Dale Pietrzak, Ed.D.

LPC-MH, CCMHC

Basic Personality Inventory

Introduction:
Administration, Scoring
and Interpretation for
Hand Scoring

Seems OK ...

BPI Overview
240 Items
Counterbalanced True and False Items for
all but the deviation Scale
Easily hand scored in 10 minutes
Good Response Set detection in computer
scored report
Ages 12 through Adult

Hand Scoring
1 key for the 12 main scales
Total number of marked responses for each half
of each scale

1 Balanced desirability scale

Total number of True responses for
inventory
I think I can do that!

Adult
Adult Norms
Norms
Age
Age
19-20
19-20
21-30
21-30
31-40
31-40
41-50
41-50
51-60
51-60
61-65
61-65
66+
66+

%
%
3.6
3.6
26.6
26.6
22.0
22.0
14.0
14.0
15.0
15.0
8.3
8.3
10.5
10.5

Marital
Marital
Single
Single
Married
Married
Widowed
Widowed
Divorced
Divorced

%
%
16.7
16.7
67.6
67.6
7.2
7.2
6.8
6.8

Occupation
Occupation
Mang.
Mang.&
&Professional
Professional
Sales
Sales&
&Adm.
Adm.Support33.2
Support33.2
Skilled
SkilledWorkers
Workers
Service
ServiceWorkers
Workers
Semi-Skilled
Semi-SkilledWrks.
Wrks.
Unskilled
UnskilledWrks.
Wrks.

Region
Region
NNEast
East
SE
SE&
&SC
SC
NNCentral
Central
Pac.
Pac.&
&Mtn.
Mtn.
%
%
36.4
36.4
12.4
12.4
6.6
6.6
7.2
7.2
3.9
3.9

%
%
30.6
30.6
14.8
14.8
28.2
28.2
26.4
26.4

Adolescent Norms
n = 2210: 880 Males and 1380 Females
Based on pooled samples of 2 Canadian
providences
Stratified Random Sample
Sex, Age, Rural-urban & Social Class
Only sex showed significant differences
Who cares?

Reliability of BPI: Adult

Test-Retest Stability: 1 Month

Hypocondrisis
Depression
Denial
Interpersonal Problems
Alienation
Persecutory Ideas
Anxiety
Thinking Disorder
Impulse Expression
Social Introversion
Self Depreciation
Deviation

Holden
.74
.85
.67
.82
.81
.71
.75
.64
.78
.82
.62
.70

Kilduff
.73
.85
.63
.77
.77
.78
.78
.71
.78
.87
.77
.69

Median
.74
.85
.65
.80
.79
.75
.77
.68
.78
.85
.70
.70

Internal Consistency: Adult

Hypocondrisis
Depression
Denial
Interpersonal Problems
Alienation
Persecutory Ideas
Anxiety
Thinking Disorder
Impulse Expression
Social Introversion
Self Depreciation
Deviation

Normal
KR-20
.80
.83
.69
.70
.63
.74
.78
.65
.68
.77
.61
.63

Psychiatric
Alpha
.82
.86
.69
.74
.75
.81
.77
.78
.74
.81
.82
.55

Reliability of BPI: Adolescent

KR-20 Internal Consistency

Blah
Blah

Hypocondrisis
Depression
Denial
Interpersonal Problems
Alienation
Persecutory Ideas
Anxiety
Thinking Disorder
Impulse Expression
Social Introversion
Self Depreciation
Deviation

.77
.80
.61
.72
.72
.73
.57
.72
.74
.79
.73
.66

Why do
I have to
learn
this?

Standard Error of Measurement

Hypocondrisis
Depression
Denial
Interpersonal Problems
Alienation
Persecutory Ideas
Anxiety
Thinking Disorder
Impulse Expression
Social Introversion
Self Depreciation
Deviation
Mean:

Stability
5.1
3.9
5.9
4.5
4.6
5.0
4.8
5.7
4.7
3.9
5.5
5.5
4.9

Consistency Consistency
Adult
Adoles.
4.3
4.8
3.9
4.5
5.6
6.2
5.3
5.3
5.6
5.3
4.7
5.2
4.7
6.6
5.3
5.3
5.4
5.1
4.6
4.6
5.3
5.2
6.4
5.8
4.7
5.3

Basic Interpretation
Uses linear T-scores
70 or higher indicates a clinical elevation
approximately the 97th percentile

60 to 69 has elements of scale

approximately the 85th percentile

50 or less generally has positive aspects of

scale

Interpretation Continued
65-74 minimal to milder symptoms.
75 or more moderate to severe symptoms.
May have normal people score in clinical
ranges.
Need to know history.
Need to be able to abstract more normal
displays to very severe displays for each scale
Clinical judgment is required

BPI Response Set Detection

Balanced Desirability (Adult)
19 or more Fake Good
8 or less Fake Bad

Total Number of True Responses (Adult)

153 or more True response set
77 or less False response set

Denial Scale over 70 with lower scores on other

scales
Denial of Symptoms

BPI Response Set Detection

Deviation over 70 with other scales high
Infrequent symptom pattern
Random raw scores of 10 2 on almost all
scales
Hand scored infrequency and consistency
scales under construction
Admit it !

Content Categories
A. Social Deviation/Inadequate Socialization
- Interpersonal Problems
Correctional
- Alienation
Scales
- Impulse Expression
B. Mood Personal/Emotional Adjustment
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hypochondriasis
C. Cognitive Functioning
E. Critical Deviant Behaviors
- Thinking Disorder
- Deviation
- Persecutory Ideas
F. Guardedness
D. Self-Perception & Sociability
- Denial
- Self Depreciation
- Social Introversion

Higher Order Factor Scales

Psychiatric Symptomology
Hypochondriasis, Persecutory Ideas, Anxiety,
Thinking Disorder and Deviation

Social Symptomology
Interpersonal Problems, Alienation, Persecutory
Ideas, Impulse Expression and Deviation

Depression
Depression, Self-Depreciation & Social
Introversion

Hypochondriasis
Intended: Identify those with physical symptoms which are either
caused psychologically, or exaggerated psychologically.
Less than 50
Is without excessive bodily concern or preoccupation with
physical complaints. Absenteeism due to illness is below
average.
60-69
Many with real physical conditions score in this range.
70+
Frequently concerned about being ill. Complains regularly of
peculiar pains or bodily dysfunctions. Discusses such topics
frequently, revealing a preoccupation with such complaints.

Depression
Intended: To identify those who have the cognitive, affective and
some physical symptoms of depression.
49 or less
reports a usual feeling of confidence, cheerfulness, and
persistence, even when experiencing disappointment. Has an
optimistic attitude about the future.
70+
Is inclined to be down-hearted and show extreme despondency;
considers self to be inadequate; may be listless, remote, and
preoccupied; looks at the future pessimistically.

Denial
Intended: To identify those who are guarded or denying symptoms.
Less than 50
Accepts feelings as part of self. Is not afraid to discuss unpleasant
topics. Can answer questions about self frankly; avoids impression
management. Shows normal affect. Reasonably insightful.
70+
Lacks insight into feelings and the causes of own behavior. Avoids
unpleasant, exciting or violent topics. relatively unresponsive
emotionally. Questionable validity, especially if clinical scales are
lower than expected.

Interpersonal Problems
Intended: To identify those who have difficulty getting along
with others. Especially due to irritability and
oppositional styles.
49 or less
Reasonably cooperative. Experiences less than average irritation
from their environment and others. Handles noises, interruptions,
changes in routine, disappointments, others mistakes and
authority reasonably well. Prefers clearly defined rules and
regulations; able to handle criticism.
70+
Is often extremely annoyed by little inconveniences, frustrations, or
disappointments; uncooperative, disobedient, resistant to others,
and reacts against discipline, rules and criticism.

Alienation
Intended: To identify those with asocial, or personalized standards
of right and wrong.
Less than 50
Ordinarily displays socially acceptable ethical attitudes and is
socially responsible. Reports feeling a sense of obligation
toward society and its laws (conscience).
70+
Expresses attitudes markedly different from common social codes;
is prone to depart from the truth and behave in an unethical/illegal
and untrustworthy manner; feels little or no guilt about behavior.

Persecutory Ideas
Intended: To identify those who have paranoid ideation.
49 or less
Trust others and does not feel threatened. Accepts responsibility
for the events in life and does not attribute maliciousness to others.
70+
Believes that certain people are hostile and are trying to make
life difficult and/or unpleasant. Inclined to brood. Distrusts others.

Anxiety
Intended: To identify those who have the cognitive and
affective symptoms of anxiety. Emotional reactivity.
Less than 50
Remains calm, unruffled and not worried even when confronted
by unexpected occurrences. Takes things as they come without
fear or apprehension. Maintains personal control even in crisis
situations.
70+
Easily scared and worrisome. Little things, even an idea, can
cause a frenzy of anxiety. Afraid of physical or interpersonal
danger.

Thinking Disorder
Intended: To identify those with problems with reality testing
and difficulties with distractibility and/or concentration.
49 or less
Has no difficulty with reality testing. Has no difficulty
distinguishing daydreams from reality. Is able to concentrate and
maintain sensible conversations.
70+
Is markedly confused, distractible and cognitively disorganized.
cannot remember simple things from day to day. reports feeling
that life is dream-like, and that there is a marked difference
between self and others (sees self as different from others-odd).

Impulse Expression
Intended: To identify impulsive, hedonistic minded responses.
Sensation seeking and risky behaviors.
Less than 50
Appears to be even-tempered and level headed; considers the
future and consequences before acting; generally has the
patience to cope with lengthy and tedious tasks. Persistence.
70+
Lacks the ability to think beyond the present and consider the
consequences of action; is prone to undertake risky and
reckless actions; inclined to behave irresponsibly; finds routine
tasks boring.

Social Introversion
Intended: To identify people who avoid others either due to
disinterest, fear or withdrawal.
49 or less
Enjoys company and being with others. Likes to talk and knows
many people. Spends time with others, seeks others out.
70+
Avoids people generally. Has few friends, or is withdrawing from
friends. Says little to others, even friends. Seems to be
uncomfortable when around others. Prefers to keep to self or
asocial activities.

Self Depreciation
Intended: To identify those who are negative and/or selfdepreciating. Poor self-esteem.
Less than 50
Manifests a high degree or self-assurance in dealing with others.
Not afraid to meet strangers; speaks with confidence about a
variety of topics; believes in own abilities and that he/she can
accomplish things.
70+
Degrades self as being worthless, unpleasant, and undeserving.
Generally expresses a low opinion of self and refuses credit for
any accomplishment.

Deviation
Intended: To identify unusual response styles and behavior
patterns which are very pathological.
49 or less
Generally shows behavior patterns similar to those of a majority
of people. Tends to be free from unusual symptoms and modes
of thought.
70+
Displays behavior patterns very different from most peoples.
admits to unusual and pathological characteristics. If elevated with
most other scales watch for fake bad.

Empirical
Empirical Scale
Scale Combinations:
Combinations: Adults
Adults
Hallucinations:
Hallucinations:
Thinking
Thinking Disorder
Disorderwith
with Persecutory
Persecutory Ideas
Ideas(lower
(lower
depression)
depression)

Delusions:
Delusions:
Persecutory
Persecutory Ideas
Ideaswith
withAlienation
Alienation and
andThinking
Thinking
Disorders
Disorders(lower
(lower depression)
depression)

Mania:
Mania:
Impulse
Impulse Expression
Expression with
with Denial
Denial &
&
Hypochondrias
Hypochondrias

E-Scale
E-Scale Combinations
Combinations Cont
Cont
Depression:
Depression:
Depression
Depression with
with Self
Self Depreciation
Depreciation and
andAnxiety
Anxiety

Anxiety:
Anxiety:
Anxiety
Anxiety with
with Depression
Depression and
and Hypochondrias
Hypochondrias
(lower
(lowerAlienation)
Alienation)

Somatic
Somatic Complaints:
Complaints:
Depression,
Depression, Hypochondrias
Hypochondrias and
and selfselfdepreciation
depreciation with
withAnxiety
Anxiety and
and Persecutory
Persecutory
Ideas
Ideas

E-Scale
E-Scale Combinations
Combinations Cont
Cont
Insomnia
Insomnia
Social
Social Introversion
Introversion with
with Self
Self Depreciation
Depreciation and
and
lower
lowerAlienation
Alienation

Anorexia
Anorexia
Lower
LowerAlienation
Alienation and
and Interpersonal
Interpersonal Problems
Problems
with
with lower
lowerThinking
Thinking Disorder
Disorder and
and Lower
Lower
Persecutory
Persecutory Ideas
Ideas

E-Scale
E-Scale Combinations
Combinations Cont
Cont

Assaultive
Assaultive Behavior
Behavior
Interpersonal
Interpersonal Problems
Problems with
with
Alienation
Alienation and
and Persecutory
Persecutory Ideas
Ideas

Alcoholism
Alcoholism (In
(In Treatment)
Treatment)
Moderate
Moderate elevations
elevations on
on Interpersonal
Interpersonal Problems,
Problems,
Hypochondrias,
Hypochondrias, depression,
depression,Alienation,
Alienation, Social
Social
Introversion
Introversion (Lower
(Lower Denial)
Denial)

E-Scale Combinations Cont

Drug
Drug Abuse
Abuse (In
(In Treatment)
Treatment)
Alienation,
Alienation, Interpersonal
Interpersonal Problems
Problems and
and
Deviation
Deviation (Impulse
(Impulse Expression)
Expression) with
with Lower
Lower
Denial
Denial

Suicidal
Suicidal Behavior
Behavior
Depression
Depression with
with Deviation,
Deviation, Self
Self depreciation,
depreciation,
Anxiety
Anxiety and
and Social
Social Introversion
Introversion

Neuroticism
Neuroticism
Hypochondrias,
Hypochondrias,Anxiety,
Anxiety,Social
Social Introversion
Introversion

Empirical Patterns: Adolescents

Pattern
Pattern 1:
1: Mental
Mental Health
Health Difficulties
Difficulties
Depression,
Depression,Anxiety,
Anxiety,Self
Self depreciation
depreciation and
and
Deviation
Deviation
Higher
Higherthe
theelevation
elevationthe
theworse
worseadjusted
adjusted

Pattern
Pattern 2:
2: Interpersonal
Interpersonal Maladjustment
Maladjustment
Interpersonal
Interpersonal Problems,
Problems, Persecutory
Persecutory Ideas,
Ideas, and
and
Impulse
Impulse Expression
Expression
Rebellious
Rebelliousand
andanti-establishment
anti-establishment(More
(More
oppositional)
oppositional)

Adolescent Patterns Continued

Pattern 3: Antisocial Delinquency
Alienation, Interpersonal Problems and Impulse
Expression

Pattern 4: Defensive Denial (offenders)

Denial other normal to low
Females Persecutory Ideas common-indicates
feeling unfairly treated
Leave me alone!

Adolescent Patterns Continued

Pattern 5: Performance Anxiety resulting
in Somatic Complaints (Neurotic)
Hypochondrias, Anxiety, and Social
Introversion

Pattern 6: High risk Rebelliousness

Depression, Anxiety, Self Depreciation,
Interpersonal Problems, Alienation, Impulse
Expression, and Deviation

Scale
Scale Defense
Defense Mechanisms
Mechanisms

Hypochondrias:
Hypochondrias: Repression
Repression &
& Denial
Denial
Depression:
Depression: Rationalization
Rationalization
Denial:
Denial: Denial
Denial &
& Repression
Repression
Interpersonal
Interpersonal Problems:
Problems: Projection,
Projection,
Blocking
Blocking
Alienation:
Alienation: Projection,
Projection, Blocking
Blocking
Persecutory
Persecutory Ideas:
Ideas: Projection
Projection and
and other
other
blame
blame

Scale Defense Mechanisms

Anxiety:
Anxiety: Rationalization
Rationalization
Thinking
Thinking Disorder:
Disorder: Distancing,
Distancing,
Disassociation,
Disassociation, Blocking
Blocking
Impulse
Impulse Expression:
Expression: Ignoring,
Ignoring,
Rationalization
Rationalization
Social
Social Introversion:
Introversion: Withdrawal,
Withdrawal, Escape
Escape
Self-Depreciation:
Self-Depreciation: Self-Blame,
Self-Blame, Giving
Giving up
up

Other
Other Scale
Scale Interactions
Interactions
Interpret
Interpret how
how the
the various
various scales
scales interact
interact
with
with each
each other
other
No
No established
established guidelines:
guidelines: Intuitive
Intuitive Clinical
Clinical
Judgment
Judgment

Hum ...

Interpretation
Interpretation Process
Process

Investigate
Investigate Validity
Validity and
and Distortion
Distortion
Factor
Factor Scale
Scale Interpretation
Interpretation
Content
Content Category
Category Interpretation
Interpretation
Empirical
Empirical Patterns
Patterns
Specific
Specific Scale
Scale Interpretations
Interpretations &
& Scale
Scale
Interactions
Interactions