You may earn this many credits: 1.0
About the Program
Malingering is the fabrication or gross exaggeration of symptoms of physical or mental illness for the purpose of secondary gain (Rogers & Bender, 2013). This deceptive response style is important for clinicians to recognize in the context of assessment as it can impact the conclusions and recommendations made by the professional provider. Consideration of ethical issues involved in assessment of malingering is paramount, such as accurate identification and responsible use of the term as a descriptor of behavior. While it is essential for clinicians to remain aware of the potential for malingering, it is also important to recognize that this term can be pejorative and misused. As a result, the use of sufficient supporting data is vital in the assessment process. This presentation, led by two forensic psychologists, aims to introduce participants to the concept of malingering. Presenters will discuss various reasons an individual might be motivated to present in this manner as well as when malingering is relevant to consider during psychological assessments. Participants will learn about detection strategies that may be utilized and important clinical and ethical considerations related to the identification and documentation of malingering will be further discussed.
Objectives
1 - Describe the concept of malingering and explain how it differs from other terms used to describe fabricated and/or exaggerated pathology.
2 - Identify when to consider malingering and detection strategies that may be utilized.
3 - Describe the potential negative consequences that can result with misuse of the term malingering.
This session qualifies for 1 continuing education credit. You must attend the full program to receive continuing education credit.
This session is at the introductory level. It assumes post-doctoral education status and limited familiarity with topic.
The Minnesota Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Minnesota Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
If you need accommodations to make this event accessible, please notify the MPA office at (952) 928-4657 or info@mnpsych.org.
Handout - Intro to Malingering
(1.2 MB)
Handout: An Introduction to Malingering and the Assessment of a Deceptive Response Style |
Available after Purchase |
Brie Pileggi, Psy.D., LP, ABPP earned her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology (MSPP) at Argosy University. She is a licensed clinical forensic psychologist for Direct Care and Treatment – Forensic Services (DCT-FS) in St. Peter, Minnesota. Her work includes completing forensic evaluations in the areas of competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, civil commitment, and general and sexual violence risk assessment. Dr. Pileggi also provides supervision and is involved in coding and entering data to create a database for future research analysis. In addition, Dr. Pileggi is a board member at Solutions IRB, where she specializes in the areas of mental health, and correctional and international studies. She is also a Pearson Education Field Examiner, wherein she administers psychological assessments to assist with data collection for test standardization and norm development, and to update measures.
The speaker has indicated there are no conflicts of interest.
Jennifer L. Harrison, Ph.D., LP earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Forensics from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University. She is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist for Direct Care and Treatment – Forensic Services (DCT-FS) in St. Peter, Minnesota. As a forensic examiner, she specializes in forensic evaluations to include competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, civil commitment, and general and sexual violence risk assessment. Dr. Harrison also serves as a consultant with specialty in the delivery and implementation of a cognitive therapy known as Michael’s Game, a card game for the treatment of delusional ideas. She serves as adjunct faculty for CSPP at Alliant International University, as a primary reviewer with expertise in mental health and forensic psychology for Solutions IRB, and as a reviewer for forensically-related peer-reviewed journals.
The speaker has indicated there are no conflicts of interest.