Diagnostic practices in determining malingered mental illness: A survey of psychological test usage by forensic psychologists

This study investigated the diagnostic practices of forensic psychologists in their use of specialized psychological tests for the detection of malingered mental illness.;A survey was distributed to forensic psychologists who were members of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 41 (Psychology-Law) section.;Data received from the respondents indicate that awareness of the problem of malingered mental illness is high in forensic psychology. However, many respondents self-reported infrequent use of some specialized psychological tests used to detect malingered mental illness. Respondents willing to use these specialized psychological tests included younger forensic psychologists, those with less experience in forensic psychology, those who were influenced by the current literature and research on malingered mental illness, and those who had participated in a Daubert evidentiary hearing. Even with specialized tests available, most forensic psychologists continue to endorse the use of the MMPI-2 as the instrument of choice when diagnosing or determining malingered mental illness.;A major legal ruling, Daubert v. Merrill Dow Pharmaceuticals (1993), changed the way that scientific information, especially psychological testing and evaluation, is considered for evidence in a legal proceeding. An overwhelming number of respondents admitted to knowledge of this ruling, and reported that the legal ruling impacted their practice of forensic psychology. Yet, many respondents continue to use clinical psychological methods for forensic purposes.