This “anger management” test site presents and discusses two adult anger management tests and two juvenile anger management tests.  All of these automated (computer scored) assessment instruments or tests are provided by Behavior Data Systems (BDS) and are discussed in depth on BDS’s website www.bdsltd.com.  Eachof these four tests is also available over BDS's online (internet) testing platform www.online-testing.com. They are also discussed in this www.anger-management-tests.com website.

The two “adult” anger management tests include the Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) and the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI).  The Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) has a broader anger management scope (defendants, probationers, clients and patients) than the more specifically focused (domestic violence offenders) Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI). Both of these tests are appropriate for misdemeanor and felony cases.

The juvenile anger management tests that are presented later in this site are the ACDI-Corrections Version II and the DVI-Juvenile.  These tests are appropriate for juvenile defendants (misdemeanor and felony), probationers, domestic violence offenders, clients and patients.

Prior to discussing each of these tests, in the order they are presented above, some anger-management assessment background is discussed.  This discussion focuses on “anger,” "assessment driven treatment,” “multiple scaled tests,” “what scales should be in a test” and “anger management tests.”

Some visitors will read this www.anger-management-tests.com site from beginning to end.  In other words, they will read about the four anger management tests presented and discussed in this website.  Other visitors will utilize the above test links and go directly to the test of their choice.

 ANGER

Anger is often defined as an emotional reaction (tension, stress and hostility) aroused by a wide variety of real or imagined insults, slights, threats, hurts or injustices.  Angry reactions range from avoidance of the cause to verbal or physical violence.  When a person’s anger leads to inappropriate behavior that infringes on the rights and safety of others, that person needs help.  Some of these people voluntarily seek counseling, therapy or treatment.  Others are arrested (e.g., assault or domestic violence) and some are remanded to “anger management” programs.  Anger management counseling often involves groups dedicated to helping people deal with their anger in constructive ways.  Other programs emphasize education, cognitive change, relationships, self-awareness, behavior modification, etc.  Regardless of where the individual is referred (individual or group counseling), anger management treatment effectiveness is greatly influenced by the “anger” assessment.

Assessment driven treatment refers to the relationship between assessment results and treatment recommendations. First of all, responsible screening, assessment and testing is predicated upon being able to determine, beyond reasonable doubt, that clients’ (patients’, defendants’, offenders’ or inmates’) were honest when tested. Contemporary tests make these determinations with reliable, valid and accurate Truthfulness Scales. The second requirement for accurate assessment involves accurate problem “severity” identification. Contemporary anger management tests typically have multiple scales for both problems and contributing factors (substance abuse, violence (lethality) propensity, antisocial thinking, etc.) identification. Many of these contributing factors are called “criminogenic needs” (Andrews, et al., 1990) and they contribute significantly to risk and recidivism prediction (Gendreau, et al., 1996). The Andrews, et al. (1990) study is noteworthy because it demonstrated the importance of properly matching problem severity and treatment intensity level. Offenders with mild problems benefit most from low intensity treatment. Similarly, offenders with severe problems are served best in high intensity treatment. This sounds obvious, yet without proper assessment incorrect treatment placement occurs. Placing offenders in incorrect treatment intensity programs is harmful to the offenders and society. For example, placing mild problem offenders in high intensity treatment (or vice versa) increases both offender risk and recidivism.  In other words proper assessment is very important to treatment outcome.

MULTIPLE SCALED TESTS

In the not to distant past evaluations consisted of one-dimensional (single scale) tests and these tests were used in “test batteries” (several tests).  The merging of psychometrics with computer technologies resulted in a new generation of “multiple scaled” tests.  These tests contain several scales (measures).  In many ways these multiple scaled tests are like test batteries, but with scales (measures) replacing tests.

WHAT SCALES SHOULD BE IN A TEST?

 The answer depends on the tests purpose.  Behavior Data Systems (BDS) develops specific tests for specific client groups.  As an example, the scales (measures) of two different tests are presented for comparison.

Although each of these tests has a Truthfulness Scale and a Stress Coping Abilities Scale, they also have unique scales that are based upon each tests purpose.  It just makes sense.  If you want different information you have to ask different questions.

ANGER MANAGEMENT TESTS

What scales would you want in an anger management test?  Each scale should represent an important area of inquiry.  In other words a test’s scales (measures) should capture the information you want.  To begin, most anger management assessors want to know if they can trust or rely on the tests results.  All of the tests recommended on this website have Truthfulness Scales with impressive validity, reliability and accuracy.  These Truthfulness Scales measure denial, problem minimization and attempts to “fake good.”  Other scales common to most of the anger management tests recommended on this site include an Alcohol Scale and Drugs Scale, which measure the “severity” of alcohol and drug use/abuse, respectively.  Each of these adult anger management tests also have a Stress Coping Abilities Scale to identify how well the client handles stress. A high Stress Coping Abilities Scale score indicates poor (impaired) stress handling abilities.  Consequently, very high (90^th percentile and above) Stress Coping Abilities Scale scores indicate the presence of established emotional/mental health problems.  And since we are discussing anger management tests, each test has a Violence (Lethality) Scale that measures the respondent’s probability of engaging in violent behavior.  At one end of the continuum we have anger (feelings of resentment and indignation), and at the other end of the continuum we have violence (physical force used to injure, damage or destroy).  These intense and explosive emotions can contribute to suicidal and/or homicidal acts.  Behavior Data Systems (BDS) Violence (Lethality) Scale measures the “severity” of a person’s anger-violence continuum status.

In summary, the following scales are present in the Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) and the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI): Truthfulness Scale, Violence (Lethality) Scale, Alcohol Scale, Drugs Scale, and the Stress Coping Abilities Scale.  These common or shared areas of inquiry represent important “anger management” attitudes and behaviors.

Each tests unique or exclusive scales are determined by the tests purpose.  For example, the Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) also has an Antisocial Scale, whereas the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) has a Control Scale.  Although these tests have several scales in common they also have their own unique scales which relate directly to each tests assessment purpose

For reference some other "anger-management" websites include: www.violence-lethality-assessment.com; www.suicide-test.com; www.domestic-violence-tests.com; www.sex-offender-tests.com and www.bdsltd.com. Some websites are more comprehensive than others. This website www.anger-management-tests.com discusses four anger-management tests comprehensively

Truthfulness Scale: Identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. It is now known that most clients attempt to minimize their problems. A Truthfulness Scale is a necessary component in contemporary tests. These Truthfulness Scale’s have been validated with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), polygraph exams, other tests, truthfulness studies and experienced staff judgment. All Truthfulness Scales have been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. In some respects, the Truthfulness Scale is similar to the MMPI’s L and F-Scales. It consists of a number of items that most people agree or disagree with.

Truth-Corrected Scores have proven to be very important for assessment accuracy. This proprietary truth correction process is comparable to the MMPI K-Scale correction. The Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with other test scales. The Truth Correction equation then converts raw scores to Truth-Corrected scores. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores. Raw scores reflect what the client wants you to know. Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the client is attempting to hide.

More than just another alcohol or drug test: In addition to alcohol and drugs, these tests assess other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, violence (lethality) potential, antisocial thinking and emotional/mental health problems. They provide the information needed for comprehensive anger management screening.

Four ways to administer these anger management tests: These tests can be administered in four different ways: 1. Paper-pencil test booklet format is the most popular testing procedure. English and Spanish test booklets and answer sheets are available -- free. 2. Tests can be given directly on the computer screen in English or Spanish.   3. Human voice audio in both English and Spanish computer presentation. This testing procedure involves a computer, earphones and the up down arrow keys. As the client goes from question to answer with the arrow keys, that question or answer is highlighted on the monitor and simultaneously read to the client. And 4. these tests can now be administered (paper-pencil and then scored online, or entirely online (over the internet) over BDS's online (internet) testing platform www.online-testing.com.

These four administration modes are discussed in each tests Orientation and Training Manual. Each of these test administration modes has advantages and some limitations. Behavior Data Systems (BDS) offers four test modes so the test user can select the mode that is optimally suited to their needs. No other testing firm offers these four testing options -- let alone at no additional cost.

Reading Impaired Assessment: Reading impaired clients represent 15 to 20+ percent of clients tested. This represents a serious problem to other tests. Behavior Data Systems (BDS) has developed an alternative for dealing with this problem, which is “Human Voice Audio.”

Human Voice Audio: Presentation of these anger management tests is available in English and Spanish. Clients’ passive vocabularies are often greater than their active (spoken) vocabularies. Hearing items read out loud often helps reduce cultural and communication problems. This Human Voice Audio administration requires earphones and simple instructions to orient the client to the up-down arrow keys on the computer keyboard. This innovative and proprietary approach to resolving many reading problems is not provided by other anger management tests.

Confidentiality: Behavior Data Systems encourages test users to delete defendants' names from diskettes before they are returned to Behavior Data Systems. This proprietary "name deletion" procedure involves a few keystrokes and insures confidentiality and test user compliance with HIPAA. Once client' names are deleted, they are gone and cannot be retrieved. Deleting client names does not delete demographics or test data, which is downloaded into the tests database for subsequent analysis.  This “name deletion” procedure insures confidentiality and compliance with HIPPA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501) requirements.

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 can continue. This proprietary Data Input Verification procedure is optional, yet strongly recommended by Behavior Data Systems. Entering test answer sheet responses into the computer twice along with scoring the tests  and printing its report takes 2 minutes or less.  Consequently, the data input verification procedure is done quickly.

Inventory of Scientific Findings: Much of each tests research has been gathered together in a document titled "An Inventory of Scientific Findings." These documents are individualized to each test and summarize research chronologically -- as the studies were completed. This chronological reporting format was established largely because of each test’s database, which permits annual database analysis of all tests administered. Some researchers would prefer the data to be reported by categories, e.g., all reliability studies and all validity studies grouped together. In contrast, the chronological presentation of research, as it was done, enables readers to see the evolution of each test into a state-of-the-art anger management assessment instrument.  This is also a convenient way to summarize annual database research findings.

Test Unit Fee (Cost): Cost information can be reviewed by clicking on the Test Unit Fee (Cost) link. 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 Behavior Data Systems' one test unit fee is very affordable.

Free Examination Kit: A 2-test demo diskette is available on a 30-day cost free basis. Examination kits contain the demonstration diskette, test booklet and training materials. Behavior Data Systems (BDS) does want the demonstration diskette and test booklet returned within 30 days. To request a free examination kit, click on the Free Examination Kit Request link.

Support Services: Behavior Data Systems provides a full range of support services that include: Information dissemination (descriptive materials, demo diskettes and staff presentations); Orders (98% returned on the same day received); Test-Related Materials (no additional cost); Consultation & Support of Research (free discussion, consultation and test-related support); Staff Training (manuals, high volume users and statewide programs on-site presentations); First Time User (telephone walk-through available); Ongoing Support (software and test-related); Test Updates (no additional cost); and Other (as long as it is test-related). Behavior Data Systems (BDS) is committed to providing free support services to interested parties and test users.

Annual Summary Reports:  Behavior Data Systems can access each of its tests' built-in databases for statistical analysis and summarization of all tests administered each 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 300 tests. There is no maximum limit. Behavior Data Systems' annual reports range in size from 300 tests to over 55,000 tests annually. An example Annual Summary Report can be viewed by clicking on BDS’s website www.bdsltd.com.

When you click on Behavior Data Systems (BDS) website www.bdstests.com link you will go to BDS's homepage.  Scroll down to the bottom of BDS's home page where you will see a cluster of blue links.  Click on the "Annual Summary Reports" link and you will go to the Annual Summary Reports webpage that presents links to eight different Annual Summary Reports.  Click on the report names you are interested in.  This webpage also provides several "test specific" database analyses for review.

DEFENDANT QUESTIONNAIRE (DQ)

The Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) is designed for defendant (male and female) assessment in court-related settings and is particularly useful in violence (assault) cases involving substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse.  The DQ is also used to assess anger management clients.  The DQ's proven research continues to deliver the highest quality in defendant (misdemeanor or felony) assessment at remarkably competitive prices. And volume discounts are available. To review the DQ's cost click on the DQ Cost (Test Unit Fee) link.

DEFENDANT QUESTIONNAIRE (DQ)

Description: The Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) is designed for defendant (misdemeanor or felony) assessment in court settings, anger management programs, diversion programs, establishing alternatives to incarceration, counseling programs, treatment settings, etc. The DQ is particularly useful in substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse-related cases. The DQ is also a preferred test for violence, assault and lethality cases. It is also used in probation and community corrections program screening.

The DQ has 162 items and takes 35 minutes, on average, to complete. It has a 5^th to 6^th  grade reading level.  If the client can read the newspaper they can read the DQ.  The DQ is usually administered in paper-pencil test booklet format, but it can also be given on the computer screen.   Similarly, the DQ can be given in pencil-paper format and then scored online with reports printed over the internet.   DQ reports are computer-scored and printed on-site within 2½ minutes of data entry. The DQ has 7 measures (scales): 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Alcohol Scale, 3. Drugs Scale, 4. Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale, 5. Violence (Lethality) Scale, 6. Antisocial Scale and 7. Stress Coping Abilities Scale.

The DQ evaluates the defendant’s test taking attitude and identifies faking. It measures substance use and severity of abuse. The DQ integrates DSM-IV substance abuse/dependency criteria with alcohol and drug severity measures.  And recommendations for intervention are in accordance with American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) guidelines.  And BDS's client "name deletion" procedure insures confidentiality and full test user compliance with HIPPA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R 164.501) requirements.  It also quantifies violence (lethality) potential and antisocial tendencies. And, the DQ measures the defendant’s ability to cope with stress. It’s an understatement to say the DQ is much more than just another anger test.

DEFENDANT QUESTIONNAIRE SCALES

Seven DQ Scales

1. Truthfulness Scale: Measures how truthful the client was while completing the DQ. It would be naive to assume that clients' always tell the truth -- particularly in court-related settings. Some clients attempt to minimize their problems and concerns.  The Truthfulness Scale detects denial, problem minimization and attempts to “fake good.”

2. Alcohol Scale: Measures alcohol use and severity of abuse. "Alcohol" refers to beer, wine and other liquors. This scale measures the severity of alcohol abuse while identifying alcohol-related problems.

3. Drugs Scale: Measures the severity of drug (marijuana, crack, ice, LSD, cocaine, ecstasy. amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin) use and abuse while identifying drug-related problems. This scale is independent of the Alcohol Scale.

4. Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale: Classifies substance (alcohol and/or other drugs) users as abusers, dependent users or non-pathological users according to DSM-IV criteria.

5. Violence (Lethality) Scale: Measures the client’s propensity for using force to injure, damage or destroy. This scale identifies people that are dangerous to themselves or others.  Low scorers are typically capable of “normal” anger, whereas high scorers can be violent, suicidal and even homicidal.

6. Antisocial Scale: Measures antisocial attitudes and behavior. It identifies clients that are opposed to society and are aggressive, destructive and irresponsible. In general, antisocial people are opposed to existing social organization and moral codes.

7. Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures the defendant’s ability to cope effectively with stress, tension and pressure. Stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptoms. This is a non-introversive way to screen diagnosable mental health problems.

Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) Test Booklet: DQ test booklets are provided free. These test booklets contain 162 items and are written at a 5th to 6th grade reading level. If a person can read the newspaper, they can read the DQ. Questions are direct and easily understood. It takes 35 minutes, on average, for defendants to complete the test. DQ test booklets are available in English and Spanish.

Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) Reports: In brief, DQ reports summarize the client’s self-reported court history, explain what attained scores mean and offer specific score-related recommendations.

Within 2½ minutes from test data entry, automated (computer-scored) 4-page reports are available on-site. These reports summarize a wealth of information in an easily understood format. For example, these reports include a Defendant Questionnaire profile (graph), which summarizes client findings at a glance. Also included are explanations of what each score means and specific score-related recommendations.

To go directly to the example Defendant Questionnaire report, click on this Defendant Questionnaire Example Report link. After reviewing the report, you can return to this section by clicking on the “Back” or "Return to Defendant Questionnaire Reports Section" link.

The Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) can be administered in paper-pencil test booklet format or it can be administered directly on the computer screen.  In either case Defendant Questionnaire’s are available in English and Spanish and DQ’s are scored and reports printed within 2½ minutes on-site.

The Defendant Questionnaire: Orientation and Training Manual explains how the Defendant Questionnaire works and should be read by staff. The Defendant Questionnaire: Computer Operating Guide explains how to score test’s, print or store reports and discusses other unique Defendant Questionnaire computer-related features.  These Defendant Questionnaire manuals are provided free.

DQ Database: The Defendant Questionnaire system contains a proprietary database.  All Defendant Questionnaire used diskettes are returned to Behavior Data Systems and the test data along with related demographics are downloaded into the Defendant Questionnaire database. This expanding database allows ongoing research and testing program summary capabilities that were not possible before. Ongoing research insures quality control. Test program summaries provide program self-evaluation.

Having all used Defendant Questionnaire test data centrally filed at Behavior Data Systems' offices in the Defendant Questionnaire database has many advantages. Database analysis permits ongoing cost efficient research that includes scale alpha coefficients, frequency distributions, correlations, ANOVA, cross-tabs statistics along with reliability, validity and accuracy determinations. We continue to study the effects of demographics and are undertaking recidivism prediction studies.  And these services are provided at no additional cost to test users.

Reliability, Validity and Accuracy: The Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) has a built-in database that insures inclusion of all tests administered in a confidential (no names) manner. And, these reliability, validity and accuracy statistics are reported in the document titled "DQ: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Annual database analysis has revealed that DQ scales maintain very high reliability coefficients and minimum interscale correlations.

For example, the internal consistencies (alpha coefficients) for Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) scales are reported below for 948 clients screened in the year 2002. This is one of several Defendant Questionnaire studies.

The Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale is a classification scale based on DSM-IV criteria. In contrast, the Alcohol and Drugs Scale are measurement scales. They measure the severity of alcohol and drug abuse.

All DQ scales have alpha coefficients well above the professionally accepted standard of .80 and are highly reliable. All alpha coefficients are significant at the p<.001 level.  Yes, that’s two zeros to the right of the decimal point.

Many studies have been conducted on thousands of defendants using several validation methods. Early studies used criterion measures and were validated with other tests, e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), 16PF, SAQ-Adult Probation III, Mortimer-Filkins, Offender Assessment Index, Mac-Andrews, Driver Risk Inventory, experienced staff ratings, etc. Much of this research is summarized in the "DQ: An Inventory of Scientific Findings," which can be provided upon request.  Subsequently, many studies of discriminant validity (first versus multiple offenders) and predictive validity (defendants that had substance abuse treatment versus non-treatment) database analyses continue to strongly support DQ validity. And, as noted earlier, ongoing database research is done to evaluate reliability, validity and accuracy on an annual basis.

IMPORTANT ANGER MANAGEMENT SCALES

Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale: Categorizes defendants as substance abusers, non-pathological or substance dependent in accordance with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Such classification augments the Alcohol Scale and Drugs Scale's severity of abuse measures. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) notes there are exceptions to DSM-IV classification, and these exceptions are made according to the severity of the client’s substance abuse. In other words, exceptions to DSM-IV substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse classification can be determined by the severity of abuse. The severity of a defendant’s substance abuse determines their recommended level of intervention or treatment.

Violence (Lethality) Scale: Identifies people who are a danger to themselves and others. "Violence" is defined as "the expression of hostility and rage through physical force directed against persons or property." It is aggression in the extreme and an unacceptable form of behavior, which is why Behavior Data Systems includes the term "lethality" in parentheses. Measuring violence enables DQ users to identify people capable of harming themselves (suicide) and others (homicide). Extremely violent (lethal) individuals score at or above the 90^th percentile on the Violence Scale, and these people are dangerous. This is a very important, yet often overlooked, behavior pattern when screening anger management clients.  Lower Violence Scale scores (0 through 69^th percentile) identify “anger” in the “normal” or “acceptable” range.   Normal anger is represented in the low (0 to 39th percentile) scale scores, whereas extreme anger or violence is represented by high (90 to 100th percentile) scale scores.  This scale measures the anger-violence-lethality continuum.

Antisocial Scale: Measures the degree to which a person is opposed to society or moral codes. "Antisocial tendencies" refers to aggressive behavior that is either socially destructive or has socially undesirable consequences. Antisocial behavior often incorporates aggressive, impulsive and even violent actions that flout social and ethical codes, such as laws. Antisocial behavior is characterized by a lack of judgment, a seeming inability to learn from experience and what used to be called sociopathic behavior. When a person manifests antisocial tendencies, they are dangerous. When a person has antisocial tendencies with violence prone attitudes/behaviors, that person is particularly dangerous. This important scale provides considerable insight into client behavior, yet it is often overlooked by other screening tests.

Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures how well the defendant handles stress, tension and pressure. How well a person manages stress can effect their adjustment and mental health. We now know that stress exacerbates emotional and mental health problems. This scale is a non-introversive way to screen established (diagnosable) mental health problems. A client scoring at or above the 90^th percentile on the Stress Coping Abilities Scale should be referred for a more comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis. This important area of inquiry is missed by many other screening tests.

Why Select the Defendant Questionnaire (DQ)?

The Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) meets and exceeds most screening criteria. It is endorsed by users, courts, evaluators, counselors and peers. It is widely used in the United States. The DQ has been repeatedly demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. Ongoing research continues to study and adjust for demographics like age, gender and ethnicity.

Client’s DQ reports are timely (available on-site in 2½ minutes), readable and easy to understand. Score-related recommendations are relevant and helpful.  To review an example DQ report click on this DQ Report link.

The Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) is discussed in depth on the Behavior Data Systems (BDS) website www.bdsltd.com.  When you arrive at BDS’s website, there are important navigational links in the left margin of each webpage.  Click on the “Tests Alphabetically Listed” link, scroll down to the Defendant Questionnaire and click on this tests name.  This will take you directly to the Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) webpage.

For more Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) information, users are encouraged to read the DQ: Orientation and Training Manual. Each scale's scoring methodology is explained, unique assessment features are discussed and more detailed information on the DQ assessment system is presented. And, if you have any questions, please contact Behavior Data Systems so we can help.