tests in predicting psychiatric...

Area of Science:

• Neuropsychology
• Psychometrics
• Forensic Psychology

Background:

• Performance validity tests (PVTs) are crucial for detecting non-credible symptom reporting in clinical and forensic evaluations.
• Memory-apparent PVTs are commonly used, but their ability to detect exaggeration may be limited.
• The Grooved Pegboard (GPB) test assesses fine motor skills and may offer a different pathway to detect invalid performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if the Grooved Pegboard (GPB) test can incrementally predict psychiatric symptom report elevations beyond established memory-apparent PVTs.
• To determine the added value of GPB performance in identifying non-credible responding in a military sample.
• To assess the predictive utility of GPB failure in relation to symptom validity measures.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 111 military personnel completed the GPB, three memory-apparent PVTs, and a symptom validity test (Personality Assessment Inventory Negative Impression Management [NIM]).
• Hierarchical regression analyses were used to assess the incremental predictive validity of GPB scores on NIM scores.
• GPB performance was analyzed both as a continuous T-score and dichotomously (pass/fail) using established cutoffs.

Main Results:

• Non-dominant hand GPB T-scores significantly and incrementally predicted NIM scores beyond memory-apparent PVTs.
• Dichotomous GPB performance (pass/fail) also demonstrated incremental predictive value for NIM, indicating that failing the GPB added to the prediction of symptom report.
• These findings suggest that GPB failure is associated with higher psychiatric symptom reporting, even after accounting for memory test performance.

Conclusions:

• The Grooved Pegboard test serves as a valuable performance validity test (PVT) that can incrementally improve the detection of exaggerated psychiatric symptom reporting.
• Incorporating the GPB into assessment batteries offers enhanced validity checking, particularly in populations where malingering or symptom over-reporting is a concern.
• Non-credible performance on motor tasks like the GPB provides unique information not captured by memory-based PVTs, strengthening the overall assessment of response bias.