PAI

Science & Engineering abbreviation · Psychology

PAI
Stands forPersonality Assessment Inventory
CategoriesScience & Engineering

PAI stands for Personality Assessment Inventory, a psychology abbreviation.

Self-report test of 344 items, answered on a four-point scale, that assesses clinical problems, treatment considerations and interpersonal style in adults. It is used in clinical, forensic and correctional settings as an alternative to the MMPI.

Example: The forensic evaluation included the PAI, whose validity scales showed no sign of malingering.

Usage notes

Leslie Morey published the PAI in 1991. Items are written at about a fourth-grade reading level, making it accessible to more examinees. Validity scales check for inconsistent, careless and distorted responding. Adolescent and screening versions also exist.

More psychology abbreviations

  • MBTI – Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
  • MMPI – Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
  • MSCEIT – Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test
  • NEO PI-R – NEO Personality Inventory, Revised
  • NFC – Need for cognition
  • OCEAN – Openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism
  • PERMA – Positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment
  • PHQ-9 – Patient Health Questionnaire-9
  • PSI – Processing Speed Index
  • RT – Reaction time
  • SB5 – Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, Fifth Edition
  • SDT – Self-determination theory

See all 62 psychology abbreviations →