Moyer, D.M., Gordon, R.M., Ward, J.T. and Burkhardt, B.B. (2006) "Characteristics of Successful Fakers Versus Unsuccessful Fakers: Is Empathy, Intelligence, or Personality Associated with Faking PTSD on the MMPI-2?" Psychological Reports
Moyer, D.M., Gordon, R.M., Ward, J.T. and Burkhardt, B.B.
"Characteristics of Successful Fakers Versus Unsuccessful Fakers: Is Empathy, Intelligence, or Personality Associated with Faking PTSD on the MMPI-2?"
Psychological Reports
Abstract
Moyer, Burkhardt, and Gordon (2002) determined that some individuals could fake PTSD on the MMPI-2. In light of these results, a follow-up study was conducted to determine whether attributes such as empathy, intelligence, subjectivity or insightfulness influenced one’s ability to fake a PTSD profile on the MMPI-2. Subjects from the previous study were divided into two groups, successful fakers and unsuccessful fakers. Results indicated no significant differences between groups on the measures of empathy or intelligence. However, a significant difference was found between groups on the Schizophrenia and Cynicism scales and approaching significance on the Hypochondriasis scale. These results suggested that individuals able to fake PTSD are more insightful and less subjective which makes them better at role-playing.