Malingering is characterized by the presence of which factor?

• A. Secondary gain is present
• B. Compulsive repetition of symptoms
• C. Primary gain is present
• D. Involuntary neurological symptoms

Answer: (A)

Malingering involves intentionally faking or exaggerating symptoms for external, tangible benefits. This external motivation is called secondary gain, such as avoiding work, obtaining financial compensation, securing medications, or evading legal consequences. Because the drive is to gain something actual from others, secondary gain is the hallmark of malingering.

In contrast, primary gain refers to internal psychological benefits (like reduced internal distress), which is not the primary motive in malingering. Repetitive or compulsive symptom presentation isn’t the defining feature, and involuntary neurological symptoms point to conditions like conversion or functional neurological symptom disorder, where symptoms are not consciously produced. So the presence of external incentive—secondary gain—best characterizes malingering.