The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) is frequently employed in selection contexts to screen for psychopathology. Although the PAI has several validity scales that effectively measure positive response distortion, the ability of these scales to detect concealed psychopathology has not been fully evaluated. Using data from a previous study and a new sample of 203 undergraduate students, the current study examined whether scores on the Positive Impression Management (PIM), Defensiveness Index (DEF), and Cashel Discriminant Function (CDF) observed under job applicant role-play instructions could detect reports of psychopathology observed under standard instructions. The data from the new sample of students were also used to evaluate the convergent and discriminant validity of PIM-predicted deviation scores from role-play to predict corresponding scores from the standard administration, as originally reported in Kurtz et al. PIM scores from role-play correlated negatively, and CDF from role-play correlated positively, with elevated scores in the standard condition. PIM-predicted deviation scores from role-play showed convergent and discriminant validity with scores from standard administration. Several recommendations are offered based on these results for the effective use of the PAI in assessment contexts with strong incentives for defensiveness and concealment of symptoms and problems.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the therapeutic game Creciendo en Mindfulness (Growing in Mindfulness, CEM) in reducing emotional and behavioral problems among adolescents confined in the “Jalteva” Pedagogical Internment Center in Honduras. A one-group, pre-experimental pretest–posttest design was employed (n = 27; ages 13–18). Before and after four CEM sessions, participants completed the Cuestionario para la Evaluación de Problemas en Adolescentes (Questionnaire for the Assessment of Adolescent Problems, Q-PAD) and the Personality Assessment Inventory–Adolescent (PAI-A). Changes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and effect sizes were calculated with Hedges’ g. After the intervention, uncertainty about the future decreased from the 86th to the 71st percentile (p = .011; g = −0.46), and perceived lack of social support declined from T = 64 to 58 (p = .032; g = −0.45). However, aggressive attitude increased from T = 55 to 58 (p = .037; g = 0.28). The correlation pattern among scales became more coherent, suggesting greater emotional awareness. The findings suggest that CEM yielded specific improvements in internal variables related to anticipatory anxiety and perceived support, though its overall impact on emotional and behavioral symptomatology was limited. Institutional constraints, the absence of a control group, and the short follow-up period restrict causal attribution and generalizability. It is recommended to complement the program with individualized interventions and family involvement to enhance adolescents’ social reintegration.

A Cross-Sectional Examination of the Relationship between Subjective Self-Regulatory Difficulties and Functional Outcomes among Veterans with and without Traumatic Brain Injury.

The Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) assesses personality pathology as a combination of impairment (Criterion A) and problematic personality traits (Criterion B). The current study explores the ability of the traditional Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) Borderline scales combined with new PAI-derived AMPD borderline personality disorder (BPD) facets in predicting DSM BPD criteria. The DSM BPD criteria were identified by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders (SCID-II) and by the OMNI Borderline Personality Scale. This study employed two clinical samples (n = 143 and n = 129). Correlations among the AMPD BPD facets, PAI BOR scales and SCID-II items or OMNI Borderline scale were calculated. A series of hierarchical linear regressions with stepwise entry revealed that the combination of PAI BOR subscales and AMPD BPD facets provided the strongest prediction of SCID-II Borderline PD criteria and OMNI Borderline scale, explaining 37% and 67% of the variance, respectively. Lastly, we assessed the BPD facet total and PAI BOR full scale's ability to predict psychological health and illness severity. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

BackgroundRepetitive head impacts (RHI) is a risk factor for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease that includes white matter abnormalities and neuroinflammation. This study examined associations between inflammatory markers, neurodegeneration, white matter integrity, and cognitive performance in former athletes with RHI.MethodNeuroinflammatory markers were evaluated in the CSF of 16 individuals with RHI (100% male, mean age = 60.9±10.56) and 6 healthy controls (HC) (50% male, mean age = 57±10.56). Using Proximity Extension Assay (PEA), 737 inflammatory markers were quantified in CSF. Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) was measured using Single Molecule Array (SIMOA), white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume was assessed on MRI FLAIR, and cognitive performance was evaluated using composite scores for executive function, memory, and mood/behavior (calculated as the mean z‐score of Anxiety, Depression, Mania clinical scales, and Aggression treatment consideration scales from the Personality Assessment Inventory). Mann‐Whitney U Test was used to compare inflammatory markers between RHI and HC. Pearson's correlation was used to assess relationships between inflammatory markers and NfL, while linear regression analyzed associations with cognitive function and WMH volume. Functional enrichment analysis was used to identify associated biological processes.ResultSignificant relationships were found between inflammatory markers and cognitive performance. Memory function was associated with 22 markers (e.g., DPP7, TNFRSF25, WAS), while 24 were linked to executive function (e.g., IL10, CCL11, NUMB). Functional enrichment analysis highlighted tripeptidyl‐peptidase activity (GO:0008240, p_adj <0.001), apoptosis regulation (GO:0042981, p_adj <0.01), cytokine receptor binding (GO:0005126, p_adj < 0.01), and JAK‐STAT signaling (KEGG:04630, p_adj < 0.01). Twenty‐three inflammatory markers were associated with mood/behavior scores (e.g., IL10, CCL7, ITGA11, PTX3), with enrichment in cytokine activity (GO:0005125, p_adj <0.001) and eosinophil chemotaxis (GO:0048245, p_adj < 0.01). DTD1 (p < 0.0001, FDR p = 0.0002) and LY75 (p = 0.0001, FDR p <0.05) showed significant relationships with WMH volume. No significant differences in inflammatory marker levels were found between RHI and HC after FDR correction, and none of the 41 markers initially linked to NfL remained significant.ConclusionThese exploratory findings suggest inflammatory markers may contribute to cognitive and imaging changes in RHI. Replication in larger cohorts is needed.

Mature defense mechanisms support patients' engagement in psychotherapy. The Overall Defensive Functioning (ODF) scale of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) Defensive Functioning Scale (DFS) is a measure of the maturity of patients' defenses. Immature defenses (e.g., splitting) and poor emotion regulation are hallmarks of borderline personality organization, and both can interfere with positive treatment engagement. We predicted that ODF would significantly and negatively correlate with the Personality Assessment Inventory Borderline (PAI-BOR) scales, PAI Treatment Rejection (PAI-RXR) scale, and the PAI Treatment Process Index (PAI-TPI). To our knowledge, no studies have examined the relationship between ODF scores, as measured by the DFS rating of Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) narratives, and defense levels, PAI-BOR Full Scale (PAI-BOR-FS), PAI-RXR, and PAI-TPI scales. The sample included 73 outpatients from an academic hospital. Patients were administered the PAI and a TAT protocol. Two psychologists independently rated 40 TAT protocols with the observer-rated DFS for reliability. Healthy defenses showed significant negative correlations with PAI-BOR-FS (r=-.27), PAI-BOR Negative Relationships (PAI-BOR-N) (r=-.38), and PAI-RXR (r=.30). The pathological defenses had positive correlations with four of the five PAI-BOR scales and the PAI-TPI. There were significant correlations between ODF and the treatment related scales, PAIRXR (r=.37, p<.01) and PAI-TPI (r=-.32, p<.01). ODF significantly and negatively correlated with the PAI BOR-FS (r=-.36, p<.01) and its subscales, Affective Instability (r=-.35, p<.01) and Negative Relationships (r=-.39, p<.01). High and low ODF groups had significant and meaningful differences on all seven PAI scales. Overall, these findings provide support for the construct validity and clinical utility of the DFS defense levels (healthy, neurotic, and pathological) and the global ODF.

BackgroundMothers with borderline personality disorder face unique challenges in parenting, as borderline symptoms have been shown to negatively affect parent-child relationships. These challenges can lead to non-supportive reactions to children’s negative emotions, a form of parent emotion socialization (PES) that has been linked to negative outcomes in children. Given the inherent emotional arousal evoked by parenting, emotion dysregulation likely influences the type of PES parents utilize. However, few studies have specifically examined how emotion dysregulation affects PES in mothers with borderline pathology. Against this background, this study aims to (1) investigate the link between maternal emotion dysregulation and PES strategies and (2) assess if emotion dysregulation moderates the relationship between presence of significant borderline pathology and PES.MethodsThe study sample was comprised of 148 mothers (Mage = 34.92). Of these mothers, 53 had significant borderline features—that is, they either met full diagnostic criteria or exhibited marked subthreshold symptoms. Emotion regulation was evaluated using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale – Short Form, and PES was assessed using the Coping with Children’s Negative Emotion Scale. Significant borderline features were determined using the Personality Assessment Inventory Borderline Scale. As a part of aim 1, bivariate correlations were conducted to examine relationships between emotion dysregulation and two PES strategies: supportive and non-supportive. The moderating role of emotion dysregulation on the relationships between borderline features and supportive and non-supportive PES was assessed using two moderation models.ResultsResults from the first aim revealed a small, negative correlation between emotion dysregulation and supportive PES and a medium, positive correlation between emotion dysregulation and non-supportive PES. Emotion dysregulation was found to be a significant moderator of the relationship between borderline pathology and non-supportive PES.ConclusionsThe current study significantly contributes to the literature by further elucidating the relationship between maternal borderline pathology and PES and its underlying mechanisms.

The purpose of this study was to examine base rates of invalidity and intercorrelations of validity scales on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) in a population of U.S. veterans. All PAIs administered in the Veteran Affairs (N = 36,830) using mental health assistant through 03/2024 were pulled from the Veteran Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse. Basic demographic data and stop codes (codes identifying the type of clinic the measure was administered in) were also pulled. Base rates of invalidity on all known validity scales (N = 18) were calculated in general, cumulatively, and by stop code. Spearman's correlations were run to compare all validity scales to one another. Broadly, base rates were highest but variable for overreport scales (10.1%-29.9%), with underreport (0.4%-7.5%) and noncontent response (3.4%-4.5%) rates far lower. Large correlations were demonstrated among the various overreport scales, with the exception of Rogers Discriminant Function. Underreport scales were also highly correlated with each other, with the exception of Cashel's Discriminant Function. Elevations on noncontent response scales were uncommon across the sample. Underreport scales were also rare, save in the context of presurgical evaluations. Overreporting was highest in the disability clinics, lower across clinical assessment clinics, and lowest in the presurgical assessment clinic. Invalidity base rate patterns from this study were generally consistent with a prior study using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form. Results highlight the importance of symptom validity assessment with veterans, most notable for overreporting in disability claims and underreporting in presurgical evaluations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

BackgroundThe Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), a self-report personality test, is one of the frequently used measures to assess psychopathology in a wide variety of settings including in high stakes assessments, for example, in child custody disputes, employment settings and fitness for duty assessments. The PAI has never been normed on a Canadian population and the PAI users have simply assumed that the US norms also describe the Canadian population. Moreover, accumulated research demonstrates that the PAI’s 35 years outdated and obsolete norms no longer describe neither university students’ nor normal adult US populations.MethodWe administered the PAI to over 200 university students in a mid-size Canadian university.ResultsOur students scored on average in moderately elevated range (60T to 69T) on many of the PAI scales including anxiety (ANX), anxiety-related disorders (ARD), depression (DEP), schizophrenia (SCZ), and borderline features (BOR). Multivariate base rate analyses revealed that approximately 95% of our sample scored in elevated range on at least one out of the 22 PAI Scales. Furthermore, although some of the PAI reliabilities are adequate for research, the PAI reliabilities are too low for using the PAI in high stakes and forensic assessment, for example, in insurance benefits, child custody, employment, and fitness for duty assessments.DiscussionWe conclude that the PAI US norms are no longer appropriate for high-stakes assessments, ought to be withdrawn immediately, and new up-to-date norms ought to be established to prevent mislabelling and diagnostic misclassifications of and harm to examinees. Continued use of the PAI outdated norms in high stakes assessments carries ethical risks, is non-scientific, and likely amounts to malpractice.

Positive psychological capital (PsyCap) has been found to predict various individual outcomes such as well-being and effectiveness. While it encompasses a trait baseline, little research has examined the role of personality as an antecedent in impacting the development of PsyCap. Despite some studies linking specific Big Five personality traits to PsyCap, research utilizing culturally relevant assessments in non-Western contexts, particularly in the Chinese setting, remains scarce. This study addresses this gap by employing the Cross-Cultural (Chinese) Personality Assessment Inventory (CPAI-2) and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24) to analyze data from 326 undergraduate students in Hong Kong. The CPAI-2 is a culturally grounded personality assessment tool that enables a fair understanding of personality traits uniquely relevant in the Chinese context, thereby enriching insights from Western-centric personality models. Regression analyses revealed significant associations: higher scores on traits of novelty seeking, leadership, and responsibility correlated with increased hope; divergent thinking and leadership, along with lower inferiority, were linked to greater self-efficacy; higher responsibility and lower anxiety related to increased resilience; and higher optimism, internal locus of control, and graciousness were associated with enhanced optimism. A path model was established to illustrate the relationships between personality traits and PsyCap. The findings emphasize the importance of culturally relevant assessments for understanding these relations, and they suggest that similar frameworks could be adapted globally to explore how local cultural factors inform the development of PsyCap.

ABSTRACT The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) has been gaining influence as one of the most used measures to assess the personality functioning of inmates in prison settings. The present study aimed to analyze the PAI profiles of 195 male inmates (age: M = 37.18; SD = 12.26) currently incarcerated in high-security prisons in Portugal and the influence of relevant sociodemographic variables (e.g. types of crimes committed, number of offenses, recidivism, and adverse childhood experiences [ACEs]) on PAI scores. Results showed that inmates scored higher in the Anxiety, Anxiety-Related Disorders, Mania, Paranoia, Borderline Features, and Antisocial Features scales. Significant differences were found between violent and non-violent offenders, recidivists and first-time offenders. Finally, number of ACEs significantly impacted PAI scores. The number of previous offenses did not lead to significant differences on PAI scores. Discriminant analysis suggested that type of offense (e.g. violent, or non-violent), recidivism, and history of ACEs were significant predictors of PAI scores. Taken together, these results highlighted the utility and adequacy of the PAI in the evaluation of personality traits and psychopathology in inmate populations.

IntroductionPrior research suggests that olfactory dysfunction may occur following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to structural injury to the olfactory peripheral or central networks. Olfaction may also be affected in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to traumatic re-experiencing. Given the relevance of both TBI and PTSD to the military and veteran populations, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) would be useful in differentiating TBI from significant PTSD symptom burden in a sample of post-deployed active-duty military and veterans.MethodsA sample of 276 participants with UPSIT data and passing scores on validity measures completed a larger study on neurocognition of predominantly post-deployed veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. TBI history was ascertained by medical records or a self-report questionnaire; PTSD symptoms were measured using the PTSD Checklist-Military version (PCL-M) and the Traumatic Stress scale (ARD-T) of the Personality Assessment Inventory. Those with a history of TBI (+TBI) were compared with those without (–TBI) on total UPSIT score; severity of injury and number of injuries were also evaluated. Furthermore, those with and without significant PTSD symptoms (+PTSD and –PTSD) were compared on UPSIT total scores. Finally, group comparisons were conducted to assess whether PTSD demonstrated a significant effect above and beyond TBI.ResultsHistory of TBI was associated with lower UPSIT scores (–TBI M = 34.02, +TBI M = 32.76, z = −2.38, p = 0.017, r = 0.14); however, the effect size was small and driven by the difference between moderate/severe TBI and –TBI (moderate/severe M = 31.78). Number of mild TBIs was not associated with UPSIT scores: The presence of PTSD symptoms and symptom clusters were not significantly associated with UPSIT scores. PTSD symptoms showed no additional effects on poorer olfaction scores above and beyond TBI.DiscussionOlfactory identification was significantly reduced in those with a history of TBI, suggesting that olfaction may be useful in the assessment of these individuals for potential treatment needs. Veterans with significant PTSD symptoms, however, did not display different olfactory ability compared with those without, regardless of TBI status.

Aggression in prison populations by gender and security Level: An analysis using the personality assessment Inventory.

B – 72 Gender Differences in Social Outcomes for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors in Social Warmth

Sentencing probation in Kazakhstan, aimed at reintegrating convicts into society, faces challenges such as recidivism and evasion, undermining social sustainability. Forensic psychological examinations can address these issues by assessing convicts' behavior and risks. The aim is to select methods of forensic psychological examination, specifically the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), to enhance sentencing probation, reduce recidivism, and promote sustainable social reintegration in Kazakhstan. An observational study is utilized PAI, a multiscale questionnaire assessing psychopathology, stress coping, interpersonal relationships, and forensic constructs like aggression and substance abuse. Results were interpreted to develop individualized probation recommendations. Results evidence the absence of legislated psychological assessment methods in Kazakhstan necessitates tools like PAI, which is time-efficient (344 items, 40-50 minutes) and assesses key constructs: alcohol and substance abuse, aggression, recidivism risk, simulation, and positive impression management. The aggression scale consistently predicts violent behavior, supporting targeted interventions. In conclusion, integrating PAI into probation control enhances social reintegration, reduces recidivism, and aligns with sustainable development goals (SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Legislative adoption of PAI is recommended to standardize forensic psychological assessments.

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and psychological symptoms. Patients often present distinct personality traits and psychopathological patterns associated with symptom severity. Objective: To examine psychopathological profiles in FM patients based on functional, physical–somatic, and emotional impairment domains, as well as on cumulative disease severity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 70 women clinically diagnosed with FM at a specialized Fibromyalgia Unit. Psychological functioning was assessed using the Personality Assessment Inventory, and disease impact was measured with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Hierarchical cluster analyses were used to classify participants into mild and severe clusters across FIQ domains, and psychological profiles were compared. Results: Patients with severe functional impairment had more affective dysregulation (76.43 vs. 70.20, p < 0.01) and somatic complaints (85.57 vs. 79.76, p < 0.05) than those with mild impairment. The severe–physical cluster showed greater mood instability, somatization, and suicidal ideation (60.94 vs. 53.61, p < 0.05). The severe–emotional cluster had higher rates of major depression (85.71% vs. 64.28%) and persistent depressive disorder (76.19% vs. 70.61%, p < 0.05). Severe showed more emotional instability and somatization, distinguishing it from mild. Greater cumulative severity intensified depressive and somatic disorders. Discussion: Findings support FM’s biopsychosocial profile, where emotional distress may relate to psychological and physical symptoms, reinforcing the need for personalized, multidisciplinary care and comprehensive assessment.

Personality assessment inventory sex differences in people with epileptic and functional seizures.

The phenomenon of anxiety stemming from the absence of a smartphone or mobile device, known as nomophobia, has become increasingly prevalent in contemporary society. This condition is particularly pronounced among young adults and is associated with several adverse psychological outcomes, including depression, anxiety, stress, somatic complaints and anxiety- related disorders. This study aims to examine the prevalence of nomophobia and its psychopathological correlations. The study sample comprised N = 200 college/university students and working adults in the age group of 18-25 years. The Nomophobia Scale, developed by Yildirim and Correia (2015), and the short version of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) by Morey (1991) were employed. The research utilised SPSS-26, a quantitative analysis software, and applied descriptive statistics along with Pearson Product-Moment correlation and simple linear regression. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between nomophobia and certain subscales of psychological symptoms, such as depression, somatic complaints, anxiety, and anxiety- related disorders. And Nomophobia significantly predicted psychopathologies among young adults.

Abstract The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) is a widely used broadband personality assessment embedded with validity scales capturing over-reported pathology. This meta-analysis examines the utility of the PAI over-reporting scales as measured by mean differences on standard (NIM, MAL, RDF) and supplemental (NDS, MFI, HMI, CBS, CB-SOS) scales. These comparisons are made across simulation and criterion studies to compare scale efficacy and effectiveness, respectively. 6,451 participants across 43 studies were analyzed using a series of random and fixed effect meta-analyses. We calculated general (e.g., detection effectiveness) and specific (e.g., simulation vs criterion) effect sizes as well as summarized classification statistics and other contextual information (e.g., criterion groups) observed across the literature. Results demonstrate moderate to large effect sizes across most standard (g = .99-1.50) and supplementary scales (g = .84-1.81), consistent with expected ranges. Compared to criterion studies (g = .17-.92), simulation designs (g = 1.16-2.27) were more effective (g differences = .57 – 1.60). Published studies also produced lower effects than unpublished (g differences = -.21—-.59). Our findings generally support the efficacy of the PAI’s over-reporting scales, as well as their effectiveness in non-simulation (e.g., criterion-based) designs. However, RDF does not effectively measure over-reporting in criterion groups and should not be used for those decisions at present. Implications and future directions for the PAI and over-reporting are discussed.

The high comorbidity of borderline personality (BP) in people with substance use disorder (SUD) and its increased risk and complexity indicates the need for further research of the risk factors. Although secure attachment and mindfulness have been proposed as protective factors against BP, studies in the population with SUD are scarce. Consequently, this study aims to explore the role of attachment and mindfulness in the severity of BP in people with SUD. The study was conducted with 192 people attending the hospital for intervention for SUD. BP severity was assessed with the Personality Assessment Inventory, secure attachment was measured with the questionnaire of adult attachment, and mindfulness was assessed with the brief version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. The results of path analysis indicated that the indirect effect of secure attachment on BP severity through mindfulness was significant, with mindfulness fully mediating the relationship between attachment and BP severity in individuals with SUD. Emotion-regulation processes may be particularly valuable for people with SUD and insecure attachment, as their mindfulness levels are lower than in people with secure attachment, which could be related to the severity of BP.