Factors Differentiating Successful Versus Unsuccessful Malingerers

John F. Edens, Laura S. Guy, Randy K. Otto, Jacqueline K. Buffington, Tara L. Tomicic, Norman G. Poythress

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Relatively little is known about the processes in which “successful” malingerers engage to avoid detection. This study summarizes the response strategies used by participants (N = 540) instructed to feign a specific mental disorder while completing various self-report instruments designed to detect faking. Postexperiment questionnaires indicated that those who were able to appear symptomatic while avoiding being detected as feigning (n = 60) were more likely to endorse a lower rate of legitimate symptoms, to avoid overly unusual or bizarre items, and to base their responses on their own personal experiences.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Personality Assessment
Volume77
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2001

Disciplines

  • Health Law and Policy
  • Law
  • Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Mental and Social Health
  • Psychiatric and Mental Health
  • Health Services Research
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychiatry and Psychology

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