Examining the relationship between the reconstructed scales and the fake bad scale of the MMPI-2.

This study explores the relationship between the Reconstructed (RC) scales and the Fake Bad Scale (FBS) of the MMPI-2 in the context of a personal injury population to demonstrate which RC scales are susceptible to symptom exaggeration. The sample consisted of 76 compensation-seeking participants who were assessed for neurocognitive dysfunction. A multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the Reconstructed Scale T-scores with the FBS T-scores. Three of the nine RC scales (RC1, RC2, RC3) were significantly (p <. 05) associated with FBS, with RC7 demonstrating a strong trend (p =. 0526). These scale scores accounted for approximately 66% of the variation in the FBS score. The RC1 scale accounted for the most variation (R(2) =. 53). Results suggest that the RC scales are susceptible to exaggeration of somatic concerns and non-psychotic emotional distress.