The Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire: Operating characteristics in non-pain forensic samples

Abstract

The objective of the current archival study was to investigate the ability of the Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire (MSPQ) to discriminate between noncredible and credible neurocognitive dysfunction in a large mixed non-pain forensic sample comprised of personal injury litigants and disability claimants. Participants included 149 adults who underwent comprehensive neuropsychological examination. Criterion groups were formed, i.e., Credible Group (CG), or Noncredible Group (NCG) based upon their performance on stand-alone performance validity tests (PVT) including the Word Memory Test (WMT), and/or Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM), and Victoria Symptom Validity Test (VSVT). After excluding examinees with evidence of somatization participants in the NCG scored significantly higher on the MSPQ compared to participants in the CG. Scores on the MSPQ were not only related to cognitive performance validity but also amplified by the co-existence of somatization. There were no significant effects of gender, age, or race on MSPQ scores. We conclude that the MSPQ demonstrates external validity as a self-report measure of symptom validity that is sensitive to somatic and autonomic complaints in non-pain forensic samples. Future research is needed to develop MSPQ cutscores with external validity pertinent to other non-pain populations.

Keywords:

• Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire
• performance and symptom validity

Disclosure statement

The authors declare there was a fee for service for the 149 forensic referrals that came directly to first author (G.H.).