Basic Personality Inventory 123j3n

Basic Personality Inventory (BPI) Author Dr. Douglas N. Jackson I.

Brief Description

The Basic Personality Inventory (BPI) is a 240 item questionnaire that measures personality and psychopathology. It was designed to yield information that will be helpful for psychologists and other professionals in a wide variety of contexts. It was developed to achieve the following aims: 1. yield a relative short profile measure of major constructs of psychopathology that would be useful in psychological screening, assessment and research; 2. meet the challenge of response bias in personality assessment by suppressing the role of general evaluative dimension in scale construction; 3. make available a questionnaire measure that would be capable of yielding reliable discrimination among persons showing different patterns of dysfunction within both the normal and pathological ranges and 4. employ dimensions that refer to relatively homogenous behavioral characteristics that vary symmetrically in the general population and within deviant groups II. istration The BPI can be istered either individually or in supervised groups. For both group and individual istration, it is often helpful to familiarize respondents with what is required by reading aloud the instructions on the BPI cover. The instructions to be read are as follows: In your BPI booklet you will find a series of statements which people might use to describe themselves. Read each statement and decide whether or not it describes you. Then indicate your answers on the separate answer sheet. If you agree with a statement or decide that it does describe you, answer TRUE. If you disagree with a statement or feel that it is not descriptive of you, answer FALSE. In marking your answers on the answer sheet, be sure that the number of the statement you have just read is the same as the number on the answer sheet. Answer every statement either true or false, even if you are not completely sure of your answer. III.

Scoring

Scoring the BPI hand-scored answer sheet is an easy clerical task requiring a single template. Because the BPI is organized so that items keyed on the same scale

are arranged into vertical columns on the answer sheet, all that it is necessary after aligning the template to the orientation marks in the corners of the answer sheet is to count in the appropriate columns the number of items that a respondent has answered in the keyed direction. 1. For example, for the hypochondriasis scale the examiner should count the number of items the respondent has answered in the False direction in the 1st column and the number of items answered in the True direction in the 13 th column. 2. Similarly, for the Depression scale, the items answered True in the 2nd column and those answered false in the 14th column should be counted. 3. The total is then recorded in the space at the bottom of the answer sheet labeled with the abbreviation of the scale. 4. After scoring all 12 scales, the scores from the answer sheet should be transferred to the corresponding boxes on the profile sheet. 5. Separate norms have been developed for male and female adults and adolescents which are printed on the alternate sides of the profile sheet. 6. Adolescent norms and profiles should be used between 12 to 18 years of age while adult norms and profiles should be employed for persons 19 years of age and older. It is important to use the side of the profile sheet that matches the sex of the respondent. 7. After recording the raw numerical scores on the profile sheet, the scores are plotted in such a way that it is possible to convert them graphically to standard score form. 8. The profiles are so organized in such a way that the raw scores are transformed into the metric of T scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. 9. It is possible to convert BPI scores to standard scores without the use of profile by consulting Tables 2-5 and 2-6 for adult males and females, respectively, and Tables 2-7 and 2-8 for adolescent males and females respectively. IV.

The BPI Profile

As has become traditional in personality assessment, the BPI profile, together with a set of scale definitions (Table 2-1) forms the foundation for interpretation of individual results. The BPI profile is based on a “T” score metric, in which raw scores are converted so that all scales have a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. This permits the comparison of scale scores from scales with quite different means and standard deviations using a single standard. The use of a T score metric also permits an accurate understanding of a respondent’s score on a scale relative to the appropriate normative group. There are two sets of BPI profiles, one set for adolescents and the second set for adults. Different norms are employed for the two sets of profiles, one based on separate male and female adolescent norms, respectively, printed on alternative sides of the sheet and the second based on separate adult male and female norms printed on alternate sides of another sheet. Results for respondents 18 years of age or younger

should be plotted on adolescent profiles. Clinicians and other s should exercise particular care on choosing the correct profile for plotting a respondent’s results. The mechanics of plotting scores is relatively simple. After scoring results and recording total scores on the answer sheet, transfer these totals to the corresponding spaces on the correct side of the appropriate profile sheet. Next, locate the raw score level for each scale in the appropriate vertical column corresponding to the score recorded for that scale. Place a small “x” in the vertical column at the correct raw score level. When this has been done for every scale, the “x’s” may be connected by straight lines. It is then possible to observe which BPI scales are elevated with respect to the general population and in comparison with the other scales profiled for the respondent. It is also possible to estimate T scores for the respondent. When BPI scoring and profiling are completed by computer, the above steps are accomplished automatically. Even though a particular computer program may undertake interpretation based on certain statistical rules, the examiner still has the opportunity to review and evaluate the computer-generated profile in relation to background information, presenting symptoms, and any situational influences that might have affected assessment. An alternative to the use of the BPI profile is the use of tables that contain equivalent statistical information. Tables 2-5 and 2-6 permit conversion of raw scores to standard (T) scores for adult males and females respectively, and Tables 2-7 and 2-8 permit conversion for adolescent males and females respectively. V.

Pattern of Evaluation

When interpreting BPI results, it is important to look not only at the results of individual scales but also at the pattern of elevations. There are several common patterns of scale elevation. For example, when the scales that are related to an individual’s affective state, such as Depression, Social Introversion, and Self Depreciation, occur together, a more pronounced and well defined problem area is indicated. Individuals whose behavior causes conflict with the law and social convention tend to have elevated scores on Interpersonal Problems, Alienation, and Impulse Expression. When individuals obtain high scores on these three scales, without any elevation on Anxiety, Depression, or Self Depreciation, it suggests that the individual is fairly comfortable with the deviant lifestyle and is not likely to request intervention into this pattern of behavior. Adolescents who have high scores on both the mental health scales and the “delinquent” scales tend to be difficult to treat because of the combination of their personal difficulties and their unmanageable behavior. Results from other populations tested with the BPI have also followed particular patterns of elevation. These “typical” patterns of elevation are discussed at greater length in the “Profile Types” section. A low score on many BPI scales can usually be considered a positive sign. For example, an individual who has a relatively low score on Impulse Expression may plan

activities carefully and behave under the control of higher cognitive processes. An individual with a low score on Denial may be very open about his or her thoughts and feelings. These more positive interpretations should not be overlooked by the focus of the BPI or the manner in which clients are referred to an agency (e.g., after finding of delinquency). VI.

Interpretation of Scales Individual Scale Considerations

One of the first steps in interpreting BPI results is to consult the BPI scale descriptions for the respondent’s high and low scale scores. While a high score on a particular scale may indicate the presence of certain characteristics represented by that scale, it is also important to note scales with low scores because it is possible to interpret these as areas of personal strength and stability. Table 2-1 provides descriptions of both high and low scorers for each of the 12 BPI scales. The following individual scale considerations may be used to supplement the scale descriptions provided in Table 2-1. These “scale considerations” are most appropriately consulted when interpreting BPI profiles for deviant populations, such as young offenders. These considerations are based on the professional opinion of psychologists who have worked with such populations. They also contain practical information that may not be included in the scale descriptions. Such details may seem obvious, yet they can be easily overlooked. Hypochondriasis. The Hypochondriasis scale contains items referring to a variety of physical complaints and generalized malaise and weakness. Before interpreting an elevation on Hypochondriasis one should carefully check the respondent’s medical history. In fact an elevation on this scale may not mean that the respondent is hypochondriacal in the sense that the somatic complaints lack an organic basis. Rather, the respondent may have had past or may have present medical problems. Individuals who obtain a high score on this scale without a documented medical history of disease tend to be those that have internalized some stress in their environment and have an easier time discussing their physical symptoms than their psychological ones. The potential need for a thorough medical examination should not be overlooked. Depression. An elevation on the Depression scale needs to be explored fully in order to differentiate between a situational or acute depression, which may be related to the individual’s immediate circumstance, and a more chronic depression, which would be more pathological. The latter is also associated with symptoms such as sleep disturbance, appetite loss, and negative view of oneself, one’s environment and one’s future. Elevations on Depression require some assessment of the individual’s suicidal potential (Jackson, MacLennan, Erdle, Lalonde, & Thompson, 1986).

Denial. An elevation on the Denial scale usually suggests that even though the overall pattern of scores might be accurate for the rest of the BPI, the elevations would have been greater if the individual had been more open in responding to the questions. Elevation on the Denial scale suggests the individual is fairly defensive, may deny normal affective responses, and tends to repress unpleasant or emotionally charged cognitions. A high Denial score is often an indication that the individual deals with stress through active flight or avoidance. Interpersonal Problems. Elevation on the Interpersonal Problems scale is associated with individuals who are very resentful of authority and any attempts to provide rules, structure, or limits in their life. This scale tends to have the most in the reports of family and health care workers regarding how the individual deals with advice, direction, and criticism. Such persons are more easily angered and more prone to conflict and discord in their interpersonal relationships than are people in general. Alienation. High scores on the Alienation scale tend to indicate antisocial attitudes often arising as a result of having been socialized in a deviant subculture. High scorers are more likely to have conflicts with the law than are low scorers. It is important in interviews to ascertain the determinants of the elevated score, whether it is a result of a prolonged process of socialization, or the result of external control by the environment (peer group influences). Individuals with elevated scores on this scale tend to be more resistant to interventions than are high scorers on several other scales. Interviews should explore the possibility of a personality disorder, as well as the individual’s level of moral reasoning and development. Persecutory Ideas. Elevations on the Persecutory Ideas scale do not always or necessarily reflect pathological levels of paranoia. Individuals who endorse many items on this scale tend to feel that they have been made victims by their families or by the educational or justice systems. Many abused children and adolescents receive elevated scores on this scale and in fact can confirm their feelings of being persecuted by the facts. Antisocial individuals who score high on this scale tend to have their persecutory ideas when encountering police and judges, or the “system.” Individuals who are ambivalent about receiving counseling may project the blame for their problems on the individuals who have discovered the problem (teachers, police, etc.). Anxiety. Individuals who have elevated scores on this scale are experiencing high levels of psychological distress both intrapsychically and in of common physical symptoms of anxiety. They may or may not have very specific fears or phobias. Elevated scores on this scale may indicate that the respondent would be motivated to enter into treatment, counseling or therapy. Interviewers should establish the acute or chronic nature of the anxiety and the focus of the anxiety.

Thinking Disorder. The items on this scale refer to symptoms of serious cognitive dysfunctioning, including auditory and visual sensory distortion, disorganization, loss of memory, and dream-like states. Although this scale is intended to indicate difficulties in thought processes, such as psychotic thinking, with some individuals elevations reflect the extent to which alcohol and drugs have affected cognition; such individuals relate the items to periods when they have been under the influence of alcohol and drugs. This is an important area that should be explored. Occasionally individuals who endorse many items on this scale may be preoccupied with severe life stresses or chaotic family situations. It is essential for accurate differential diagnosis to discover the cause of an elevated score on this scale. Impulse Expression. Individuals who score high on this scale tend to be quite impulsive, sometimes in a manner that is dangerous or harmful to themselves or others. Individuals who are depressed and considering suicide tend to be more at risk to themselves if they also receive elevated scores on this scale. Individuals who have committed dangerous acts, especially related to temper outbursts, may have elevated scores on this scale as well. Documented history of hyperactivity or some neurological abnormality may also be associated with high scorers. Social Introversion. This scale is associated with individuals who prefer solitary activities to social ones. Endorsing many of these items (T-scale score above sixty) may indicate that the individual is so isolated that comparison with others is difficult, hence simple problems may seem quite complex. These individuals are more vulnerable during periods of stress because they have less of a natural system to help them. Individuals with high scores on this scale and Persecutory Ideas are very resistant to professional help and usually have a long history of poor peer and adult relationships. Self Depreciation. Individuals who endorse many items on this scale tend to have a very poor self-image. This poor self-esteem is related to significant negative self-appraisals of the person’s abilities which are manifested in a pessimistic attitude about self and future. Elevated scores on this scale and the Depression scale indicate that the depression is more chronic than acute. These individuals have little confidence in their ability to cope with problems and often indicate a sense of helplessness in any problem-solving situation. Deviation. Individuals who endorse many Deviation items have either responded non-purposefully or present a number of serious symptoms. Although responses to single items are not always reliable, items answered in the critical direction should be followed up to determine the nature and causes of the deviant responses. VII.

Combining BPI Results with other Relevant Information

As an instrument of personality assessment, the BPI should be used in conjunction with other relevant information, derived, for example, from a social or medical history. BPI results can be used to confirm hypotheses generated by other sources of information or, in fact, may be useful in generating hypotheses to be evaluated within the entire assessment process. The BPI results, in combination with other data, may thus be used to aid in decision making, for example, in the formulation of treatment goals. In general, the assessment of a patient should include such relevant information as family and educational history, medical history, intelligence testing results, and results of clinical interviews. A comprehensive assessment of some deviant populations may require other information as well. For example, information regarding a history trouble with the law, previous arrests, and a history of drug or alcohol abuse are relevant in the assessment of young offenders. Similarly, the strength of family relationships and a history of drug or alcohol abuse would be particularly relevant for individuals being assessed for alcoholism.