An Exploration of the Impact of Invalid MMPI–2 Protocols on Collateral Self-Report Measure Scores

Abstract

Although a number of studies have examined the impact of invalid MMPI–2 (Butcher et al., 2001) response styles on MMPI–2 scale scores, limited research has specifically explored the effects that such response styles might have on conjointly administered collateral self-report measures. This study explored the potential impact of 2 invalidating response styles detected by the Validity scales of the MMPI–2, overreporting and underreporting, on scores of collateral self-report measures administered conjointly with the MMPI–2. The final group of participants included in analyses was 1,112 college students from a Midwestern university who completed all measures as part of a larger study. Results of t-test analyses suggested that if either over- or underreporting was indicated by the MMPI–2 Validity scales, the scores of most conjointly administered collateral measures were also significantly impacted. Overall, it appeared that test-takers who were identified as either over- or underreporting relied on such a response style across measures. Limitations and suggestions for future study are discussed.

Acknowledgment

Portions of this article were presented at the Annual Symposium on Recent MMPI–2, MMPI–2–RF, MMPI–A Research in St. Petersburg Beach, FL in March 2010.