MMPI2 Validity Scales

Question 1

Interpretation order

Answer 1

1. Review and interpret validity scales (aka test taking attitude)
2. Interpret code types using clinical scales
3. Interpret clinical scales
4. Interpret content, RC, and PSY5 scales
5. Interpret supplementary scales

Question 2

What do validity scales mean broadly

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Cannot say

Answer 3

Unanswered items

Question 4

Reasons for cannot say elevation

Answer 4

Lack of cooperation and defensiveness
Lack of insight
Obsessiveness
Confusion
Reading difficulties

Question 5

Effects of elevated cannot say on profile

Answer 5

Deflated score
Depends on where the missing items were

Question 6

Cannot say clinical significance marks

Answer 6

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

Question 7

VRIN

Answer 7

Variable response inconsistency

Detects random responding

Question 8

VRIN clinical significance marks

Answer 8

Greater than 80 is invalid
Less than 40 could indicate hypervigilance

Question 9

TRIN

Answer 9

True response inconsistency

Detects fixed responding (yes sayers no sayers)

Question 10

TRIN marks

Answer 10

Greater than 80 is invalid

Question 11

F

Answer 11

Infrequency

Detects over reporting and answering in the rare direction

Question 12

F marks

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Reasons for F elevation

Answer 13

Intentional over reporting
Random responding
Severe psychopathology
Unintentional over reporting

Question 14

What to do if F is elevated

Answer 14

Use VRIN and TRIN to determine random responding
Use FP to determine intentional over reporting

Question 15

FB

Answer 15

F-back

Detects changes in responding between first and second half of the test

Question 16

FB marks

Answer 16

Greater than 110 is invalid
Greater than 80 means interpret with caution

Question 17

Reasons for FB elevation

Answer 17

Intentional over reporting
Random responding
Fixed responding
Severe psychopathology or distress
Unintentional over reporting
Fatigue

Question 18

FP

Answer 18

Psychopathology

Detects intentional over reporting in individuals with psychopathology

Question 19

FP marks

Answer 19

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)

Question 20

Reasons for FP elevation

Answer 20

Intentional over reporting
Random responding
Fixed responding

Question 21

FBS

Answer 21

Fake bad scale

Detects malingering if distress in personal injury cases

Question 22

L

Answer 22

Lie

Detects intentional under reporting

Question 23

L marks

Answer 23

Greater than 80 is invalid

Question 24

Reasons for L elevation

Answer 24

Intentional under reporting
Lack of insight
Very traditional
Indiscriminant “false” responding

Question 25

K

Answer 25

Correlation

Detects unintentional under reporting

Question 26

K marks

Answer 26

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

Question 27

Reasons for K elevation

Answer 27

Defensiveness
Psychological well being
Lack of insight

Question 28

S

Answer 28

Superlative self presentation

Designed to detect under reporting, levels of defensiveness

Looks at virtue claiming or problem denying

Question 29

S marks

Answer 29

Greater than 70 use caution when interpreting clinical patients

Greater than 75 use caution with non clinical patients