NCJ Number
211344
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 32 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2005 Pages: 511-525
Date Published
October 2005
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined malingering literature for factor analytic research across an array of measures to gain a broader perspective on detection strategies and their underlying dimensions.
Abstract
The first systematic review of detection strategies for the classification of malingering was conducted in 1984 and was derived largely from case studies augmented by psychometric research, especial with the Minnesota Multiphase Personality Inventory (MMPI). To gain a broad perspective on detection strategies and their underlying dimensions, malingering literature was examined for factor analytic research across an array of measures. However, research was limited to two measures, the MMPI-2 and the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS). The attempt was to examine, more fully, the factor structure of the SIRS. Additionally, the study explored the potential use of SIRS items currently unassigned to SIRS scales. The interest was to determine whether these SIRS items represented untapped dimensions. The datasets included: the Rogers (1992) original data and clinical data for three additional samples gathered from correctional-mental health and forensic settings. The investigation provides strong support for a two-dimensional model of detection strategies for pretending. The two-factor model appears to be especially strong in its cross-validation across diverse clinical and forensic settings. Summarized, this study established a cross-validated two meaningful dimensions of SIRS detection strategies for contrived mental disorders. The usefulness of unassigned SIRS items for assessing bizarre symptoms and atypical somatic complaints warrants additional investigation. Tables, references