Forensic Applications of the MMPI-2-RF

A Case Book

2018
Authors:

Martin Sellbom and Dustin B. Wygant

An illustrative guide for using the MMPI-2-RF in forensic assessment

A primary aim of this text is to inform readers of the most common forensic applications of the instrument and, in doing so, provide a brief overview of the various psycho-legal issues addressed. Each type of forensic psychological evaluation considers challenges both general and unique, including the impact such challenges have on the use of the MMPI-2-RF in these contexts.

The MMPI-2-RF brings many important advancements for use in the forensic specialty of psychology. To date, however, what has been lacking is how to apply these advances in a way that is responsive to the legal questions posed to the forensic psychologist. This book fills that gap. It has been carefully structured to provide both a general model of data interpretation and specific examples of how to use these data to deal with specific forensic cases. It is a significant advancement in the literature of forensic psychological assessment.

Daniel L. Davis, Ph.D., ABPP, Board Certified Forensic Psychologist

A primary aim of this text is to inform readers of the most common forensic applications of the instrument and, in doing so, provide a brief overview of the various psycho-legal issues addressed. Each type of forensic psychological evaluation considers challenges both general (e.g., the potential for response bias) and unique (e.g., retrospective assessment in criminal responsibility evaluations), including the impact such challenges have on the use of the MMPI-2-RF in these contexts.

The major focus of the book is on MMPI-2-RF interpretation developed through specific case analyses involving the most common psycho-legal questions. Each chapter includes a case study with a full MMPI-2-RF profile illustrating the interpretation and integration of test data into clinical and diagnostic impressions and generating forensic opinions.

Martin Sellbom, PhD, is associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Dr. Sellbom is associate editor for Psychological Assessment, Journal of Personality Disorders, Journal of Personality Assessment, and International Journal of Forensic Mental Health. Dr. Sellbom has extensive clinical experience in forensic psychological assessment and teaches professional workshops and webinars on the use of the MMPI-2-RF in forensic settings.

Dustin B. Wygant, PhD, is associate professor of psychology at Eastern Kentucky University and currently serves as the director of clinical training for the doctoral program in clinical psychology. He regularly teaches professional workshops and webinars in the area of MMPI assessment, forensic assessment, and substance abuse. Dr. Wygant maintains an active forensic consultation practice and routinely completes forensic psychological evaluations in criminal and civil cases.

The MMPI-2-RF brings many important advancements for use in the forensic specialty of psychology. To date, however, what has been lacking is how to apply these advances in a way that is responsive to the legal questions posed to the forensic psychologist. This book fills that gap. It has been carefully structured to provide both a general model of data interpretation and specific examples of how to use these data to deal with specific forensic cases. It is a significant advancement in the literature of forensic psychological assessment.

Daniel L. Davis, Ph.D., ABPP, Board Certified Forensic Psychologist

Contents


List of Tables


List of Figures


Foreword


Preface


Acknowledgments


PART I: Introduction and Broader Considerations for Use of the MMPI-2-RF in
Forensic Contexts

Chapter 1 Introduction to the MMPI-2-RF


Chapter 2 General Considerations for Using the MMPI-2-RF in Forensic Evaluations


Chapter 3 Assessment of Malingering and Defensiveness with the MMPI-2-RF

PART II: Criminal Forensic Applications of the MMPI-2-RF

Chapter 4 Competency to Stand Trial


Chapter 5 Criminal Responsibility


Chapter 6 Violence Risk Assessment


Chapter 7 Sex Offender Risk Assessment


Chapter 8 Mitigation in Sentencing


PART III: Civil Forensic Applications of the MMPI-2-RF

Chapter 9 Child Custody


Chapter 10 Parental Fitness


Chapter 11 Personal Injury and Disability Determination

Chapter 12 Closing Remarks about the Forensic Use of the MMPI-2-RF


References

Index

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