Abstract
Objective
In addition to the standard validity scales, the MMPI-2-RF Somatic/Cognitive Scales (SCS) are associated with symptom validity in veteran and epilepsy samples. The Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) is a self-report questionnaire with an embedded symptom validity index (Validity-10) developed by examining endorsement on atypical neurological items. The current study examined relationships among symptom validity and SCS in a physical medicine and rehabilitation sample.
Method
Participants underwent outpatient evaluation with the MMPI-2-RF and NSI among other measures. Cases with invalid MMPI-2-RF (TRIN or VRIN>79; Cannot Say>14) were excluded (n = 5). The sample (N = 120) was 43% female and 96% white with average age and education of 41 (SD = 13) and 14 (SD = 2) years, respectively. A linear regression model was examined with Valdity-10 as outcome and SCS as predictors. Participants were grouped by Validity-10 cutoff (>18). SCS were examined with receiver operating characteristic analysis and compared to the MMPI-2-RF Symptom Validity Scale (FBS).
Results
A regression model predicting Validity-10 was significant (p < .001; R-squared = .51). Gastrointestinal complaints and neurologic complaints (NUC) scales made independent contributions with standardized beta-weights of .18 and .43, respectively. Twenty-seven percent of participants scored above cutoff on the Validity-10. NUC showed area under the curve (AUC) of .78 predicting Validity-10 status, which was not significantly different from the FBS AUC of .81. A NUC cutoff of 91 or higher showed 34% sensitivity and 93% specificity.
Conclusion
MMPI-2-RF SCS are associated with symptom validity as determined by the NSI Validity-10. In this rehabilitation sample, NUC was comparable to FBS in classifying participants grouped by symptom validity.