MMPI2 Validity Scales Flashcards
Interpretation order
- Review and interpret validity scales (aka test taking attitude)
- Interpret code types using clinical scales
- Interpret clinical scales
- Interpret content, RC, and PSY5 scales
- Interpret supplementary scales
What do validity scales mean broadly
Did the client:
Understand instructions
Their phenomenological approach to self and world
Info on accuracy of self report
Extension of distortions
Allow confidence in the clinical scales
Cannot say
Unanswered items
Reasons for cannot say elevation
Lack of cooperation and defensiveness
Lack of insight
Obsessiveness
Confusion
Reading difficulties
Effects of elevated cannot say on profile
Deflated score
Depends on where the missing items were
Cannot say clinical significance marks
0 means no concerns
0-10 means it is probably valid, but still check where the items were missing
11-29 means some scales may be invalid
More than 30 means it is invalid
VRIN
Variable response inconsistency
Detects random responding
VRIN clinical significance marks
Greater than 80 is invalid
Less than 40 could indicate hypervigilance
TRIN
True response inconsistency
Detects fixed responding (yes sayers no sayers)
TRIN marks
Greater than 80 is invalid
F
Infrequency
Detects over reporting and answering in the rare direction
F marks
60-80 is likely valid, levels of distress common in clinical settings
80-100 possible exaggeration of symptoms
Greater than 100 is random, severe psychopathology or faking bad
Greater than 110 is invalid
Reasons for F elevation
Intentional over reporting
Random responding
Severe psychopathology
Unintentional over reporting
What to do if F is elevated
Use VRIN and TRIN to determine random responding
Use FP to determine intentional over reporting
FB
F-back
Detects changes in responding between first and second half of the test
FB marks
Greater than 110 is invalid
Greater than 80 means interpret with caution
Reasons for FB elevation
Intentional over reporting
Random responding
Fixed responding
Severe psychopathology or distress
Unintentional over reporting
Fatigue
FP
Psychopathology
Detects intentional over reporting in individuals with psychopathology
FP marks
Greater than 100 AND VRIN/TRIN less than 70 means intentional over reporting
70-100 means interpret with caution
Greater than 100 means invalid (likely random or faking bad)
Reasons for FP elevation
Intentional over reporting
Random responding
Fixed responding
FBS
Fake bad scale
Detects malingering if distress in personal injury cases
L
Lie
Detects intentional under reporting
L marks
Greater than 80 is invalid
Reasons for L elevation
Intentional under reporting
Lack of insight
Very traditional
Indiscriminant “false” responding
K
Correlation
Detects unintentional under reporting
K marks
55-70 are within normal limits in individuals with high education level
Greater than 55 in individuals with medium education level this may be more of a defensive measure
Reasons for K elevation
Defensiveness
Psychological well being
Lack of insight
S
Superlative self presentation
Designed to detect under reporting, levels of defensiveness
Looks at virtue claiming or problem denying
S marks
Greater than 70 use caution when interpreting clinical patients
Greater than 75 use caution with non clinical patients
