Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 revised form Symptom Validity Scale-Revised (MMPI-2-RF FBS-r; also known as Fake Bad Scale): psychometric characteristics in a nonlitigation neuropsychological setting

J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2012;34(6):561-70. doi: 10.1080/13803395.2012.666228. Epub 2012 Mar 5.

Abstract

This study examined fundamental psychometric characteristics of the Symptom Validity Scale-Revised (FBS-r) in a nonforensic sample of 303 neuropsychological referrals. FBS-r had a reliability (internal consistency) of .747 and two higher order factoral dimensions (Somatic Complaints and Optimism/Virtue). FBS-r had a discordant factor structure: Optimism/Virtue (7 items) was negatively related to Somatic Complaints (21 items) and undercut FBS-r measurement consistency (reliability). FBS-r scores, which purportedly reflect symptom exaggeration, are affected by as much as 23 T-score points on test items that are negatively related to symptom reporting. These data suggest that the FBS-r produces ambiguous scores reflecting two underlying dimensions that warrant additional research.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • MMPI*
  • Male
  • Malingering / diagnosis*
  • Malingering / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results