Taxometric analysis of impression management and self-deception on the MMPI-2 in child-custody litigants

The typology of impression management (IM), a deliberate attempt to create a positive social image, and self-deceptive positivity (SDP), an unintentio nal concealment of symptoms, were examined using taxometric procedures with MMPI-2 (Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989) underreport ing scales in several custody-litigant samples. IM was identified as a taxo n using several procedures and estimates of the base rate that were consist ent (.40,.37,.31,.36,.37). SDP was better characterized as a dimensional co nstruct. Means and estimated validities for MMPI-2 underreporting scales in this sample are reported. IM and SDP appear to be distinct and measurable underreporting constructs on the MMPI-2.