Effects of Distraction on Performance Validity: A Pilot Study with Veterans

Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2019 Nov 27;34(8):1432-1437. doi: 10.1093/arclin/acz014.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this experimental pilot study was to evaluate whether distraction can affect results of performance validity testing.

Method: Thirty-three veterans who have served in the US military since 09/11/2001 (Mage = 38.60, SD = 10.85 years) completed the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM), Trail Making Test, and Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT). Subjects were randomly assigned to complete the MSVT in one of three experimental conditions: standard administration, while performing serial 2 s (Cognitive Distraction), and while submerging a hand in ice water (Physical Distraction).

Results: All participants included in primary analyses passed the TOMM (n = 30). Physical distraction did not affect performance on the MSVT. Cognitive distraction negatively affected MSVT performance.

Conclusions: Cognitive distraction can substantially affect MSVT performance in a subgroup of individuals. Physical distraction did not significantly affect MSVT performance.

Keywords: Distraction; MSVT; Performance validity; Veteran.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Afghan Campaign 2001-
  • Cold Temperature
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Malingering / diagnosis
  • Malingering / psychology
  • Neuropsychological Tests / standards*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychomotor Performance*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Trail Making Test
  • Veterans / psychology*