SIRS-2 - Use and Admissibility in Forensic Mental Health Assessment (1 CE)

SPA E-Learning Center | JPA Legal Context Webinar Series

Abstract

Assessment of symptom feigning is paramount in forensic psychological and psychiatric assessment. The Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms, 2nd Edition (SIRS-2; Rogers et al., 2010) is a revised edition to the original SIRS (Rogers et al., Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS) and professional manual. Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc, 1992) and was developed to assess feigned psychiatric symptoms. The current paper reviews use of the SIRS-2 in forensic assessment, specifically addressing topics such as translations of the instrument, its use in assessing psychiatric and cognitive feigning, and its use in special populations. Empirical foundation and psychometric properties of the SIRS-2 is also covered. The SIRS-2 was revised in part to reduce false positive classifications of feigning. Research suggests that this goal was largely accomplished, albeit at the expense of reduced sensitivity. The paper also provides a review of federal and state appellate cases that mention the SIRS-2. Notably, most cases that cite the SIRS-2 do not actually center on the SIRS-2, and the test’s admissibility has never been outrightly challenged. The paper concludes with a discussion of expert testimony concerning the SIRS-2.

Goals and Objectives

Participants will learn about the development and psychometric properties of the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms-2nd Edition (SIRS-2) and its use in forensic mental health assessment.
Participants will learn about relevant case law surrounding the SIRS-2.
Participants will learn how to best prepare for expert testimony concerning SIRS-2 findings.

Skill Level

Presenters

Dustin D. Wygant | Eastern Kentucky University

Dustin Wygant is a Professor of Psychology and Program Director of clinical training at Eastern Kentucky University, where he also serves as the Executive Director of Integrated Behavioral Health. He has a long history of MMPI research and has contributed to the MMPI-3 literature. He has co-authored a book on the MMPI-2-RF on forensic applications. He is a recipient of both the John Exner and Samuel and Anne Back awards from SPA. Dr. Wygant is a Fellow of the Society of Personality Assessment and the American Psychological Association. In addition to his academic career, Dr. Wygant regularly conducts forensic mental health assessments and testifies as an expert witness.

Non-Member Price: $109

Member Price: $49