Did I Lie on Psychological Testing at GW?

I took a battery of psychological tests, including the MMPI and the Rorschach, in May 1994 at the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, DC. The tests were administered Dr. Yu Ling Han under the supervision of Dr. William Fabian. In the test report Dr. Han stated that I might have concealed some of my symptoms in order to appear more normal than I was.

http://dailstrug.blogspot.com/2009/10/psychological-test-results-gw-may-1994.html

I cite a research study that found that it is clearly possible for a test examiner to detect when a test subject is trying to conceal symptoms. Dr. Han's conclusion that I might have lied on the tests to create a "false normal" is specious.

The study indicates that even if I had under-reported my symptoms on the MMPI, the Rorschach would have disclosed emotional distress, self-critical ideation, and difficulties in my interpersonal relationships. Note that my Rorschach responses were detailed, expansive and unconventional – a response style inconsistent with an intent to deceive the test examiner.

“This study examined whether a defensive response set using a psychological evaluation would show responses in the Rorschach such that subjects could conceal psychological difficulties. Subjects in this study were commercial airline pilots who were required to undergo an independent psychological evaluation after completing a treatment program for alcohol or substance abuse. Subjects knew the results of the psychological evaluation would be taken into account by the Federal Aviation Administration and their employer when deciding whether to reinstate their pilots' license to them to return to work. Thus, subjects potentially had considerable incentive to attempt to create a favorable impression. As expected, subjects responded in a defensive manner, as assessed by standard Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) validity scales. It was expected that a guarded, defensive response set would be manifested in the Rorschach by fewer than average responses, a constricted response style, and an attempt to appear conventional. It was also expected that no or few signs of difficulty would be produced on the Rorschach if subjects were successful in their efforts to create a favorable impression. In spite of defensive efforts to create a favorable impression, these subjects produced valid Rorschach protocols that suggested they experienced emotional distress, self-critical ideation, and difficulties in their interpersonal relationships, problems not reported on the MMPI. Implications of these findings for clinical practice, future research, and relationships between the MMPI and Rorschach are discussed.”

Ronald J. Ganellen, "Attempting to Conceal Psychological Disturbance: MMPI Defensive Response Sets and the Rorschach." Journal of Personality Assessment, 1994, 63(3), 423-437.