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Dissertation
Performance contrast analysis in the detection of malingering
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
Aug 1996
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00007996
Abstract
Malingering is a conscious attempt to falsely represent or exaggerate the presence of physical or psychological symptoms for financial or other compensation. Malingering is extremely common among patients referred for evaluation of mild traumatic brain injury, estimates range from 33 to 60 percent of all patients complaining of persistent postconcussive symptoms. One aspect of malingering that has not been systematically examined is the tendency of malingering patients to produce patterns of symptoms and test performances that are discrepant from known patterns of illness. The following study examined an empirical method for summarizing such discrepancies called, Performance Contrast Analysis. The procedure uses multiple regression analyses to generate expected patterns of performance derived from premorbid status and interrelationships of subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Revised, a common clinical neuropsychological test used to examine traumatic brain injury. The derived expected scores for four groups of subjects were compared: Nonmalingering Uninjured, Malingering Uninjured, Injured in Litigation and Injured not in Litigation. It was hypothesized that the Malingering Uninjured and Injured in Litigation groups would show the greatest discrepancy scores. Results were consistent with hypotheses for the contrast based upon WAIS-R subtests: the Uninjured Malingering group had the greatest discrepancy, followed by the Injured in Litigation. The Injured not in Litigation group was similar to the Nonmalingering Uninjured subjects. The formula based on premorbid status was also statistically significant but not as discriminating as the subtest contrast. These results clearly suggest that malingering subjects are much more likely to violate known patterns of relationships embodied in the WAIS-R subtests. Performance Contrast Analysis based upon these subtests should serve as a unique clinical tool in the detection of malingering.
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Details
- Title
- Performance contrast analysis in the detection of malingering
- Creators
- Lanie Y. Zigler
- Contributors
- J. Michael Williams (Advisor) - Drexel University, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences (1996-1998)
- Awarding Institution
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- iv, 111 pages, 4 unnumbered pages of plates
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences (1996-1998); Clinical and Health Psychology [Historical]; School of Health Professions (1996-1998)
- Other Identifier
- 991021888844404721