The Brief Assessment of Tension Scale

Abstract

Abstract The Brief Assessment of Tension Scale (BATS) provides an empirical description of an individual's current psychological functioning by assessing psycho-social and physiological distress. It offers objective feedback to the subjective experience. When utilized thera-peutically, it assists in defining the presenting problem and/or in reflecting improvement. While a “therapeutic” use of the BATS is encouraged, descriptive statistics and satisfactory psychometric properties have been documented and are outlined below. The purposes of this activity are fivefold, including: (1) to provide “objective” feedback to clients regarding global functioning, tension and distress. That is, to offer a descriptive explanation and reflection of emotional experiences. (2) to assist in the process of client self-disclosure and insight. (3) to assist in the process of diagnostic assessment. (4) to compare, intra-personally, states of functioning (deterioration and improvements) during the course of psychotherapy and a...