The ability of naive participants to report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Burges C.1; McMillan T. M.2
Source: British Journal of Clinical Psychology, Volume 40, Number 2, June 2001 , pp. 209-214(6)
Publisher: British Psychological Society
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Abstract:
Objective: Research suggests that naive participants can simulate PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) using a symptom checklist. Is successful faking of DSM-IV criteria B-D on PTSD checklists due to prior knowledge of PTSD, the leading nature of symptom checklists, or a combination? Design: Between-groups design. Method: Naïve participants self-generated PTSD symptoms from a vignette. They were then randomly assigned to groups given a standard symptom checklist or a checklist containing bogus items not normally associated with PTSD. Results: Less than 1% self-generated symptoms that met DSM-IV criteria B-D for PTSD. It was found that 94% of participants satisfied these criteria using the standard checklist and 90% on the modified checklist. Participants incorrectly identified 38% of bogus symptoms as symptoms of PTSD. Conclusions: Despite poor prior knowledge of PTSD, 94% of participants fulfilled diagnostic criteria using a standard checklist. This is probably due to symptom 'guessing'.Language: English
Document Type: Research article
Affiliations: 1: Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, UK 2: Department of Psychology, University of Surrey and Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Glasgow, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow, UK
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