Personality Assessment Inventory Clinical Scales in Relation to Patient and Therapist Rated Alliance Early in Treatment

Abstract

We examined relationships between the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) clinical scales (e.g., Somatic Complaints [SOM]) and subscales (e.g., Conversion [SOM-C]) with patient- and therapist-rated alliance early in treatment (third or fourth session). We also replicated and extended findings from a previous study examining PAI treatment scales (Treatment Rejection, Treatment Process Index) and early session therapist-rated alliance. We used PAI protocols from a clinical outpatient sample (N = 84). Data were analyzed using stepwise linear regressions. Results suggest that patients who report lower early session alliance also report more antisocial features (β = −.219, p = .050, f² = 0.05) specifically more antisocial behaviors (β = −.315, p = .004, f² = 0.11). Additionally, therapists report higher early session alliance with patients who report more anxiety-related disorders (β = .274, p = .012, f² = 0.08), specifically traumatic stress (β = .325, p = .003, f² = 0.12). No significant relationships were found between patient- or therapist-rated alliance and Treatment Rejection and Treatment Process Index, consistent with prior findings. Clinical implications are discussed.

Keywords

personality assessment therapeutic alliance patient factors psychotherapy antisocial behaviors traumatic stress

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