BASIC PERSONALITY INVENTORY SCALE DESCRIPTIONS

Scale Low Scorer High Scorer

Hypochondria Is without excessive bodily concern or preoccupation with Frequently concerned about being sick. Complains regularly or
sis
physical complaints. Absenteeism due to ill health likely to be peculiar pains or bodily dysfunctions. Discusses such topics
below average. frequently, revealing a preoccupation with such complaints.
Depression Reports a usual feeling of confidence, cheerfulness, and Is inclined to be down hearted and show extreme despondency;
persistence, even when experiencing disappointment. Has an considers self to be inadequate; may be listless, remote, and
optimistic attitude about the future. preoccupied; looks at the future pessimistically.
Denial Accepts feelings as part of self. Not afraid to discuss unpleasant Lacks insight into feelings and the cause of own behavior.
topics. Avoids unpleasant, exciting or violent topics. Relatively
Can answer questions about self frankly; avoids impression unresponsive emotionally.
management. S Shows normal affect.
Interpersonal Experience less than average irritation from noise, changes in Is often extremely annoyed by life’s inconveniences,
Problems
routine, disappointment, and, mistakes of others; respects frustrations or disappointments; will frequently be
authority and prefers clearly defined rules and regulations; uncooperative, disobedient, and resistant when faced with
cooperates fully with leadership and readily accepts criticism rules and regulations; reacts against discipline and criticism.
from others.
Alienation Ordinarily displays ethical and socially responsible attitudes Expresses attitudes markedly different from common social
and behavior; reports a sense of obligation toward society and codes; is prone to depart from the truth and behave in an
its laws. unethical and untrustworthy manner; feels little or no guilt.
Persecutory Trusts others and does not feel threatened. Accepts Believes that certain people are hostile and are trying to make
Ideas
responsibility for the events in life and does not attribute life difficult and unpleasant. Inclined to brood.
maliciousness to others.
Anxiety Remains calm and unruffled even when confronted by Easily scared. Little things, even an idea, can cause a frenzy of
unexpected occurrences. Takes things as they come without anxiety. Afraid of novelty and of the possibility of physical or
fear of apprehension. Maintains self control even in a crisis interpersonal danger.
situation.
Thinking Has no difficulty distinguishing daydreams from reality. Is able Is markedly confused, distractible and disorganized. Cannot
Disorder
to concentrate normally and to maintain sensible remember even simple things from day to day. Reports feeling
conversations. that life is dream-like, and that there is a marked difference
between self and others.
Impulse Appears to be even tempered and level headed; carefully Lacks ability to think beyond the present and to consider the
Expression
considers the future before acting; generally has the patience consequences of action; is prone to undertake risky and
to cope with a lengthy and tedious task. reckless actions; inclined to behave irresponsibly; finds routine
tasks boring.
Social Enjoys company. Likes to talk and knows many people. Spends Avoids people generally. Has few friends and does not say
Introversion
much time with others. much even to them. Seems to be uncomfortable when around
others. Prefers asocial activities.
Self Manifests a high degree of self assurance in dealing with Degrades self as being worthless, unpleasant, and
Depreciation
others. Not afraid to meet strangers; speaks with confidence undeserving. Generally expresses a low opinion of self and
about a variety of topics; believes in own ability to accomplish refuses credit for any accomplishment.
things.
Deviation Generally shows behavior patterns similar to those of a Displays behavior patterns very different from most people’s.
majority of people. Tends to be free from unusual symptoms Admits to unusual and pathological characteristics.
and modes of thought.
Dimension Low Scorer High Scorer
Gregarious This person tends to be unsociable, unfriendly, unaffectionate This person tends to be sociable, friendly, affectionate and
(Reproduction
) and introverted. He tends to be isolated and withdrawn. somewhat extroverted. He enjoys being with people and likes
to have warm, friendly contacts.

Trustful This person tends to be unaccepting, distrustful, disobedient This person tends to be accepting, trustful, obedient and
(Incorporation
) and not very gullible. He does not take things at face value. gullible. He tends to take things at their face value. He would
probably be described as a dependent person, or one who is
suggestible.

Dyscontrol This person tends to be unadventurous. He is reluctant to try This person tends to be impulsive. He likes to try new things
(Orientation)
new things r or have new experiences. He is not and have new experiences. He likes surprises. He might also be
impulsive and tends to withdraw describes as adventurous or curious.
from social contacts.
Timid This person is less cautious and fearful than the average This person tends to be cautious, careful and anxious. He
(Protection)
person. He tends to take risks and can easily get into trouble. worries about getting into trouble. He also worries about what
He will do things that are dangerous and not in his own best people think of him and say about him.
interests. Extremely low scores may indicate impaired reality
testing.
Depressed This person is satisfied with his style of life. Extremely low This person is depressed, sad and gloomy. He is dissatisfied
(Reintegration
) scores may reflect the operation of strong denial. with aspects of his life. He feels deprived and is probably
pessimistic.

Distrustful This person tends to be uncritical and not rejecting. This person tends to be stubborn, resentful and sarcastic. He is
(Rejection)
overly critical and tends to be rejecting of people and ideas. He
is most likely perceived by others as a hostile person. Another
description of him might be “passive-aggressive” or guarded.

Control This person tends to live his life on a day-to-day basis . He does This person wants to know his environment and wants to learn
(Exploration)
not plan for the future. He tends to be disorganized in his to deal with it. He has a tendency to organize his life in their
thinking and in his activities. He has very little need for proper pigeon holes. He has a need for order and likes being
 orderliness. He tends to have a little self-control. well organized. He exhibits a good deal of self-control. He would
be perceived by others as compulsive, meticulous or well
organized.

Aggressive This person is unaggressive and not quarrelsome. He has very This person tends to be quarrelsome and aggressive. He tends
(Destruction)
little anger and is reluctant to express it overtly. He is to say whatever is on his mind. He has a lot of anger and
somewhat passive. expresses it overtly. He tends to blow off steam with people
around. People might describe him as rebellious.