Exploring the Factor Structure of the Personality Assessment Inventory

Abstract

This study examined the factor structure of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). Factor analyses were conducted on all 22 PAI scales, as well as on the 11 clinical scales alone. When analyzing all scales, four factors related to general psychological distress, narcissism, impulsivity, and social functioning were obtained. An analysis of only clinical scales yielded three factors associated with distress, impulsivity, and substance abuse. Although methods other than those utilized by Morey were employed for the factor extractions and rotations, the latent factors derived in this study were very similar to those reported previously. These findings support the stability of the underlying factor structure of the PAI.