The Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST): Another Examination of Concurrent Validity

The Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST) is a screening instrument for detecting potential feigning. Many non-simulation designs examining the M-FAST total score relied upon the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS) to establish feigning groups. The goal of the present study was to examine the operating characteristics of the M-FAST total score using a method with observed predictive capacities other than the SIRS to create study groups. The participants in this study consisted of examinees who were evaluated for inclusion in a post-arrest diversion program. The Negative Impression Management (NIM) scale from the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) was used to identify possible feigners and genuine respondents. A total of 53 examinees were included in the analyses. The M-FAST total score was found to have an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87 in identifying the study groups. A range of M-FAST total score cut-offs had adequate operating characteristics. These results provide additional support for the validity of the M-FAST total score. However, this study is not without limitations (e.g., small sample size), and therefore, additional research is warranted.