Continuing & Professional Studies, Palo Alto University

This self-paced training program on Personality Assessment in Forensic Evaluation using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, 2nd Edition, Restructured Form is presented by Martin Sellbom, PhD.

This introductory level course discusses the role of personality assessment in forensic psychological assessment, including the strengths as well as challenges in its use. In particular, this course introduces the 338-item version of the MMPI-2, the MMPI-2-RF to psychologists working in forensic settings. The MMPI-2-RF is used as the primary personality assessment instrument throughout (though others are referenced as well).

The rationale for and methods used to develop the MMPI-2-RF, the various materials available to score and interpret the test, psychometric functioning of its scales, and interpretive recommendations are covered. Moreover, a substantial portion of time is devoted to applications of personality assessment instruments in both criminal (e.g., competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, risk assessment) and civil (e.g., parental capacity, child custody) forensic evaluations. Furthermore, some topics of particular importance in forensic evaluations (e.g., malingering, assessment of psychopathy) from a personality assessment perspective are discussed in detail. The course also emphasizes discussion on how to defend MMPI-2-RF opinions in court for general purposes of use, with an emphasis on Daubert and Frye challenges. Finally, participants have an opportunity to practice the recommended strategy for MMPI-2-RF interpretation with forensic case examples. Case illustrations are derived from a variety of criminal and civil settings with ample opportunity for discussion.