The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-IV (MCMI-IV) and Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory-II (MACI-II) in Legal Settings.

The MCMI-IV and MACI-II are the most recent iterations of the primary Millon clinical inventories and have become well-established instruments over the course of multiple editions. The MCMI, in particular in its prior editions, and to a lesser extent, the original MACI, have joined the canon of commonly-used psychological instruments in several forensic settings, though they have been met with significant controversy. This controversy is due in large part to complicated and sometimes questionable psychometric and normative referencing qualities that evaluators may find difficult to defend in a court setting. On balance, the instruments, unlike many others, are also supported by a rich though often less-than-understood theoretical backbone which lends depth and explanatory power, but which also can further complicate addressing psycho-legal questions. The authors, representing a mixed perspective on the inventories, generally conclude that while the MCMI-IV and MACI-II rely on a rich theoretical framework, the peer-reviewed literature is virtually non-existent, the need to rely on their predecessor instruments' research literatures are limiting, and the modifying indices have questionable utility in the detecting of response bias. In addition, the normative data and underreporting response styles in family court evaluations cause problems for the MCMI-IV's use in such contexts.

Por que regulamentar o uso e acesso aos Testes Psicológicos? / Why regulate the use of and access to Psychological Tests? / ¿Por qué regular el uso y el acceso a las pruebas psicológicas?

A regulamentação da avaliação psicológica, e mais especificamente dos testes psicológicos, é motivo de preocupação e debate no cenário nacional há várias décadas. O objetivo deste artigo foi ponderar e problematizar sobre a possível ausência de regulamentação no que diz respeito ao uso e comercialização dos testes psicológicos e suas consequências para os indivíduos, sociedade e resultado da avaliação psicológica. Para isso o artigo traz um breve histórico da avaliação psicológica no Brasil, perpassando pela construção e estruturação do sistema de avaliação de testes psicológicos (Satepsi), o julgamento da Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade (ADI) 3481 pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal, e ponderando acerca da necessidade, razoabilidade e adequação da regulamentação do uso e acesso aos testes psicológicos. Os autores concluem que a restrição de acesso aos testes psicológicos não possui potencial lesivo para os indivíduos, sociedade ou instrumento psicológico, mas seu acesso ou comercialização indiscriminada sim. (AU)

The regulation of psychological assessments, and more specifically of psychological tests, has been a matter of concern and debate in the national context for several decades. The aim of this article was to consider and discuss the possible lack of regulation regarding the use and commercialization of psychological tests and the consequences for individuals, society and the results of the psychological assessment. For this, the article provides a brief history of psychological assessment in Brazil, passing through the construction and structuring of the psychological test assessment system (Satepsi), the judgment of the Direct Action of Unconstitutionality (ADI) 3481 by the Supreme Court, and considering the need, reasonableness and adequacy of regulation of the use of and access to psychological tests. The authors conclude that the restriction of access to psychological tests is not potentially harmful for individuals, society or psychological instrument, however, open access or indiscriminate commercialization could be. (AU)

La regulación de la evaluación psicológica y, más específicamente, de los tests psicológicos, ha sido un tema de preocupación y debate en el escenario nacional durante varias décadas. El objetivo de este artículo fue considerar y discutir la posible falta de regulación sobre el uso y comercialización de tests psicológicos y sus consecuencias para los individuos, la sociedad y resultado de la evaluación psicológica. Para ello, el artículo brinda una breve historia de la evaluación psicológica en Brasil, pasando por la construcción y estructuración del sistema de evaluación de tests psicológicos (Satepsi), la sentencia de Acción Directa de Inconstitucionalidad (ADI) 3481 del Supremo Tribunal Federal, y ​​considerando la necesidad, razonabilidad y adecuación de la regulación del uso y acceso a los tests psicológicos. Los autores concluyen que la restricción del acceso a los tests psicológicos no tiene potencial dañoso para los individuos, la sociedad o el instrumento psicológico, pero sí su acceso o comercialización indiscriminada. (AU)

Differences in treatment adherence, program completion, and recidivism among batterer subtypes / Diferencias en la adherencia al tratamiento, finalización del programa y recaídas entre subtipos de maltratadores

The present study aimed to cross-validate Holtzworth-Munroe and Stuart’s typology in a Spanish sample of court-referred intimate partner violence batterers. The study also analyzed the typology’s capability to predict treatment attendance, completion, and IPV recidivism two years after the treatment. The sample consisted of 210 batterers court referred to a batterer intervention program. Using cluster analysis, three batterer subtypes were identified in accordance with the original typology: family-only batterers, borderline/dysphoric, and generally violent-antisocial. The typology predicted program attendance, completion, and recidivism. Batterers from the generally violent-antisocial group attended a significantly lower number of sessions, presented the highest dropout levels, and had the highest recidivism rate followed by borderline/dysphoric and family-only batterers. These findings suggest that in order to increase the effectiveness of batterer intervention programs, batterers’ different needs and risk profiles should be taken into account (AU)

Este estudio tiene por objeto la validación cruzada de la tipología de Holtzworth-Munroe y Stuart en una muestra española de maltratadores de pareja remitidos por el tribunal. También analiza la capacidad de la tipología de predecir la asistencia al tratamiento, su finalización y las recaídas a los dos años del tratamiento. La muestra constaba de 210 maltratadores derivados por un tribunal a un programa de intervención. Mediante un análisis de clústers se descubrieron tres subtipos de maltratadores, según la tipología original: maltratadores familiares únicamente, límites/disfóricos y generalmente violentos-antisociales. La tipología predijo la asistencia al programa, su finalización y las recaídas. Los maltratadores del grupo generalmente violento-antisocial asistieron a un número de sesiones significativamente menor, mostraban el mayor grado de abandono y el mayor índice de recaídas, seguidos del grupo de límites/disfóricos y de los maltratadores familiares únicamente. Dichos resultados indican que para aumentar la eficacia de los programas de intervención con maltratadores hay que tener en consideración sus diferentes necesidades y los perfiles de riesgo (AU)

Structured behavioral interview as a legal guarantee for ensuring equal employment opportunities for women: a meta-analysis / La entrevista conductual estructurada como garantía legal que asegura la igualdad de oportunidades laborales para la mujer: meta-análisis

Equal employment opportunities for women are a legal requirement in many legal environments, including the United States (US) and European Union (EU) legislations. In this context, indirect discrimination in the access to jobs is an illegal practice. For this reason, personnel selection procedures must be fair for protected-by-law groups. Specifically, gender discrimination is the focus of research on employment interviews. This article presents a meta-analysis of gender differences in the scores in structured behavioral interviews (SBI). A database was created consisting of studies conducted with real candidates and employees. Psychometric meta-analysis methods were applied. The results showed that the SBI is fair for women and men and does not show evidence of adverse impact and indirect discrimination. Implications for the practice of personnel selection are discussed and future research is suggested (AU)

La igualdad de oportunidades laborales para la mujer es un requisito legal en muchos marcos legales, como la legislación de Estados Unidos o de la Unión Europea. En este contexto, la discriminación indirecta en el acceso al trabajo es una práctica ilegal. Este es el motivo por el que los procedimientos de selección de personal deben ser justos para los grupos protegidos por ley. En concreto, la discriminación de género es el centro de investigación en las entrevistas de empleo. Este artículo presenta un metaanálisis de las diferencias de género en las puntuaciones de las entrevistas conductuales estructuradas (ECE). Se elaboró una base de datos compuesta de estudios realizados con aspirantes y empleados reales, aplicándose métodos metaanalíticos psicométricos. Los resultados indican que la ECE es justa para mujeres y hombres, no habiendo señales de efectos negativos ni de discriminación indirecta. Se comentan las consecuencias para la práctica en selección de personal, a la vez que se recomienda la necesidad de investigación futura (AU)

Feigned Adjudicative Incompetence.

Psychological assessments are highly dependent on the forthrightness and sincere efforts of examinees. In particular, evaluations in forensic settings must consider whether feigning or other response styles are utilized to intentionally distort the clinical presentation. The current study examines the effectiveness of the Inventory of Legal Knowledge (ILK) at detecting feigned incompetency within a sample of jail detainees. As an ancillary goal, several scales of the Standardized Assessment of Miranda Abilities were included in the same within-subjects simulation design. Results of the total ILK score raised concerns regarding the mischaracterization of genuine offenders as "suggestive of feigning." Pending cross-validation, however, a Revised ILK proved highly effective, using a floor effect detection strategy. Although intended for Miranda-specific abilities, several detection strategies on the Standardized Assessment of Miranda Abilities appeared to be very promising within a broadened context of feigned incompetency.

Cognitive status and profile validity on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) in offenders with serious mental illness.

Cognitive impairment among seriously mentally ill offenders has implications for legal matters (e.g., competency to stand trial), as well as clinical treatment and care. Thus, being able to identify potential cognitive concerns early in the adjudication process can be important when deciding on further interventions. In this study, we examined the validity scales of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), scores on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (WAIS-IV), and competency findings in male inmates (n=61) diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Lower scores on the WAIS-IV significantly (p=0.001) predicted invalid, versus valid, PAI profiles, with working memory impairment being the most significant (p=0.004) predictor of an invalid profile. Ancillary analyses on a smaller sample (n=18) indicate that those with invalid PAI profiles were more likely to be deemed legally incompetent (p=0.03). These findings suggest that the PAI validity scales may be informative in detecting cognitive concerns and help clinicians make determinations about competency restoration and treatment.

Valoración psicométrica de la simulación de síntomas psíquicos en el ámbito forense / Psychometric assessment of malingering psychical symptoms in the forensic context

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In search of a fast screening method for detecting the malingering of cognitive impairment

Forensic settings demand expedient and conclusive forensic psychological assessment. The aim of this study was to design a simple and fast, but reliable psychometric instrument for detecting the malingering of cognitive impairment. In a quasi-experimental design, 156 individuals were divided into three groups: a normal group with no cognitive impairment; a Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) group; and a group of informed malingerers with no MCI who feigned cognitive impairment. Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analysis of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM), and of several subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMSIII) revealed that the WMS-III was as reliable and accurate as the TOMM in discriminating malingerers from the honest. The results revealed that the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the WMS-III Auditory Recognition Delayed of Verbal Paired Associates subtest was similar to the TOMM in discriminating malingering from genuine memory impairment. In conclusion, the WMSIII Recognition of Verbal Paired Associates subtest and the TOMM provide a fast, valid and reliable screening method for detecting the malingering of cognitive impairment(AU)

En el contexto forense se le demanda al perito psicólogo una evaluación expeditiva y concluyente. Por ello, se planificó un estudio con el objetivo de diseñar una herramienta psicométrica simple, rápida y fiable para la detección de la simulación de deterioro cognitivo. Mediante un diseño cuasiexperimental, 156 individuos fueron divididos en tres grupos: un grupo normal de sujetos sin deterioro cognitivo; un grupo con Deterioro Cognitivo Leve (DCL); y un grupo de sujetos sanos simuladores de deterioro cognitivo. Análisis de la curva ROC del Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) y de varios subtests de la Wechsler Memory Scale-III (WMS-III) mostró que la WMS-III era tan fiable y exacta en la discriminación entre respuestas simuladas y honestas como el TOMM. Además, los resultados también revelaron que la exactitud diagnóstica, la sensibilidad y especificidad del subtest del WMS-III Reconocimiento de Parejas de Palabras eran similares al TOOM en la discriminación entre simuladores y casos verdaderos de deterioro cognitivo. En conclusión, el subtest del WMS-III de Reconocimiento de Parejas de Palabras y el TOMM conforman un método rápido, válido y fable para la detección de la simulación de deterioro cognitivo(AU)

[Psychiatric assessment in civil law questions]. / Psychiatrische Begutachtung bei zivilrechtlichen Fragestellungen.

Psychiatric reports in German civil law cases are required if questions are raised of legal capacity, capacity to express a testamentary will, ability to sue or be sued, capacity to marry, ability of mentally disordered patients to consent to treatment, and when custody or hospital orders of these patients is considered or compensation is due for mental disorders resulting from accidents. Many reports must decide whether the ability to decide using sound reason or motives is or was impaired by a mental disorder. This capability is attributed to every adult person; only if incapability is claimed must it be proven by psychiatric assessment. As in most psychiatric court reports, such assessments must be structured in several steps. First a clinical diagnosis has to be established which must then be translated into legal terminology. After this has been accomplished, the psychiatrist must describe the functional impairments caused by the disorder and define the probability with which these impairments might affect the legal act in question. Most reports are prepared in the context of custody law, which centers on helping those patients who, due to a mental disorder, cannot manage their own legal matters.

International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS): appropriate for studies of Friedreich's ataxia?

Clinicians require scientifically rigorous, clinically meaningful rating scales to evaluate the health impact of disease and treatment that cannot be measured using conventional laboratory instruments. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), a commonly used clinician-rated measure, in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA). People with confirmed FRDA were assessed by using the ICARS. Two assumptions of its measurement model were tested: the legitimacy of reporting ICARS scores in FRDA, and the acceptability, reliability, and validity of total and subscale scores. Seventy-seven people with FRDA were assessed. The ICARS total score effectively satisfied all psychometric criteria tested. The posture and gait disturbances subscale also performed well. The other three subscales did not pass standard criteria for tests of scaling assumptions, reliability, and validity. This small study recommends only the use of the ICARS total score as a measure of FRDA. However, the extent to which this score quantifies the true extent of FRDA remains uncertain as our validity testing was limited, partly by the lack of appropriate validating measures. Further validity testing, and examination of responsiveness, is required before the ICARS can be recommended as an outcome measure for treatment trials of FDRA.

Plan moderno de asistencia a los alienados (1926)

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A hybrid decision framework for evaluating psychometric evidence.

The United States Supreme Court in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals (1993) directed federal trial judges to preliminarily evaluate the scientific bases of proffered expert evidence. This article presents a decision flowchart for evaluating psychometric data, and attempts to operationalize existing evidentiary standards in hybrid (part science/part law) terms. The resulting framework should better assist courts and forensic experts to understand, evaluate, and apply scientific reasoning in determining the admissibility and probative value of psychometric evidence.