Applications
- Potentially 1,300+ adult correctional institutions in the United States and Canada.
- Prison (penitentiary or reformatory) inmate (male and female) assessment.
- Helps determine inmate risk, establish supervision levels and readiness for status or classification changes.
Description
The Prison Inmate Inventory Version 2 (PIIv2) is designed for prison inmate (male and female) assessment.
The PIIv2 has 161 items and takes approximately 35 minutes to complete. PIIv2 reports are scored and
printed on-site. The PIIv2 has 10 measures (scales): 1. Truthfulness Scale,
2. Violence (lethality) Scale, 3.
Antisocial Scale, 4. Adjustment Scale, 5.
Gambling Scale, 6. Judgment Scale, 7. Distress Scale,
8. Alcohol Scale, 9. Drugs Scale, and
10. Stress Coping Abilities Scale. The PIIv2 has been standardized
on over 40 thousand inmates. It is a popular prison inmate screening instrument or test.
Ten PIIv2 Scales
The Prison Inmate Inventory Version 2 (PIIv2) contains 10 separate measures (scales) that are standardized and
normed on the prison inmate (male and female) population. These include:
1. Truthfulness Scale measures how truthful the inmate was while completing
the test. It identifies guarded and defensive inmates who attempt to minimize problems or fake their
answers. It identifies "faking good."
2. Violence (Lethality) Scale measures the use of force to injure, damage or
destroy. It identifies inmates that are dangerous to self and others.
3. Antisocial Scale measures antisocial attitudes and behavior. It identifies
inmates that are opposed to society and social norms.
4. Adjustment Scale measures the inmate's ability to cope with incarceration.
It evaluates the inmate's emotional and social adjustment.
5. Gambling Scale measures the inmate's interest and involvement in gambling
on a continuum from normal involvement (low risk) to pathological (severe problem) involvement. Identifies
problem prone gamblers.
6. Judgment Scale measures an inmate's ability to draw conclusions from
events and the actions of people around them. Inmate risk increases as judgment decreases.
7. Distress Scale measures inmate discomfort, unhappiness and pain. Distress
incorporates anxiety, depression and concern.
8. Alcohol Scale measures alcohol proneness and severity of alcohol-related
problems. Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other liquor.
9. Drugs Scale measures drug abuse proneness and the severity of drug-related
problems. Drugs include marijuana, crack, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin.
10. Stress Coping Abilities Scale measures an inmate's ability to handle stress.
Stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptoms. This is a non-introversive way to screen diagnosable
mental health problems.
The PIIv2 assesses attitudes and behaviors yielding an inmate profile. Paper-pencil test administration takes on average 35 minutes and tests are computer scored on-site with reports printed within 3 minutes.
The PIIv2 was developed for inmate evaluation. It is much more than just another alcohol or drug test, consequently it measures important behaviors often missed by other tests.
PIIv2 Test Booklet
PIIv2 test booklets are provided free. These booklets contain 160 items (true-false and multiple choice) and
are written at a high 5th to low 6th grade level. If a person can read the newspaper they can read the PIIv2.
It takes 35 to 40 minutes to complete this test. PIIv2 test booklets are available in both English and Spanish.
And they can be provided in other languages.
PIIv2 Reports
In brief, PIIv2 reports summarize the inmate's self-reported history, explain what attained scores mean
and offer specific score-related recommendations.
Within 2½ minutes of test data entry automated (computer generated) 4 page reports are printed on-site.
These reports summarize a lot of infor-mation in an easily understood format. For example, these reports
include a PIIv2 profile (graph) which summarizes inmate findings at a glance.
Significant items (direct admissions) are high-lighted and answers to the built-in interview (the last section
of multiple choice items) are presented. Emphasis is placed on having meaningful reports that are helpful
and easily understood. An example PIIv2 report is presented at the end of this booklet.
Local Standardization
Prior to introducing the PIIv2 in a new (new in terms of PIIv2 use) prison population Behavior Data Systems
offers 200 free test administrations. This no cost offer insures test standardization and accuracy.
Software
The PIIv2 is available in Windows diskettes. Windows diskettes require a one time computer set-up procedure
after which PIIv2 data diskettes are used. Training manuals are provided.
Proprietary PIIv2 diskettes contain 25 or 50 test applications. These 3½" diskettes score, interpret and
print PIIv2 reports on-site. When all test applications are used, diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs
Assessment, Inc. where the test data and demographics are downloaded into the PIIv2 database for subsequent
research analysis. The proprietary "delete names" program is activated by the test user with a few keystrokes
to delete all inmates' names from diskettes before they are returned to Behavior Data Systems. Deleting all inmates'
names insures inmate confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA requirements.
The "PIIv2 Orientation and Training Manual" explains how the PIIv2 works and should be read by staff.
The "PIIv2 Computer Operating Guide" explains how to score tests, print or store reports and discusses
other unique PIIv2 computer-related features.
PIIv2 Database
The PIIv2 system contains a proprietary database. Earlier it was noted that all PIIv2 used diskettes are
returned to Behavior Data Systems and the test data along with related demographics are down-loaded into the PIIv2
database. This database (over 55,000 PIIv2 tests) allows ongoing research and testing program summary --
capabilities that were not possible before. Ongoing research insures quality control. Test program summaries
provide for program self-evaluation.
Returned diskettes can be summarized on a state, correctional institution or departmental basis -- at no
additional cost to users.
Reliability, Validity and Accuracy
The PIIv2 has a built-in database that insures inclusion of all tests administered in a confidential (no names)
manner. Over 50,000 inmate's test data are represented in the PIIv2 database. And these reliability, validity
and accuracy statistics are reported in the document titled "PIIv2: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Annual
database analysis has revealed that PIIv2 scales maintain very high reliability coefficients and minimum interscale
correlations.
For example, the internal consistencies (coefficient alpha) for PIIv2 scales are reported here for 7,909 inmates
screened in the year 2005.
| PIIv2 Reliability, N=7,909 Inmates
|
| PIIv2 Scales
| Coefficient
Alpha
| Significance
Level
|
| Truthfulness
| .88
| p<.001
|
| Adjustment
| .92
| p<.001
|
| Violence
| .88
| p<.001
|
| Antisocial
| .83
| p<.001
|
| Distress
| .89
| p<.001
|
| Alcohol
| .94
| p<.001
|
| Drugs
| .95
| p<.001
|
| Judgment
| .80
| p<.001
|
| Gambling
| .97
| p<.001
|
| Stress Coping
| .91
| p<.001
|
All PIIv2 scales have alpha coefficients well above the professionally accepted standard of .75 and are
highly reliable. All coefficient alphas are significant at the p<.001 level.
PIIv2 research extends over 16 years. Many studies have been conducted on thousands (not just hundreds) of
inmates using several validation methods. Early studies used criterion measures and were validated with other
tests, e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L-Scale, MMPI F-Scale, SAQ-Adult Probation,
16-PF, MMPI Psychopathic Deviate Scale, MacAndrews, MAST, MMPI Anxiety Scale, MAS (Taylor Manifest Anxiety)
Scale, SAQ-Adult Probation III, TSC-VII Scale, etc. Much of this research is summarized in the "PIIv2: An
Inventory of Scientific Findings."
Advantages of Screening
Screening or assessment instruments filter out individuals with serious problems that may require referral
for a more comprehensive evaluation and/or treatment. This filtering system works as follows:
Prison Inmate Inventory Version 2
Risk Ranges
|
| Risk Category
| Risk Range
Percentile
| Total
Percentage
|
| Low Risk
| 0-39%
| 39%
|
| Medium Risk
| 40-69%
| 30%
|
| Problem Risk
| 70-89%
| 20%
|
| Severe Problem
| 90-100%
| 11%
|
Reference to the above Risk Range table shows that a problem is not identified until a scale score is at the
70th percentile or higher. These risk range percentiles are based upon the thousands of inmates that have
taken the Prison Inmate Inventory. This procedure is eminently fair and it avoids extremes, i.e.,
over-identification and under-identification of problems.
A state, department or corrections system policy might refer clients with identified "severe problems" for
further evaluation, intervention or treatment services.
Budgetary savings (dollars) would be large with no compromises in inmates receiving appropriate evaluation
and/or treatment services. Indeed, more inmates would receive help. Without a screening program there
is usually more risk of over or under utilization of additional professional services.
Staff Member Input: Some people advocate fully automated assessment. Risk & Needs
does not. The PIIv2 is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment. When available, court and
corrections records should be reviewed because they can contain important information not provided or incorrectly
provided by the inmate. Experienced staff should also interview the inmate. For these reasons the following
statement is contained on each PIIv2 report: "No diagnosis or decision should be based solely upon PIIv2 results.
The PIIv2 is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment and review of available records."
Unique PIIv2 Features
Truthfulness Scale identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. It is now clear
that many inmates attempt to minimize their problems. A Truthfulness Scale is now a necessary component in
contemporary inmate tests. The PIIv2 Truthfulness Scale has been validated with the Minnesota Multiphasic
Personality Inventory (MMPI), polygraph exams, other tests, truthfulness studies and experienced staff judgment.
The PIIv2 Truthfulness Scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. In some respects the PIIv2
Truthfulness Scale is similar to the MMPI's L and F-Scales. It consists of a number of items that most people
agree or disagree with.
Stress Coping Abilities Scale measures how well the inmate handles stress, tension and
pressure. How well a person handles stress can effect their adjustment and mental health. We now know that stress
exacerbates emotional and mental health symptomology. This scale is a non-introversive way to screen established
(diagnosable) mental health problems. An inmate scoring at or above the 90th percentile on the Stress Coping
Abilities Scale might be referred for a more comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and even treatment. This important
area of inquiry is missed by many other inmate screening procedures.
More than just another alcohol or drug test. In addition to alcohol and drugs the
PIIv2 assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, denial and faking, violence (lethality)
proneness, antisocial attitudes, gambling involvement, feelings of distress and judgment. The Stress Coping
Abilities Scale was discussed earlier. The PIIv2 is specifically designed for inmate (male and female) assessment.
It provides the information needed for understanding inmate attitudes and behavior.
Three ways to give the PIIv2. The PIIv2 can be administered in three different ways:
1. Paper-Pencil test booklet format is the most popular testing procedure. PIIv2
English and Spanish test booklets and answer sheets are available at no added cost. 2.
PIIv2 tests can be given directly on the computer screen. And 3. Human voice audio in
English and Spanish is available. This involves a computer, a headset and the inmate uses the up-down arrow keys.
As the inmate goes from question to answer with the arrow keys the question or answer is highlighted on the monitor
(screen) and simultaneously read to the inmate. These three administration modes are discussed in the "PIIv2:
Orientation and Training Manual." Each test administration mode has advantages and some limitations. Risk & Needs
offers these three testing modes so test users can select the administration mode that is optimally suited to their
needs.
Reading Impaired Assessment. Reading impaired inmates represent 20+ percent of inmates
tested. This represents a serious problem to many inmate assessment procedures. In contrast, Behavior Data Systems has
developed an alternative for dealing with this problem: Human Voice Audio.
Human Voice Audio presentation of the PIIv2 in English and Spanish helps resolve many
reading and cultural difference issues. Inmate's passive vocabularies are often greater than their active
vocabularies. Hearing items read out loud often helps reduce both cultural and communication problems. This PIIv2
administration mode requires a computer, earphones and simple instructions regarding how to operate the up-down arrow
keys on the computer keyboard.
Confidentiality: Behavior Data Systems encourages test users to delete inmate names from
diskettes before they are returned to Behavior Data Systems. Once inmate names are deleted they are gone and cannot be
retrieved. Deleting inmate names does not delete demographics or test data which is downloaded into the PIIv2
database for subsequent analysis. This proprietary name deletion procedure involves a few keystrokes and insures
inmate confidentiality and meets HIPAA requirements.
Test Data Input Verification allows the person that inputs the test data from the
answer sheet into the computer to verify the accuracy of their data input. In brief, test data is input twice
and any inconsistencies between the first and second data entry are highlighted until corrected. When the first
and second data entry match or are the same the staff person can continue. This proprietary Test Data Input
Verification procedure is optional, yet it is strongly recommended by Behavior Data Systems.
Staff Training: Behavior Data Systems, Ltd. staff is available to participate in
PIIv2 training programs conducted by correctional institutions in the United States. Behavior Data Systems staff typically
participates in 4 hour or 6 hour PIIv2 training sessions. This training can include hands-on computer scoring as
desired.
Selecting an inmate screening test
If you are selecting an inmate (male and female) assessment instrument, the following Comparison Checklist should
prove helpful. This checklist summarizes important assessment and screening qualities. The "Other" column
represents any other test you might want to compare to the PIIv2.
| Comparison Categories
| PIIv2
| Other
|
| Designed Specifically for Inmate Assessment | Yes | |
| Standardized on Thousands of Prison Inmates | Yes | |
| Test Reliability and Validity Research Provided | Yes | |
| Test Completed in 35 Minutes | Yes | |
| On-Site Reports Within 2½ Minutes | Yes | |
| Truthfulness Scale Detects Faking | Yes | |
| Truth-Corrected Scores Improve Accuracy | Yes | |
| Three Test Administration Options | Yes | |
| 1. Paper-Pencil (English and Spanish) | Yes | |
| 2. On Computer Screen (English and Spanish) | Yes | |
| 3. Human Voice Audio (English and Spanish) | Yes | |
| Comprehensive Assessment (10 scales or measures) | Yes | |
| Violence (Lethality) Scale | Yes | |
| Antisocial Scale | Yes | |
| Alcohol and Drugs Scales | Yes | |
| Distress Scale | Yes | |
| Adjustment Scale | Yes | |
| Gambling Scale | Yes | |
| Stress Coping Abilities Scale | Yes | |
| Judgment Scale | Yes | |
| Confidentiality Assured and HIPAA Compliant | Yes | |
| Helpful Score-Related Recommendations | Yes | |
| Easily Understood Reports | Yes |
|
The PIIv2 assesses attitudes and behavior yielding an inmate profile. Paper-pencil test administration takes on
average 40 minutes. Tests are then computer scored on-site with reports printed within 3 minutes.
PIIv2 Interpretation
There are several levels of PIIv2 interpretation ranging from viewing the PIIv2 as a self-report to interpreting
scale elevations and scale inter-relationships.
The following table is a starting point for interpreting PIIv2 scale scores
| Scale Ranges
|
| Risk Category
| Risk Range
Percentile
| Total
Percentage
|
| Low Risk
| 0-39%
| 39%
|
| Medium Risk
| 40-69%
| 30%
|
| Problem Risk
| 70-89%
| 20%
|
| Severe Problem
| 90-100%
| 11%
|
A problem is not identified on any PIIv2 scale until the scale score is at the 70th percentile or higher.
Elevated scores refer to percentile scores that are at or above the 70th percentile. Severe problems
on any PIIv2 scale score are identified by scale scores at or above the 90th percentile. Severe problems represent
the highest eleven (11%) percent of inmates evaluated with the PIIv2.
PIIv2 SCALE INTERPRETATION
1. Truthfulness Scale: Measures how truthful the inmate was while completing the
PIIv2. This scale identifies guarded and defensive inmates who attempt to fake good. Scores at or below the
69th percentile are accurate (valid) and errorless. Scores in the 70 to 89th percentile range are accurate in
spite of the inmate tending to try and appear more problem free than he/she is. Truthfulness Scale scores at
or below the 89th percentile mean that all PIIv2 scale scores are accurate (valid). Truthfulness Scale scores
at or above the 90th percentile mean that all PIIv2 scale scores are inaccurate (invalid) because the inmate
was overly guarded, defensive, read things into test items that aren't there, was minimizing problems, or was
caught trying to fake good. Inmates with reading impairments might also score at or above the 90th percentile
on the Truthfulness Scale. If not consciously deceptive, inmates with elevated Truthfulness Scale scores have
a need to appear in a good light.
The Truthfulness Scale score is very important because it shows whether-or-not the inmate answered PIIv2 items
honestly. Elevated Truthfulness Scale scores do not occur by chance. A definite pattern of untruthfulness is
necessary for the inmate to have an elevated Truthfulness Scale score. As noted earlier, a Truthfulness Scale
score at or above the 90th percentile means the inmates denial, attempts to minimize problems or attempt to lie
were so great they invalidated the test. In other words, in these instances (Truthfulness Scale score at or
above the 90th percentile) all scale scores are inaccurate and invalid. One of the first things to check when
reviewing a PIIv2 report is the Truthfulness Scale score. Truthfulness Scale scores are very important in
contemporary assessment instruments or tests. Without a Truthfulness Scale how can you determine if the test
taker was truthful?
2. Violence (Lethality) Scale: Identifies inmates that are dangerous to themselves
and others. Violence is defined as the expression of hostility and rage through physical force. Violence is
aggression in its most extreme and unacceptable form.
Elevated Violence Scale scorers can be demanding, overly sensitive to perceived criticism and are insightless about
how they express their hostility and anger. These people often have a chip on their shoulder and are quick to
encounter. Severe problem scorers ignored as they are threatening and very dangerous. A particularly unstable
and perilous situation involves an elevated Violence Scale with an elevated Antisocial, Alcohol, Drugs or Judgment
Scale score. The more of these scales that are elevated and the higher they are elevated with the Violence Scale -
the worse the prognosis. A concurrently elevated Violence Scale score with a an Adjustment Scale or Stress Coping
Abilities Scale score provides insight regarding codeterminants and treatment recommendations. A severe problem
Violence Scale score in conjunction with an elevated Distress, Judgment and/or Antisocial Scale score is a
particularly uncertain, perilous and menacing situation. A severe problem Violence Scale in combination with any
other severe problem PIIv2 is ominous and potentially dangerous. Any combination of Violence, Distress and
Adjustment severe scores may suggest suicidal ideation. Add severe Violence and Antisocial Scale scores and the
focus of acting out shifts outward. Similarly, a severe Gambling Scale score with a sever Violcne Scale score
suggests a potentially dangerous person whose mood varies widely (or with their winning and losing) and reflects
environmental stress that could have a suicidal ideation component. An accompanying elevated Judgment Scale score
would be another malignant sign. The Violence Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination with other
PIIv2 scales.
3. Antisocial Scale: Measures antisocial attitudes and behavior. Antisocial is
defined as opposed to society or existing social organization and moral codes. Antisocial behavior refers to
aggressive, impulsive and hostile and violent actions that flout social and ethical codes such as laws,
property rights, etc. This behavior pattern often begins with a conduct disorder involving lying, stealing,
fighting, cruelty, truancy, vandalism, theft and substance abuse.
Elevated Antisocial Scale scores are often associated with non-internalization of
recognized conventions. Many high Antisocial Scale scorers manifest a seeming inability to profit
from experience. An elevated Antisocial Scale score in conjunction with an elevated Alcohol Scale, Drugs
Scale or Violence Scale score would be a malignant sign prognostically. A severe problem Stress Coping
Ability Scale score with an elevated severe problem Antisocial Scale suggests the possibility of a
suspicious/paranoid mental health problem. Continuing, a severe problem Gambling Scale score and/or
distress Scale score accompanying a severe problem Antisocial Scale score could be a volatile warning of a
pending explosion. The elevations of the Distress Scale and Antisocial Scale would help determine if the
inmate's hostility is internalized (distress) or externalized (antisocial). An accompanying elevated Judgment
Scale score would be another malignant prognostic sign. The Antisocial Scale can be interpreted independently
or in combination with other PIIv2 scales.
4. Adjustment Scale: Measures the inmate's ability to adjust to incarceration,
which can be a very stressful experience. Inmate adjustment requires modification of the inmate's attitudes and
behavior. Severe problem Adjustment Scale and a severe problem Stress Coping Abilities Scale score would
exacerbate the inmate's adjustment problems. Here you have a poorly adjusted inmate with poorly established
stress handling abilities. His or her adjustment will likely deteriorate even more. Stressors vary widely
from a controlled environment (along with frustration, humiliation and monotony) to a myriad of emotion provoking
events. When the Adjustment Scale is elevated -- review all other PIIv2 scale scores.
For example, is the inmate also dangerous (Violence Scale), antisocial (Antisocial Scale), suffering from
substance abuse (Alcohol and Drugs Scale), a gambler (Gambling Scale) or manifesting other symptoms of pain,
misery or remorse (Distress Scale). An elevated Adjustment Scale suggests one level of
intervention, whereas a severe problem Adjustment Scale score suggests yet another level of intervention.
An elevated Adjustment Scale score with an elevated Distress Scale score is suggestive of environmental conflict.
Similarly, severe Alcohol and/or Drugs Scale scores would identify focal issues impacting upon the inmate's
adjustment. The Adjustment Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination with other PIIv2 scale scores.
5. Gambling Scale: Measures gambling involvement on a continuum from none or some
gambling (low risk, zero to 39th percentile), through social gambling (medium risk, 40 to 69th percentile), to
problem gambling (problem risk, 70 to 89th percentile) and severe problem (90 to 100th percentile) gambling.
The Gambling Scale quantifies gambling involvement. This scale assesses attitudes and behaviors important for
understanding gamblers. The Gambling Scale measures the severity of gambling-related
problems.
Pathological gamblers experience wide mood swings that vary with winning, losing and what Robert Custer, M.D.
termed the "desperation" phase. Desperation phases typically involve a severe Gambling Scale score with other
concurrently severe scale scores like the Adjustment Scale, distress Scale or substance (alcohol and other drugs)
abuse scales. A severe problem Gambling Scale with a severe problem Antisocial Scale would be indicative of an
unscrupulous, unprincipled or corrupt gambler.
When dealing with a severe problem Gambling Scale score almost any other PIIv2 scale score in the severe problem
range would represent equally severe problems. These instances should be interpreted on an individual case-by-case
basis to determine the focal issue or issues. The Violence Scale would typically take precedence in terms of
treatment priorities, however, other scale elevations are important factors when making such decisions and
determinations. When severe scale scores (plural) occur, the inmate's history and available institutional records
could represent important areas of inquiry. The Gambling Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination
with other scale scores. Severe Gambling Scale scores would usually be interpreted in conjunction with other
elevated scale scores.
6. Judgment Scale: Measures an inmate's ability to formulate opinions or draw
conclusions from the actions of people and events around them. Distortions and impairments in judgment are
maladaptive. Peer pressure, concrete thinking, psychopathology and one's adjustment are all directly affected
by impaired judgment. Indeed, it would be a truism to state that judgment interacts with all PIIv2 scales.
Poor judgment contributes to poor overall adjustment. In general, as judgment decreases -
inmate problems and risk increase.
The most obvious interaction can be seen between elevated Judgment Scale scores and elevated Alcohol Scale
and/or Drugs Scale scores. Poor judgment contributes to adjustment problems. The Judgment Scale can be
interpreted independently. However, in inmate assessment the Judgment Scale is usually interpreted in
conjunction with other PIIv2 scale scores.
7. Distress Scale: Measures inmate discomfort, pain and unhappiness. Distressed
inmates are preoccupied, concerned, visibly bothered and upset. Distress is one of the most common reasons
people initiate counseling, consequently distress often serves as the beginning point in clinical inquiry.
The magnitude of the Distress Scale score is important.
Distress scale scores in the problem risk (70 to 89th percentile) range indicate the inmate is experiencing
problematic discomfort, unhappiness or pain. Regardless of the reason, distress has become a problem in the
inmate's life. Distress Scale scores in the severe problem (90 to 100th percentile) range indicate the inmate
is really hurting, desperate and becoming overwhelmed. Severe problem Distress and Stress Coping Abilities
Scale scores suggest serious (diagnosable) emotional problems exist. This is a malignant sign because the
inmate is suffering and doesn't know how to cope with this pain. In these situations some inmates self-medicate
with alcohol and/or drugs. The Distress Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination with other
PIIv2 scale scores.
8. Alcohol Scale: Measures alcohol use and the severity of abuse. Alcohol refers
to beer, wine and other liquors. It is a licit substance. An elevated (70 to 89th percentile) Alcohol Scale
score is indicative of an emerging drinking problem. An Alcohol Scale score in the severe problem (90 to 100th
percentile) range identifies serious and established drinking problems.
Since a history of alcohol problems could result in an abstainer (current non-drinker) attaining a low to
medium-risk score, precautions have been built into the PIIv2 to correctly identify "recovering alcoholics."
In the PIIv2 item #156 is the "recovering alcoholic and /or drug abuser" item. The inmate's answer to this
"recovering" item is printed on the third page (inmate's opinion) of the PIIv2 report. Other Alcohol Scale
admissions (#23, 49 and 77) and Drugs Scale admission (#31, 37 and 83) items and the inmate's answer are printed
as "Significant Items" for easy reference on page 3 of the PIIv2 report. In addition, the Alcohol Scale and
Drugs Scale risk range paragraph for elevated score clearly state that the inmate may be a "recovering alcoholic."
An elevated Alcohol Scale score in conjunction with other PIIv2 elevated score magnifies
the severity of the other elevated scores. This is particularly evident with severe (90 to 100th
percentile) Alcohol Scale scores. For example, if you have an inmate with an elevated Violence Scale score
and an elevated Alcohol Scale score, that inmate is even more dangerous when drinking.
When both the Alcohol and Drugs Scales are elevated the higher score represents the inmate's substance of choice.
When both scale scores are in the Severe Problem (90 to 100th percentile) range - explore polysubstance abuse.
The Alcohol Scale scan be interpreted independently or in combination with other PIIv2 scale scores.
9. Drugs Scale: Measures drug use and the severity of abuse. Drugs refer to
marijuana, crack, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, barbiturates, heroin, etc. These non-prescription drugs are
illicit substances. An elevated (70 to 89th percentile) Drugs Scale score is indicative of an emerging drug
problem. A Drugs Scale score in the severe problem (90 to 100th percentile) range identifies serious, established
and diagnosable drub abusers.
Similar to the Alcohol Scale, a history of drug-related problems could result in an abstainer (drug history, but
not presently using or abusing drugs) attaining a low to medium-risk score. Precautions have been built into the
PIIv2 to correctly identify "recovering drug abusers." In the PIIv2 item # 156 is the "recovering alcohol and/or
drug abuser" item. The inmate's answer to this "recovering" item is printed on the third page (significant items)
and fourth page (inmate opinion) of the PIIv2 report. Other Drugs Scale admissions (#31, 37 and 83) items are
printed as "Significant Items" on page 3 of the PIIv2 report. In addition, the Drugs Scale risk range paragraphs
clearly states that the inmate may be a "recovering drug abuser."
An elevated Drugs Scale score in conjunction with other PIIv2 elevated scores exacerbates
the severity of the other elevated scale scores. This is most evident with severe problem (90 to 100th
percentile) Drugs Scale scores. For example, an elevated violence Scale score in conjunction with an elevated
Drugs Scale score increases the severity and risk associated with the Violence Scale when the inmate uses drugs.
When both the Drugs and Alcohol Scales are elevated, the higher score represents the inmate's substance of choice.
When both the Drugs Scale and the Alcohol Scale are in the severe problem (90 to 100th percentile) range -- explore
polysubstance abuse. The Drugs Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination with other PIIv2 scale
scores.
10. Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures how well the inmate copes with stress.
It is now accepted that chronic stress can exacerbate symptoms of emotional and mental problems. Thus, an elevated
Stress Coping Abilities Scale score in conjunction with other elevated PIIv2 scales helps explain the inmate's
situation. When an inmate doesn't handle stress well other existing problems are often exacerbated. Such problem
augmentation applies to substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse, behavioral acting-out and attitudinal problems.
A Stress Coping Abilities Scale score is in problem risk (70 to 89th percentile) range identifies inmates with
stress handling problems. These inmates usually have little stress tolerance and emotionally react to stress,
pressure or tension. When a Stress Coping Abilities Scale score is in the severe problem (90 to 100th percentile)
range the inmate is being overwhelmed by the perceived stress, pressure and tension. These inmates often manifest
identifiable (diagnosable) emotional and mental health problems. In these instances referral to a
certified/licensed mental health professional might be warranted for a diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan.
Lower elevated Stress Coping Abilities Scale score would warrant referral to less intense treatment alternatives
like stress management group treatment. The Stress Coping Abilities Scale score can be interpreted independently
or in combination with other PIIv2 scale scores.
