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Detection of Feigned Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Comparison of the MMPI-2 and PAI

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The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) were compared for detecting feigned posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a simulation research design. Participants were 85 undergraduates in one of three groups: PTSDs (n = 23), Fakers (n = 31), and Controls (n = 31). As expected, both the MMPI-2 and PAI discriminated PTSDs and Controls, with PTSDs scoring significantly higher on fake-bad validity scales and PTSD-relevant clinical scales. However, only the MMPI-2 discriminated Fakers and PTSDs, with Fakers scoring significantly higher on all MMPI-2 scales considered, but on only one PAI scale. Further, in logistic regression analyses the MMPI-2 demonstrated higher overall correct classification of PTSDs and Fakers than did the PAI. Although the MMPI-2 outperformed the PAI in detecting feigned PTSD, a substantial proportion of Fakers avoided detection by MMPI-2 fake-bad validity scales, suggesting that both tests are vulnerable to feigning of PTSD by motivated respondents with relatively limited coaching.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Auburn University, 226 Thach Hall, AL, 36849, U.S.

    David E. Eakin, Frank W. Weathers, Trisha B. Benson, Christopher F. Anderson & Brandice Funderburk

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  1. David E. Eakin
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  2. Frank W. Weathers
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  3. Trisha B. Benson
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  4. Christopher F. Anderson
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  5. Brandice Funderburk
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Correspondence to Frank W. Weathers.

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Eakin, D.E., Weathers, F.W., Benson, T.B. et al. Detection of Feigned Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Comparison of the MMPI-2 and PAI. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 28, 145–155 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-005-9006-5

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