When are MMPI-2 Test Results Considered "Outdated" For Use in a Child Custody Case?

• NCJ Number: 239111
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2012 Pages: 48-56
• Author(s): Elizabeth M. Ellis, Ph.D.
• Date Published: February 2012
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This research examines the issue of outdated tests results in a child custody hearing.

Abstract

The author opens with a case study in which a child custody evaluator's report was found by a State licensing board to "fall below the minimum standard" because she reviewed and relied upon MMPI-2 results that were 11 months old and thus "outdated." The author reviews the extant literature on American Psychological Association ethics guidelines on what constitutes outdated test results. Finding no standard, the author reviews survey results on what constitutes common practice among forensic evaluators as to when litigants should be retested with the MMPI-2. Finding no standard and no consistent practice, the author proposes a decision tree for retesting with the MMPI-2. (Published Abstract)