Internal consistency reliability of the personality assessment inventory with psychiatric inpatients

Abstract

Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha) estimates and standard errors of measurement were determined for the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; Morey, 1991) with a group of psychiatric inpatients (N = 111). Full-scale reliabilities were large and acceptable, averaging .82. Subscale reliabilities were lower, averaging .66. Reliability estimates for full scales and subscales were comparable to those reported for the clinical portion of the PAI standardization group. Of the 20 full scales examined, only 2 (Somatization and Paranoia) had reliabilities (.85 and .80, respectively) that were significantly lower than comparable values reported for the standardization group. Despite statistically significant differences, these values were still considered large and acceptable.