Discussion 1 – Week 11 Malingering
“Malingering is diagnosed if the person is intentionally producing or grossly exaggerating physical symptoms and is motivated by external incentives such as avoiding work or obtaining financial compensation” (Butcher, et al., 2014). Unlike in clinical settings, forensic psychology professionals are more likely to face clients who malinger by faking true symptoms of a disorder. Therefore, it is imperative that a forensic psychology professional has a good understanding of malingering and its impact on secondary gains for the client in forensic settings. These secondary gains may be avoiding trial or being found not guilty by the courts due to insanity.
To prepare:
Review the articles “Screening for Malingering in a Criminal-Forensic Sample with the Personality Assessment Inventory” and “An Evaluation of Malingering Screens with Competency to Stand Trial Patients: A Known-Groups Comparison.” Consider the benefits of tools forensic psychology professionals use to identify criminal defendants that are malingerers.
Review the article “Clinical and Conceptual Problems in the Attribution of Malingering in Forensic Evaluations.” Think about some of the limitations of tools used to assess malingering.
Review the article “Therapy vs. Forensics: Irreconcilable Conflict Between Therapeutic and Forensic Roles of Mental Health Professionals.” Think about the differences in therapeutic and forensic psychology roles.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by Day 3 a brief summary of your understanding of malingering, and why you think criminal defendants might be inclined to malinger. Discuss the benefits and limitations of tools forensic psychology professionals use to determine if a criminal defendant is malingering. Finally, explain the major differences in the roles of therapeutic and forensic psychology.