The Self - Audit is designed for intervention, counseling and treatment intake. The Self Audit is an adult (male and female) client or patient assessment instrument or test. The Self - Audit is also appropriate for EAP, HMO and other referral options. This self-report test identifies problems that warrant referral, counseling and treatment.

Sometimes patients are resistant to treatment or may inadvertently attempt to minimize their problems and concerns. It is important that evaluators, counselors, therapists and staff know when they can depend upon the client/patient provided information. The Truthfulness Scale determines when the client was truthful when completing the Self Audit. It also identifies denial, problem minimization and attempts to "fake good." Today, many experienced evaluators don't want to use tests that don't have a Truthfulness Scale.

Self - Audit scales identify problems. When problems are present Self - Audit scales measure their "severity." We now know it is very important for treatment success to match problem severity and treatment program intensity. All nine (9) Self - Audit scales do this, ie., match problem severity and treatment program intensity.

The Self - Audit differs from the Victim Index in that the Self - Audit has individual Alcohol and Drug Scales whereas the Victim Index has a Substance Abuse Scale. The Self - Audit also has a Violence Scale, whereas the Victim Index has a Suicide Scale. Look at a test's scales to determine if it will provide the client information you want and need.

The Self - Audit consists of 160 items and takes 30 to 35 minutes to complete. The Self - Audit has eight (8) scales (measures).

1. Truthfulness Scale: Measures how truthful the client was while completing the Self-Audit. It identifies denial, problem minimization and attempts to "fake good."

2. Distress Scale: Measures experienced pain, misery and suffering. Distress incorporates physical pain, mental anguish, anxiety and depression.

3. Resistance Scale: Measures client defensiveness, resistance to help and uncooperativeness. This scale score varies directly with the client's attitude and outlook. Some people resist help, whereas others accept it.

4. Morale Scale: Measures the client's mental outlook with respect to enthusiasm, confidence and willingness to work through hardships.

5. Violence (Lethality) Scale: Measures the client's propensity for using force to injure, damage or destroy. This scale identifies people that are dangerous to themselves or others.

6. Alcohol Scale: Measures alcohol (beer, wine or other liquors) use and the severity of abuse. Alcohol is a licit substance.

7. Drugs Scale: Measures drug (marijuana, cocaine, ice, amphetamines, crack, ecstasy, LSD, barbiturates, heroin, etc.) use and the severity of abuse.

8. Stress Coping Abilities: Measures how well the client handles stress. This is a non-introversive screen for identifiable (diagnosable) emotional and mental health problems.

Why use the Self - Audit? When working with clients and patients it is important to accurately assess their problems concerns and needs. The Self-Audit is an adult (male and female) assessment instrument or test. The Self-Audit has a built-in Truthfulness Scale to determine if the client was truthful while completing the test. The eight (8) Self - Audit scales provide a meaningful client / patient profile. At one sitting of approximately 30 minutes, staff acquires a vast amount of important patient information. Each scale measures the "severity" of the problem area it assesses. This enables staff to match problem severity with treatment program intensity, which facilitates treatment effectiveness. The Self - Audit is appropriate for client screening, referral, counseling, intake and treatment planning.

Reliability and Validity: Early research studies used criterion measures and were validated with other tests, e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), 16PF, Victim Index, Taylor manifest Anxiety Scale, Treatment Intervention Inventory, etc. The Self-Audit evolved from the Victim Index. Much of the Self - Audit research is summarized in its "Self - Audit: Inventory of Scientific Findings" which can be provided upon request. To review some of this research, click on this Self - Audit Research link.

Interscale coefficients for Self - Audit scales are reported in the following table for clients tested with the Self - Audit.

All Self - Audit scales have alpha coefficients above the professionally accepted standard of .75 and are highly reliable.

Four Ways To Give the Self-Audit: The Self-Audit can be administered in four different ways: 1. Paper - pencil test booklet format. 2. The Self - Audit can be given directly on the computer screen. 3. The Proprietary "Human Voice Audio" Involves the computer and a headset. The client uses the up-down arrow keys. Questions and answers are highlighted on the monitor and simultaneously read to the client in English or Spanish. And 4. The Self - Audit is being programmed for inclusion in BDS's new online (internet) testing platform www.online-testing.com.

Confidentiality. Behavior Data Systems (BDS) gives test users the means (depress a key) to delete all respondent names from diskettes (www.bdsltd.com) and while online (www.online-testing.com). Thus, BDS gives test users the ability to be in complete compliance with state patient confidentiality laws and HIPAA ( Federal Regulation 45 C.F.R 161.501). It is the test user's responsibility to push the button that deletes client names.

Free Examination Kit: A 1-Test demonstration diskette is available on a 30-day cost free basis. Demo diskettes are in windows format. The Examination Kit includes a 1-test demo diskette, installation CD (with instructions), test booklet, answer sheet and a manual. BDS does want the test booklet and diskette returned within 30 days.