MMPI-2 profiles of NGRI and civil patients

Criminal responsibility: Meta-analysis and study space

While some correlates of criminal responsibility (CR) outcomes are consistent, others are not. Study-level characteristics, such as sample selection, variability in the operational definition of insanity, or other unknown influences may explain discrepant findings. It is critical to systematically consolidate and assess the literature in order to guide future work. We conducted the first meta-analysis and study space analysis (see Malpass et al., ) in this area. 15 studies met inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis, which encompassed 19,500 cases. Summary effects for psycholegal cases indicated that older age, female sex, educational attainment, and unemployment were associated with insanity. Those classified insane more often had psychiatric histories and psychotic disorders. Finally, individuals opined or found insane were less likely to have criminal histories but more likely to have been opined incompetent to stand trial in the past. Importantly, virtually all summary effects were impacted by study design. Study space analyses (N = 7) revealed a dearth of literature that thoroughly addressed theoretically important variables. Taken together, the project provides a comprehensive, empirical analysis of CR correlates and a systematic call for future research.

Detection of feigned mental disorders: a meta-analysis of the MMPI-2 and malingering

The validity of test data from multiscale inventories is dependent on self-reports that may be easily distorted by malingering. In examining the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2's (MMPI-2) role in the assessment of feigning, this review provides a conceptual analysis of the detection strategies underlying the MMPI-2 validity scales. The conceptual analysis is augmented by comprehensive meta-analysis of 65 MMPI-2 feigning studies plus 11 MMPI-2 diagnostic studies. For the rare-symptoms strategy, Fp (Cohen's d = 2.02) appears especially effective across diagnostic groups; its cut scores evidence greater consistency than most validity indicators. The data supported the F as an effective scale but questioned the routine use of Fb. Among the specialized scales, Ds appeared especially useful because of its sophisticated strategy, consistent cut score, and minimalfalse-positives. General guidelines are offeredfor specific MMPI-2 validity scales in the assessment of malingering with specific diagnoses.