The Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) Pre-Post is a test designed
for measuring domestic violence counseling/treatment
outcome. The same
test is given before and after treatment and, upon posttest, it automatically compares pretest and
posttest results. The Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) Pre-Post has
147 items and takes 30 minutes to
complete. The Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) Pre-Post contains six scales:
1.
Truthfulness Scale,
2.
Violence (Lethality) Scale,
3.
Control Scale, 4. Alcohol Scale,
5.
Drugs Scale and 6.
the Stress Coping Abilities
Scale. Although this outcome test evolved from the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI),
it is different. The Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) Pre-Post objectively compares pretest and posttest
scores. If you want to know the effectiveness of domestic violence counseling
or treatment, you should consider the DVI Pre-Post.
Why Develop a Special Test for
Counseling/Treatment Outcome?
Because most tests that determine the
severity of domestic violence incorporate offenders' court history. And, the
time referent for these tests is usually the clients' last ten years or even
their lifetime. To assess counseling/treatment outcome or effectiveness, the
test's scale scores must be able to reflect improvement as well as
deterioration. Court history can set levels below which scores cannot go. And,
long time referents introduce error variance. Counseling/treatment outcome
tests must focus on the here-and-now or the time when the pretest and
subsequent posttest are administered. Scale scores must be able to increase,
stay the same or decrease in concert with the offender's attitude, motivation and behavior.
Why Include DVI Scales in the DVI
Pre-Post?
Because DVI scales provide relevant
and important offender understanding. Each of these scales effectively defines
an offender's criminogenic needs. Each of these six areas of inquiry carries
great weight in understanding a domestic violence offender's motivation and
behavior. As noted above, these six scales (measures) include truthfulness,
violence (lethality), control, alcohol, drugs and reactions to perceived
stress. Each of these six factors are seemingly ubiquitous in domestic violence.
Six Scales (Measures)
The six DVI Pre-Post scales (measures) are described as follows:
Truthfulness Scale:
Measures how truthful the client was at both the pretest and posttest
settings. This scale identifies denial, guardedness, problem minimization
and attempts to fake good. Comparing pretest truthfulness to posttest
truthfulness can provide considerable insight into a domestic violence
offender's recovery.
Violence (Lethality) Scale:
Identifies people that are a danger to themselves and others. This scale
measures the use of force to injure, damage or destroy. Comparison of
pretest and posttest Violence (Lethality) Scale scores focuses on the
major behaviors that result in domestic violence counseling/treatment.
Within the context of DVI Pre-Post assessment, the terms "violence" and "domestic
violence" are used interchangeably.
Control Scale:
Measures a person's need to control others. In social psychology, control
is often a synonym for power and influence. Control refers to the process
of regulating and restraining others. Control has emerged as an important
criminogenic factor in domestic violence.
Alcohol Scale: Measures
the offender's use and the severity of alcohol abuse. Alcohol refers to
beer, wine and other liquors. Alcohol is all too often involved in domestic
violence settings.
Drugs Scale: Measures
illicit drug use and the severity of abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana,
crack, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin. Illicit drugs
appear to have a growing presence in domestic violence settings.
Stress Coping Abilities Scale:
Measures the offender's ability to cope with stress, anxiety and pressure.
In addition, stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptomatology.
This scale is a non-introversive screen for established emotional and
mental health problems.
* * * * *
The DVI has become a very popular domestic violence offender assessment instrument
throughout the United States. This has coincided with domestic violence
awareness. Today, many third parties, such as the courts, probation departments,
corrections, mental health professionals, treatment providers and families, are
interested in counseling/ treatment outcome. In brief, they want to know if the
domestic violence offender has benefited from counseling/treatment. The DVI
Pre-Post is an objective and standardized outcome measure that helps answer these questions.
Domestic violence crime rates have
risen across the U.S. These statistics underscore the need for meaningful and
accurate outcome measures. This type of outcome information helps assess
offenders' status after counseling/treatment. Outcome measures help keep the
domestic violence perpetrators' risk and needs in perspective. Some offenders
benefit from counseling/treatment; whereas, others do not. It can be difficult
making these counseling/treatment outcome determinations. The DVI Pre-Post helps meet these needs.
Reports
In brief, there are three DVI
Pre-Post reports. There is the Pretest (1st test administration)
report, the Posttest (2nd and subsequent administrations) report,
and the DVI Pretest-Posttest Comparison report. It's the Pretest-Posttest Comparison
report that people interested in counseling/treatment outcome are most
interested in. The Posttest is automatically compared to the original Pretest
findings. Within 3 minutes of test data entry, the DVI Pretest-Posttest
comparisons are made, and the Comparison report is printed on-site. These Comparison
reports summarize a lot of information in an easily understood format.
DVI PRE-POST
In the Comparison Report, posttest
findings are compared to pretest findings. These differences are set forth
quantitatively and graphically.
Reliability, Validity and
Accuracy
The DVI Pre-Post has a proprietary
built-in database that insures inclusion of all administered tests in a
confidential (no names) manner. Annual database analysis demonstrates that DVI
Pre-Post scales have high reliability coefficients.
For example, internal consistencies
(coefficient alphas) for DVI Pre-Post scales are reported in the following
table for domestic violence offenders screened in the year 2002 with the DVI Pre-Post.
RELIABILITY OF THE DVI PRE-POST (N=3,250, 2002)
DVI Pre-Post Scales
Coefficient Alpha
Significance Level
Truthfulness Scale
.89
p<.001
Alcohol Scale
.91
p<.001
Control Scale
.89
p<.001
Drugs Scale
.87
p<.001
Violence Scale
.91
p<.001
Stress Coping Abilities Scale
.93
p<.001
All DVI Pre-Post 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.
Early DVI Pre-Post studies used
criterion measures and were validated with other tests, e.g., Minnesota
Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L-Scale and F-Scale, 16PF,
Taylor-Manifest Anxiety Scale, Treatment Intervention Inventory (TII), Defendant
Questionnaire (DQ), etc.
Much of the DVI Pre-Post's research is
summarized in the document "DVI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings."
And, a DVI Pre-Post research study involving 3,250 clients can be reviewed by
clicking on this
DVI Pre-Post Research Study link.
Test-retest reliability is based on the
administration of the DVI Pre-Post at the pretest and posttest settings.
Information on the retest intervals was not provided by users. Upon follow-up,
it was determined that the retest interval varied between two months and nine
months. In future research, we will request specific test-retest dates. However,
evaluating DVI Pretests and Posttests that were returned resulted in the
following test-retest reliability coefficients.
Pearson
Product-Moment Correlation Coefficients, N=344, Year 2002
All correlation coefficients are significant at p<.001.
Pretest-Posttest
Correlation Coefficients
Truthfulness
.54
Alcohol
.68
Control
.41
Drugs
.61
Violence
.54
Stress Coping Abilities
.51
This table demonstrates that Pretest and
Posttest scale scores are significantly correlated. The correlation
coefficients are moderately high, which means that scale scores, while highly
related, are not mirror images. Differences between Pretest and Posttest scale
scores can be attributed to treatment effectiveness. Positive moderate
correlation coefficients show that clients maintain their rank order. That is,
clients who scored higher than other clients at Pretest tended to score higher
than other clients at Posttest, even though most clients' scores were lower at Posttest.
Comparisons Between Pretest and Posttest Scale Scores (N = 344)
DVI Pre-Post Scales
Pretest
Posttest
T-value
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Truthfulness Scale
8.27
5.90
4.07
4.36
t = 8.43*
Alcohol Scale
6.38
9.19
4.50
6.65
t = 5.18*
Control Scale
7.85
7.85
4.89
5.52
t = 5.18*
Drugs Scale
4.98
7.14
3.62
5.40
t = 4.40**
Violence Scale
21.10
12.42
14.08
8.70
t = 12.20*
Stress Coping Abilities Scale
104.17
43.29
125.78
45.87
t = 9.08*
*Significant at the p < .001 level
**Significant at the p<.01
level.
Note: The Stress
Coping Abilities Scale is reversed in that the higher the score, the better
one copes with stress.
This table shows that, on average, DVI
Posttest scale scores are lower than DVI Pretest scale scores. Lower scores at
posttest means that clients benefited from having been in treatment.
Furthermore, longer pre-post intervals result in larger differences between
Pretest and Posttest scores. The greatest difference between pretest and
posttest occurred on the Violence Scale, as can be seen in the T-value column in
the table. Stress Coping Abilities also showed marked improvement at posttest.
Software
The DVI Pre-Post is available in Windows. Windows
diskettes require a one-time computer setup procedure after which DVI Pre-Post
data (25 or 50 test applications) diskettes are used to score and print
reports. Training manuals are provided, and new test users can be walked
through these scoring procedures over Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc.'s (Risk & Needs) telephone line.
Proprietary DVI Pre-Post diskettes
contain 25 or 50 test applications. These 3½" diskettes score,
interpret and print reports on-site. Once a DVI Pre-Post account is
established, ordered diskettes are mailed to users. Approximately 97% of
orders are filled and mailed back to users the same day. When all test
applications on a data diskette are used, that diskette is returned to
Risk & Needs where the test data is downloaded into the DVI Pre-Post database for
subsequent database analysis.
The proprietary "delete names"
program is activated by the test user with a few keystrokes to delete all
respondent names from diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. Deleting all respondent
names insures protection of each respondent's confidentiality and compliance
with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).
Database
The DVI Pre-Post system contains a
proprietary built-in database. All used DVI Pre-Post diskettes are returned to
Risk & Needs, and the test data is downloaded into the DVI Pre-Post database. This
expanding database allows ongoing research and testing program summary
features that were not possible before. Ongoing research ensures quality
control. Annual testing program summaries provide for program self-evaluation.
No personal information, names, social security numbers, etc. are ever downloaded into any
test database.
Returned diskettes can be summarized on
a state, department or agency basis -- at no additional cost to users. Annual
summary reports provide information that permits testing program review. An
example annual summary report can be reviewed by clicking on the
Annual Summary Report link.
Database analysis permits ongoing cost
efficient research that includes scale alpha coefficients, ANOVA, frequency
distributions, correlations, cross-tab statistics along with reliability,
validity and accuracy determinations. A DVI Pre-Post research study involving
3,250 clients can be reviewed by clicking on the
DVI Pre-Post Research Study link.
After downloading test data returned diskettes are destroyed.
Annual Summary
Reports
Risk & Needs can access each of its
tests' built-in databases for statistical analysis and summarization of all
tests administered in a year. Annual Summary Reports are prepared
for state, department, agency and even some individual providers -- at no
cost to them. These reports are provided as a professional courtesy
to large volume test users. Summary reports include demographics,
court-history when relevant, and test statistics (reliability, validity
and accuracy). Has anyone offered to summarize your testing program?
Annually? At no additional cost to you? Minimum testing volume for
annual reports is 350 tests. There is no maximum limit. Risk & Needs' annual reports range in size from 350 tests to over 55,000 tests annually.
An example Annual Summary Report can be viewed by clicking on this
Annual Summary Report link.
Staff Member
Input
The DVI Pre-Post is to be used in
conjunction with experienced staff judgment. When available, court records
should be reviewed, as they can contain important information not provided or
incorrectly provided by the offender. Experienced staff should also interview
the client. For these reasons, the following statement is contained in each
DVI Pre-Post report: "DVI Pre-Post results are confidential and are considered
working hypotheses. No diagnosis or decision should be based solely upon these
results. The DVI Pre-Post is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment."
Unique DVI
Pre-Post Features
The Truthfulness Scale measures
how truthful the respondent was while completing the DVI Pre-Post. This scale
identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. Many domestic violence
offenders attempt to minimize their problems. The DVI Pre-Post Truthfulness
Scale has been validated with other tests, truthfulness studies and the
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L and F-Scales. It consists
of a number of items that most people agree or disagree with. This important
scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. Much of this
research is reported in the document titled "DVI: An Inventory of Scientific
Findings."
Truth-Corrected scores
have
proven to be important in enhancing assessment accuracy. This proprietary
truth correction program is comparable to the MMPI K-Scale correction
methodology. The DVI Pre-Post Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with the
other five DVI Pre-Post scales. The Truth Correction equation then converts
raw scores to Truth-Corrected scores. Raw scores reflect what the respondent
wants you to know. Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the respondent is trying
to hide. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores.
The
Violence (Lethality) Scale
measures the respondent's propensity for using force to injure, damage or
destroy. It identifies the respondent's danger to self and others. The growing
awareness of violence in our society resulted in the inclusion of the Violence
(Lethality) Scale in the DVI Pre-Post. When screening violence or
lethality potential is important, we recommend you use the DVI Pre-Post.
Within the context of domestic violence, the terms violence and domestic
violence are used interchangeably.
Control Scale:
In psychoanalytic theory, control is the process of restraining or regulating
impulses. In social psychology, control is often a synonym of power or
influence. In domestic violence, "control" refers to the process of
restraining, regulating or controlling others. Controlling behaviors include,
but are not limited to, pushing, swearing, intimidation and hitting. The
concept of control has become an important construct in domestic violence
research. This important area of inquiry is overlooked by other domestic violence tests.
Substance Abuse Screening is
important because alcohol and/or drug use is often associated with domestic
violence. The Alcohol Scale identifies alcohol use and measures the
severity of abuse. Similarly, the
Drugs Scale identifies illicit drug
use and measures the severity of abuse.
The Stress Coping Abilities Scale
measures how well the respondent handles tension, stress and pressure. This
scale goes beyond establishing whether or not the respondent is experiencing
stress. It determines how well the respondent handles or copes with stress.
Stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptoms. Consequently, this
scale is a non-introversive way to screen established (diagnosable) mental
health problems. A respondent scoring at or above the 90th
percentile on the Stress Coping Abilities Scale should be referred to a
certified/licensed mental health professional for a more comprehensive
evaluation and diagnosis, as warranted. This important area of inquiry is
missed by other domestic violence tests.
More than just another alcohol or
drugs test. In addition to alcohol and drugs, the DVI Pre-Post assesses
other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, violence (lethality),
control issues and stress coping abilities. The DVI Pre-Post is designed
specifically for domestic violence perpetrators.
Three ways to give the DVI Pre-Post.The DVI Pre-Post can be administered in three different ways:
1.
Paper-pencil test booklet format. This is the most popular testing procedure.
English and Spanish test booklets are available.
2. The DVI Pre-Post
can be given directly on the computer screen. And,
3. Human voice audio
involves a computer and a headset. The respondent uses the up-down arrow keys.
As the respondent goes from question to answer with the arrow key, that
question or answer is highlighted on the monitor (screen) and simultaneously
read to the respondent. These three test administration modes are discussed in
the "DVI: Orientation and Training Manual." Each test administration mode
has advantages and some limitations. Risk & Needs offers these three test
administration modes so test users can select the test administration mode
that is best suited to their needs.
Reading impaired assessment.
Reading impaired respondents represent 20+ percent of the domestic violence
perpetrators tested. This represents a serious problem to other domestic
violence tests. In contrast, Risk & Needs has developed a proprietary
alternative for reading impaired assessment, which is termed "human voice audio."
Human Voice Audio.
Human Voice Audio is available in English and Spanish. It helps resolve many
reading and cultural difference issues. A person's passive vocabulary is often
greater than their active (spoken) vocabulary. Hearing items read out loud
often helps reduce cultural and communication problems. As discussed earlier,
"human voice audio" test presentation requires a computer, earphones and
simple instructions regarding how to operate the up-down arrow keys located on
the computer keyboard. Without this "human voice audio" option, a domestic
violence perpetrator testing program could be limited.
Confidentiality:Risk & Needs encourages test users to delete respondent
names from diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. This proprietary name deletion
procedure involves a few keystrokes. Once respondent names are deleted, they are gone and cannot be
retrieved. Deleting names does not delete demographics or test data, which is downloaded into the DVI Pre-Post database for subsequent analysis. This procedure insures client confidentiality
and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).
Test Data Input
Verification: This proprietary program
allows the person that inputs 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 entries are highlighted until corrected. When the first and second
data entries match or are the same, the staff person may continue. Use of this
data input verification procedure is optional, yet strongly recommended by
Risk & Needs.
Inventory of Scientific Findings: Much of the DVI Pre-Post
research has been gathered
together in one document titled "DVI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings."
This document summarizes DVI Pre-Post research chronologically -- as the
studies were completed. This innovative chronological reporting format was
established largely because of the DVI Pre-Post database, which permits annual
database analysis of all tests administered that year. It also allows the
reader to observe the evolution of the DVI Pre-Post into a
state-of-the-art assessment test.
Staff Training.
Risk & Needs' staff are available to participate in DVI Pre-Post
training programs scheduled by test users in the United States. Large
departments/agencies or statewide programs often are interested in DVI
Pre-Post training. Sometimes, smaller agencies or departments get together for
a joint training session on the DVI Pre-Post. Risk & Needs gives
attendees certificates attesting to their DVI Pre-Post training.
Staff training is also provided on Fridays at Risk & Needs' Phoenix offices
from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. These
training sessions are free. To participate, contact Risk & Needs
Assessment, Inc. at least ten days in advance. Participation is on a first call, first
scheduled basis.
Test Unit Fee (Cost):
There is only the one fee or charge, and that is the test
unit fee. Everything else is included at no additional cost to the test user.
This includes test booklets, answer sheets, training manuals, upgrades,
ongoing database research, annual testing summary reports, staff training and support services.
Free Examination
Kit: A 1-test DVI Pre-Post demonstration diskette is available on a
30-day cost free basis. The examination kit contains a 1-test
demo diskette, Installation CD (with instructions), test booklet, answer sheet, training manual, One-Page Quick
Start and some descriptive information. Risk & Needs does want the demonstration
diskette and test booklet returned within 30 days of receipt. To request a
free examination kit, click on the
Free
Examination Kit Request link.
Summary
The Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI)
has been modified so that it can be used for pretest-posttest outcome
comparison. After the DVI Pretest is administered, the offender undergoes some
form of intervention (counseling and/or treatment). Upon completion of the
intervention program, the client is administered the DVI Posttest.
Each time the DVI Pre-Post is administered, it
generates an automated (computer-scored) report, which summarizes the results
of that test administration.
Moreover, when the
posttest is administered,
the DVI Pre-Post program automatically compares
pretest and posttest scale scores and summarizes these results in a
"comparison report." This comparison report is an objective comparison of
pretest and posttest scores. Consequently, these outcome measures show whether
the client has improved, stayed the same or gotten worse.
DVI
PRE-POST
The DVI Pre-Post evolved from the DVI.
It has 147 items and takes 30 minutes to complete. DVI Pre-Post scores reflect
the here-and-now. Scale score comparisons can improve, stay the same or get
worse. The DVI Pre-Post is an objective and standardized outcome test. It
provides empirically based scales and objectively based outcome measures.
Selecting a Domestic Violence Offender Outcome Instrument or
Test
If you are selecting a domestic violence
offender outcome assessment instrument, the following Comparison Checklist
should prove helpful. This checklist itemizes important assessment and
screening qualities. The "Other" column represents any other test you might
want to compare to the DVI Pre-Post.
TEST COMPARISON CHECKLIST
COMPARISON CATEGORIES
DVI Pre-Post
Other
Designed Specifically for Domestic Violence Outcome
Yes
Test Reliability & Validity Research Provided
Yes
Here-and-Now Time Referent
Yes
Automated Comparison Report (outcome)
Yes
Objective Outcome Criteria (standardized)
Yes
Test Completed in 30 Minutes
Yes
On-Site Reports within 3 Minutes
Yes
Truthfulness Scale to Detect Faking
Yes
Truth-Corrected Scores for 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
Delete Names (confidentiality) Procedure
Yes
HIPAA (federal regulation)
Compliant
Yes
Test Data Input Verification (accurate scoring)
Yes
Built-in Database
Yes
Annual Database Research (free)
Yes
Annual Test Program Summary (free)
Yes
Specific Scale Score-Related Recommendations
Yes
Alcohol and Drugs Scales
Yes
Control Scale
Yes
Violence (Lethality) Scale
Yes
Stress Coping Abilities Scale
Yes
Very Affordable Test Unit Fee
Yes
Comprehensive Assessment (Six Scales)
Yes
Easily Understood and Helpful Reports
Yes
Staff Training (free)
Yes
Examination Kits (free)
Yes
DVI
Pre-Post Interpretation
Three example DVI Pre-Post reports
follow this discussion of DVI Pre-Post interpretation. They are provided as a
ready reference to augment this dialogue. There are several levels of DVI
Pre-Post interpretation ranging from viewing the DVI Pre-Post as a self-report
to interpreting scale elevations and scale interrelationships.
The following table is a starting point
for interpreting DVI Pre-Post scale scores.
SCALE 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%
A problem is not identified until a
scale score is at the 70th percentile or higher. Elevated scale
scores refer to percentile scores that are at or above the 70th
percentile. Severe problems are identified by scale scores at or above
the 90th percentile. Severe problems represent the highest 11
percent of respondents evaluated with the DVI Pre-Post. The DVI Pre-Post has
been normed on thousands of domestic violence offenders. And, this normative
sample continues to expand with each DVI Pre-Post test that is administered.
SCALE
INTERPRETATION
Truthfulness Scale: Measures how
truthful the respondent was while completing the test. It identifies guarded
and defensive people who attempt to fake good. Scores at or below the 89th
percentile mean that all DVI Pre-Post scales are accurate. Scale scores in the
70th to 89th percentile range are accurate because they have been
Truth-Corrected. Scores at or above the 90th percentile mean that
all DVI Pre-Post scales are inaccurate (invalid) because the respondent was
overly guarded, read things into test items that aren't there, was minimizing
problems, or was attempting to fake answers. Respondents with reading
impairments might also score in this 90th to 100th percentile scoring
range. If not consciously deceptive, respondents with elevated Truthfulness
Scale scores are uncooperative, fail to understand test items or have a need
to appear in a good light. The Truthfulness Scale score is important because
it shows whether or not the respondent answered DVI Pre-Post test items
honestly. Truthfulness Scale scores at or below the 89th percentile indicate that all other
DVI Pre-Post scale scores are accurate.
One of the first things to check when reviewing a DVI Pre-Post report is the
Truthfulness Scale score. The Truthfulness Scale can be interpreted
independently. Truthfulness Scale scores override all other DVI Pre-Post scale scores.
Violence (Lethality) Scale:
Identifies respondents that are dangerous to themselves and others. It is
defined as the expression of rage and hostility through physical force.
Violence is aggression in its most extreme and unacceptable form. Within the
context of DVI Pre-Post assessment, the terms "violence" and "domestic
violence" are used interchangeably. Elevated
scorers can be demanding, sensitive to perceived criticism and are insightless
about how they express their anger/hostility. Severe Problem scorers should
not be ignored, as they are threatening, very dangerous and at risk. A
particularly unstable and perilous situation involves an elevated Violence
Scale with an elevated Alcohol Scale or Drugs Scale score.
The higher the elevation of these scale scores (e.g., Severe
Problem range) with the Violence Scale, the worse the
prognosis.
An elevated Stress Coping Abilities Scale
with an elevated Violence Scale score provides insight regarding
co-determinants and possible treatment recommendations. An elevated Control
Scale in combination with an elevated Violence Scale score suggests a rigidly
hostile characterological pattern. Loss of control results in punitive
consequences; whereas, lack of control is anxiety inducing. The Violence Scale
score can be interpreted independently or in combination with other DVI
Pre-Post scale scores.
Control Scale:
"Control" is a complex psychological term. Some researchers are interested in
the dynamics of controlling others. The DVI Pre-Post Control Scale measures
one's need to control others. In social psychology, control is often a synonym
for power or influence. Within the context of domestic violence, control
refers to the process of regulating, restraining or controlling others. These
controlling behaviors vary from normal (mild) to pathological (severe).
Control-related behavior pathology focuses on exaggerated, distorted or
extreme behaviors like swearing, pushing, intimidating, hitting and even
battering. Without getting into a discussion of a variety of control theories,
the construct "control" has become important in understanding domestic
violence. The significance of control is reflected in domestic violence
perpetrators' difficulty in giving up control and their resistance to treatment.
An elevated (70th to 89th
percentile) Control Scale score indicates the presence of regulating,
restraining and controlling behaviors. Scores in the Severe Problem (90th to 100th
percentile) range identify extreme and even pathological controlling
behaviors. Elevated Control Scale scorers have a
need to control others. Anything that interferes with this sense of control is
frustrating and can be threatening. These people often have a lot of friction
or conflict in their relationships.
An elevated Control Scale score with an
elevated Violence Scale score is usually a malignant sign. The height of these
scale scores is important. Scores in the Severe Problem (90th to 100th
percentile) range should not be ignored, as they are indicative of a dangerous
person. Similarly, an elevated substance (Alcohol or Drugs Scale) abuse score
in conjunction with an elevated Control Scale score is problematic. Alcohol
and/or drug involvement can exacerbate control issues. An elevated Stress
Coping Abilities Scale score with an elevated Control Scale score may help in
understanding the respondent's situation. A person that doesn't handle stress
well is likely to experience symptom magnification. In summary, the Control
Scale can be interpreted independently or in conjunction with other DVI Pre-Post scale scores.
Alcohol Scale:
Measures alcohol
use and the severity of abuse. Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other liquor.
An elevated (70th to 89th percentile) Alcohol Scale score is
indicative of an emerging drinking problem. An Alcohol Scale score in the
Severe Problem (90th to 100th percentile) range identifies serious
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 DVI Pre-Post to correctly
identify "recovering alcoholics." Several DVI Pre-Post items are printed in
the "Significant Items" section of the DVI Pre-Post report for quick
reference. These alcohol items include the following: admits drinking is a
problem (item #27), indicates drinking problem (item #86), "recovering
alcoholic" (item #146), describes seriousness of own drinking (item #132)
and states own desire for alcohol treatment (item #136). In addition, the
Alcohol Scale risk range paragraphs (printed for elevated scores) clearly
state that the respondent may be a "recovering alcoholic."
In intervention and treatment settings,
the respondent's Alcohol Scale score helps staff work through the respondent's
denial. Most people accept the objective and standardized Alcohol Scale score
as accurate and relevant in comparison to a person's subjective opinion. This
is particularly true when it is explained that elevated scores don't occur by
chance. The respondent must answer a definite pattern of alcohol-related
admissions for elevated scores to occur. And, scale scores are based on
thousands of respondents who have completed the DVI Pre-Post.
An elevated
Alcohol Scale score in conjunction with other elevated scores magnifies the
severity of the other elevated scores.
For example, if you have a respondent with an elevated
Violence Scale who also has an elevated Alcohol Scale score, that person is
even more dangerous when drinking. In summary, the Alcohol Scale can be
interpreted independently or in conjunction with other elevated scores.
Drugs Scale:
Measures illicit drug use and the severity of abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana,
cocaine, crack, ice, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin. These are illicit
substances. An elevated (70th to 89th percentile) Drugs Scale score
is indicative of an emerging drug problem. A Drugs Scale score in the Severe
Problem (90th to 100th percentile) range identifies serious illicit drug abusers.
A history of drug-related problems could
result in an abstainer (drug history, but not presently using drugs) attaining
a Low to Medium Risk score. Precautions have been built into the DVI Pre-Post
to correctly identify "recovering drug abusers." Several DVI Pre-Post items
are printed in the "Significant Items" section of the DVI Pre-Post report for
easy reference. These items include: used within last 30 days (item #25),
admits using non-prescription drugs (item #35), rates severity of own drug use
(item #133) and states desire for drug treatment (item #137). In addition, the
elevated Drugs Scale paragraphs clearly state the respondent may be a
"recovering" (item #146) drug abuser.
In intervention and treatment settings,
the respondent's Drugs Scale score helps staff work through client denial.
And, an elevated Drugs Scale score in
conjunction with other elevated scale scores magnifies the severity of the
other elevated scores.
For example,
an elevated Violence Scale in conjunction with an elevated Drugs Scale score
increases the severity and risk associated with the Violence Scale. In
summary, the Drugs Scale can be interpreted independently or in conjunction
with other elevated scales.
Stress Coping
Abilities Scale:
Measures how well the
respondent copes with stress. It is now known that
stress exacerbates symptoms of mental and emotional problems. Thus, an
elevated Stress Coping Abilities Scale score in conjunction with other
elevated DVI Pre-Post scale scores helps explain the respondent's situation.
For example, when a person doesn't handle stress well, other existing problems
are exacerbated. This problem augmentation applies to substance (alcohol and
other drugs) abuse, violence (lethality), control issues and stress-related problems.
An elevated Stress Coping Abilities
Scale score can also exacerbate emotional and mental health symptomatology. When
a Stress Coping Abilities Scale score is in the Severe Problem (90th to 100th
percentile) range, it is likely that the respondent has a diagnosable mental
health problem. In these instances, referral to a certified/licensed mental
health professional is warranted to obtain a diagnosis, prognosis and
treatment plan. Lower elevated scores suggest less intensive referral
alternatives like a stress management program. In summary, the Stress Coping
Abilities Scale can be interpreted independently or in conjunction with other elevated scales.
Test Unit Fee
(Cost):
There is only the one cost or charge, and that is the test unit
fee. Everything else is included at no additional cost to the test user. This
includes test booklets, answer sheets, training manuals, upgrades, ongoing
database research, annual summary testing reports, staff training, and support
services. Do not be misled by some test publishers' à la carte pricing like
separate costs for each test administration as well as for each of the
test-related items listed above. Instead of asking for the test administration
cost, ask for the total cost involved in using a test. We believe Risk & Needs' one test
unit fee is very affordable.
In conclusion, it was noted that there
are several levels of DVI Pre-Post interpretation ranging from viewing the DVI
Pre-Post as a self-report to interpreting scale elevations and
interrelationships. Scale scores can also be interpreted individually. Staff
can then put DVI Pre-Post findings within the context of the respondent's life
and domestic violence situation.
2.Posttest Report (second and subsequent
test reports)
3.Comparison Report
DVI PRE-POST
* * * * *
The three DVI Pre-Post reports (Pretest, Posttest and
Comparison) are presented sequentially. The Pretest Report is presented
first. The Posttest Report is presented second.
The DVI Pretest and
DVI Posttest
reports are the same except for their name. The Comparison
Report is presented third.
The
DVI Pre-Post Pretest is administered
at program intake. This report serves as a baseline for subsequent DVI
Pre-Post tests. Regardless of how many posttests are given, they are always
compared to the Pretest results.
The DVI Pre-Post Posttest is
administered anytime after the Pretest. It can be administered at scheduled
intervals (e.g., 1st month, 3rd month, 9th
month or 12th month intervals) or upon counseling/treatment program
completion. The Posttest can be administered more than once.
The DVI Pre-Post is an objective and standardized
outcome test. It
incorporates empirically based scales and objectively based outcome
measures. The Pretest is the standard against which all subsequent Posttests are compared.
The Comparison Report
is generated when the Posttest is administered. By definition, Posttest is after Pretest
administration. It is the Comparison Report that compares Pretest and Posttest scores.
Additional information can be provided upon request by writing:
Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. P.O. Box 44828 Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828.
Our telephone number is (602) 234-3506
Our fax number is (602) 266-8227
and our e-mail address is
sheryl@riskandneeds.com.
