About the Personality Assessment Inventory
The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) is a self-report inventory designed to assess various aspects of personality functioning. It is widely used in clinical, forensic, and treatment settings. The PAI includes multiple scales that measure personality traits, psychopathology, interpersonal functioning, and treatment responses.
Key Features:
Key Traits
- Uses a 4-point Likert scale
- Measures mood disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, substance abuse, aggression, stress & social functioning
- Designed for clinical diagnoses, treatment planning, and forensic evaluation
Where can you get it?
- PAR Inc. (various versions)
- ACER Shop
- JRA Inc. (PAI Policy & Public Safety Report)
- WPS Publishing
- Versions/Formats: Paper & Pencil, Online, Software, iAdmin, PAI Plus
Consists of 4 Categories:
- Validity (detect response biases)
- Clinical Scales (assess psychopathology)
- Treatment Consideration Scales (predict treatment responses)
- Interpersonal Scales (evaluate social functioning)
Example Questions:
- "I often feel nervous for no reason."
- "I feel like I have no hope for the future."
- "I get angry at people quickly, and I regret it later."
- "I sometimes lie just to see if I can get away with it."
How Is It Scored?
Raw scores are calculated for each scale, and T-scores are used to assess symptom severity and presence.
Psychometric Properties
- Content Validity: Based on DSM criteria and empirical research
- Construct Validity: Strong correlations with other clinical measures
- Criterion Validity: Differentiates between clinical and non-clinical populations
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Shorter than MMPI-2 but provides similar diagnostic accuracy
- Strong validity checks to detect false or inconsistent responses
- Well-researched norms across different populations
Weaknesses:
- Self-report nature can lead to response bias
- Limited use in some populations
- Requires professional interpretation
- Not a stand-alone diagnostic tool
PAI Scales
| Scale | Measure | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| ANX (Anxiety) | Worry, panic, somatic symptoms | High stress, GAD, panic disorder |
| DEP (Depression) | Sadness, hopelessness, self-harm risk | Possible MDD |
| SCZ (Schizophrenia) | Thought disorder, social detachment | Psychotic symptoms or cognitive issues |
| BOR (Borderline Features) | Emotional instability, impulsivity | High risk of BPD traits |
| ANT (Antisocial Features) | Egocentricity, impulsivity, aggression | Possible ASPD traits |