An Exploration of the Impact of Invalid MMPI–2 Protocols on Collateral Self-Report Measure Scores

Abstract

Although a number of studies have examined the impact of invalid MMPI-2 (Butcher et al., 2001) response styles on MMPI-2 scale scores, limited research has specifically explored the effects that such response styles might have on conjointly administered collateral self-report measures. This study explored the potential impact of 2 invalidating response styles detected by the Validity scales of the MMPI-2, overreporting and underreporting, on scores of collateral self-report measures administered conjointly with the MMPI-2. The final group of participants included in analyses was 1,112 college students from a Midwestern university who completed all measures as part of a larger study. Results of t-test analyses suggested that if either over- or underreporting was indicated by the MMPI-2 Validity scales, the scores of most conjointly administered collateral measures were also significantly impacted. Overall, it appeared that test-takers who were identified as either over- or underreporting relied on such a response style across measures. Limitations and suggestions for future study are discussed.

Associations Between MMPI-2-RF Validity Scale Scores and Extra-Test Measures of Personality and Psychopathology

“…In terms of MMPI-2 substantive scales, results mirrored those of previous coaching and simulation research, which has long established that scores on MMPI-2 substantive scales vary substantially as a function of validity scale scores. More important, with respect to the conjointly administered collateral measures, Forbey and Lee (2011) found 27 of 35 collateral measures’ total and/or subscale scores in the CBIR-OR group were significantly different from the WNL responders (with small to large median effect sizes), and 15 of 35 collateral total scale and/or subscale scores were significantly different in the CBIR-UR group when compared with the WNL responders (with medium to large median effect sizes). Overall, these results indicated that individuals who were identified as potentially engaging in CBIR-OR by the MMPI-2 Validity scales reported significantly higher levels of psychopathology on the MMPI-2 substantive scales and on conjointly administered collateral measures when compared with individuals with WNL validity scores.…”

“…Forbey and Lee (2011) attempted to further clarify the association between under- and over-reporting response styles scores on the MMPI-2 and conjointly administered measures of social, behavioral, and psychological difficulties. The authors used data provided by 1,112 undergraduates who took the MMPI-2 and a number of collateral measures together as part of a larger study.…”

Analysis of the Validity Scales in the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children

“…Across the two samples, underresponders reported significantly lower levels of recent exposure to violence. This might suggest this pattern of responding is consistent across instruments, a finding explored further in Forbey and Lee (2011). Data from these two samples indicated that underresponders scored significantly lower than valid responders on each of the TSCC subscales.…”

An Investigation of a Computerized Sequential Depression Module of the MMPI-2

“…The inclusion of the MMPI-2 validity scales is a unique and important feature of the proposed module. Forbey and Lee (2011) have documented the consistency of the overreporting test-taking approach across self-report measures among college students, yet the MMPI-2 is one of few measures used to assess overreporting. More specific to depression, empirical evidence has suggested that the MMPI-2 standard validity scales are able to distinguish between authentic severe depression (as assessed by the structured clinical interview) and depression feigned by mental health professionals (Bagby, Marshall, & Bacchiochi, 2005).…”