Continuing & Professional Studies, Palo Alto University

This self-paced training program on Forensic & Correctional Applications of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) is presented by John F. Edens, PhD.

The course provides an overview of the basic design and structure of the PAI and how this measure can be used with forensic populations in an array of contexts (e.g., pre-adjudication, post-adjudication). Forensic applications of the PAI across various referral questions are highlighted, with a discussion of relevant research and clinical case examples included to enhance the application of the PAI in practice. Interpretive procedures and empirical results pertaining to the PAI in various forensic settings are discussed.

The use and interpretation of the PAI for issues of response style, mental disorder, institutional adjustment, and treatment outcome is presented over the course of 2 days, with time for participants to engage in discussion about cases and interpretation practice. The importance of self-report assessment in forensic evaluation is discussed, with particular attention to the limitations of other assessment methods and the relevance of pertinent ethical and practice guidelines. Admissibility of expert testimony based on the PAI is addressed and case examples are reviewed.