The Utility of the MCMI-III in Child Custody Evaluations: The Impact of Clinical Norms

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to examine the utility of the MCMI-III in forensic child custody cases. There is debate in the psychological assessment field regarding the use of the MCMI-III with nonpatient samples. Over the years, the MCMI-III Test Manual has changed its position on the issue going from a statement in which it would not be uncommon to find the results “null” because of the high levels of positive impression management to cautioning the psychologist to be aware of the aforementioned concerns. The current study utilizes 113 forensic child custody MCMI-IIIs. The protocols were examined and a review of the interpretive issues of high scores was conducted. The current study found highly elevated Base rate scores on Validity Scale Y, and on Clinical Personality Pattern Scales 4, 5, and 7. The article concludes with six clear recommendations to psychologists that choose to use the MCMI-III in child custody evaluations.