DClinPsy Portfolio Volume 1 of 3 - University of Hertfordshire ...

The psychological scales will be defined briefly in turn. The LSE has six items measuring
the basic concept of negative self evaluation. The items target affect laden constructs
related to feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, ineffectiveness and a lack of personal worth.
The PA scale consists of seven items which are broader than the LSE measuring
emotional emptiness, aloneness and a poor sense of self understanding. This scale
correlates with external measures of somatisation, sensitivity, hostility and depression.
The II scale consists of seven items assessing discomfort, apprehension, reticence in
social situations, difficulties expressing feelings to others and the tendency to isolate
oneself. There is no published research on this scale but inter-correlations with other
measures suggest an avoidant and passive interpersonal style.
The IA scale has seven items assessing disappointment, distance and a lack of trust in
relationships. A high IA score is thought to indicate an impaired attachment.
The ID scale consists of nine items that measure confusion related to accurately
recognising and responding to emotional states. A high ID score is a risk factor for the
development of an eating disorder and has been found to correlate with external measures
of anxiety, depression, sensitivity and low self esteem.
The ED scale consists of eight items that assess a tendency towards mood instability,
impulsivity, recklessness anger and self destructiveness e.g. drug and alcohol misuse.
The P scale consists of six items that evaluate the extent to which a person places a
premium on achieving high goals and the highest possible standards of personal
achievement. It assesses both personal and social prescribed perfectionism.
The A scale consists of seven items that assess the tendency to seek virtue through the
pursuit of spiritual ideals such as self-discipline, self-denial, self-restraint, self-sacrifice
and control of bodily urges. This scale has demonstrated a high level of discriminant
validity in differentiating those with bulimia from psychiatric controls.
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