FBS (Symptom Validity) Scale Added to MMPI-2™ Standard Scoring Materials

Scale helps identify non-credible symptom reporting

January 11, 2007, MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The University of Minnesota Press and Pearson Assessments announced the addition of the FBS (Symptom Validity) Scale to the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2™ standard scoring materials. The MMPI-2 test now includes nine well-researched validity scales, more than any other psychopathology inventory. Introduced in 1991 by Lees-Haley, English, and Glenn, the scale is widely used in neuropsychological assessments and is supported by a substantial body of research. (A reference list can be viewed at http://www.PearsonAssessments.com/resources/fbs.htm.)

The University of Minnesota Press, publisher of the MMPI-2 test, sought input from a group of eight experts on the advisability of adding the FBS to the standard MMPI-2 test materials. A strong majority of these experts concluded that empirical research has established the utility of the scale in identifying potentially exaggerated claims of disability, primarily in the context of forensic neuropsychological evaluations.

“The FBS catches more subtle forms of non-credible symptom reporting,” said neuropsychologist Paul Lees-Haley, PhD, ABPP, co-developer of the scale. “For example, the FBS can be helpful in cases where someone with a mild or non-existent brain injury is trying to appear seriously dysfunctional or disabled but not psychotic.”

Some researchers, such as neuropsychologist Glenn Larrabee, PhD, ABPP, are finding the FBS useful for identifying when individuals exaggerate physical symptoms. “The FBS is useful as one other way of looking at validity on the MMPI-2, particularly in neuropsychological situations that have a forensic component – it tends to be sensitive to the exaggeration of injury or illness,” said Larrabee.

Current research indicates that the FBS false positive rate is consistent with other standard MMPI-2 validity scores when the FBS score is above a raw score of 28, the level at which very significant concerns should be raised. >>More details

The addition of the FBS represents one of a number of updates to the MMPI-2 and MMPI-A™ tests, including:

• MMPI-A Manual Supplement covering recent additions to the test
• Revised MMPI-A Adolescent Interpretive System, expected to be released in summer 2007
• MMPI-2-RF (Restructured Form), expected to be released in fall 2007

Customers who wish to obtain FBS scores on their MMPI-2 Extended Score Reports and who use Q Local™ scoring software can request a no-charge update CD from Pearson Assessments by calling (800) 627-7271 or download the update.

Customers who use hand-scoring can order new hand-scoring materials or call (800) 627-7271.

About Pearson's Assessment group

Pearson Assessments, exclusive distributor of the MMPI-2 test in the United States, provides assessment instruments and data capture tools and technologies for use in education, health care and business settings. Backed by nearly a half century of knowledge and expertise, Pearson Assessments -- integrating Pearson NCS and the assessment division of AGS Publishing with the original Pearson Assessments business -- offers products and services to deliver the accurate, reliable and usable information that professionals seek. Pearson Assessments is a business of Pearson Education, the world’s largest integrated education company, which in turn is part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the international media company. Pearson’s other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

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