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Investigating the M-FAST: psychometric properties and utility to detect diagnostic specific malingering.

Guy LS, Kwartner PP, Miller HA

Department of Psychology and Philosophy, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, 77341‐2447, U.S.A.

This study examined the ability of the M-FAST to differentiate a group of undergraduate students simulating one of four DSM-IV diagnoses (n = 190; schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder) and a clinical comparison sample drawn from previous M-FAST studies comprising individuals with the same diagnosis (n = 142). Across all diagnostic conditions, the simulators obtained higher M-FAST total scores than the clinical comparisons, and the rare combinations scale was equal or superior to the total score at differentiating the groups. The M-FAST was most efficient at distinguishing feigned from bona fide schizophrenia. Although the internal consistency of the total score was high (alpha = 0.88), inter-item correlations were lower than values reported in previous research. Lastly, given the importance of base rate considerations in the evaluation of diagnostic instruments, it was notable that the M-FAST was able to identify malingerers even at relatively low base rates. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Published 3 October 2006 in Behav Sci Law, 24(5): 687-702.
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