DVI Interpretation

There are several levels of DVI interpretation ranging from viewing the DVI as a self-report to interpreting scale elevations and scale inter-relationships. 

            The following table is a starting point for interpreting DVI scale scores.  

A problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70^th percentile or higher.  Elevated scale scores refer to percentile scores that are at or above the 70^th percentile.  Severe problems are identified by scale scores at or above the 90^th percentile.  Severe problems represent the highest 11 percent of respondents evaluated with the DVI.  The DVI has been normed on over 45,000 domestic violence offenders. And this normative sample continues to expand with each DVI test that is administered.

Scale Interpretation

1. Truthfulness Scale: Measures how truthful the respondent was while completing the test. It identifies guarded and defensive people who attempt to fake good. Scores at or below the 89^th percentile mean that all DVI scales are accurate. Scale scores in the 70^th to 89^th percentile range are accurate because they have been Truth-Corrected. Scores at or above the 90^th percentile mean that all DVI scales are inaccurate (invalid) because the respondent was overly guarded, read things into test items that aren’t there, was minimizing problems, or was attempting to fake answers. Respondents with reading impairments might also score in this 70^th to 89^th percentile scoring range. If not consciously deceptive, respondents with elevated Truthfulness Scale scores are uncooperative, fail to understand test items or have a need to appear in a good light. The Truthfulness Scale score is important because it shows whether or not the respondent answered DVI test items honestly. Truthfulness Scale scores at or below the 89^th percentile indicate that all other DVI scale scores are accurate. One of the first things to check when reviewing a DVI report is the Truthfulness Scale score. The Truthfulness Scale can be interpreted independently. Truthfulness Scale scores override all other DVI scale scores.

2. Violence (Lethality) Scale: Identifies respondents that are dangerous to themselves and others. It is defined as the expression of rage and hostility through physical force. Violence is aggression in its most extreme and unacceptable form. Elevated scorers can be demanding, sensitive to perceived criticism and are insightless about how they express their anger/hostility. Severe Problem scorers should not be ignored as they are threatening, very dangerous and at risk. A particularly unstable and perilous situation involves an elevated Violence Scale with an elevated Alcohol Scale or Drugs Scale score. The higher the elevation of these scale scores (e.g., Severe Problem range) with the Violence Scale, the worse the prognosis. An elevated Stress Coping Abilities Scale with an elevated Violence Scale score provides insight regarding co-determinants and possible treatment recommendations. An elevated Control Scale in combination with an elevated Violence Scale score suggests a rigidly hostile characterological pattern. Loss of control results in punitive consequences; whereas, lack of control is anxiety inducing. The Violence Scale score can be interpreted independently or in combination with other DVI scale scores.

3. Control Scale: Control is a complex psychological term. Some researchers are interested in the dynamics of controlling others. The DVI Control Scale measures one’s need to control others. In social psychology, control is often a synonym for power or influence. Within the context of domestic violence, control refers to the process of regulating, restraining or controlling others. These controlling behaviors vary from normal (mild) to pathological (severe). Control-related behavior pathology focuses on exaggerated, distorted or extreme behaviors like swearing, pushing, intimidation, hitting and even battering. Without getting into a discussion of a variety of control theories, the construct "control" has become important in understanding domestic violence. The significance of control is reflected in domestic violence perpetrator's difficulty in giving up control and their resistance to treatment.

An elevated (70^th to 89^th percentile) Control Scale score indicates the presence of regulating, restraining and controlling behaviors. Scores in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th percentile) range identify extreme and even pathological controlling behaviors. Elevated Control Scale scorers have a need to control others. Anything that interferes with this sense of control is frustrating and can be threatening. These people often have a lot of friction or conflict in their relationships.

An elevated Control Scale score with an elevated Violence Scale score is usually a malignant sign. The height of these scale scores is important. Scores in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th percentile) range should not be ignored as they are indicative of a dangerous person. Similarly, an elevated substance (Alcohol or Drugs Scale) abuse score in conjunction with an elevated Control Scale score is problematic. Alcohol and/or drug involvement can exacerbate control issues. An elevated Stress Coping Abilities Scale score with an elevated Control Scale score may help in understanding the respondent’s situation. A person that doesn’t handle stress well is likely to experience symptom magnification. In summary, the Control Scale can be interpreted independently or in conjunction with other DVI scale scores.

4. Alcohol Scale: Measures alcohol use and the severity of abuse. Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other liquor. An elevated (70^th to 89^th percentile) Alcohol Scale score is indicative of an emerging drinking problem. An Alcohol Scale score in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th percentile) range identifies serious drinking problems.

Since a history of alcohol problems could result in an abstainer (current non-drinker) attaining a Low to Medium Risk score, precautions have been built into the DVI to correctly identify "recovering alcoholics." Several DVI items are printed in the "Significant Items" section of the DVI report for quick reference. These alcohol items include the following: admits drinking is a problem (item #31), admits drinking problem in the past year (item #37), false indicates drinking problem (item #51), admits has a drinking problem (item #79), "recovering alcoholic" (item #87), describes seriousness of own drinking (item #147) and states own desire for alcohol treatment (item #150). In addition, the Alcohol Scale risk range paragraphs (printed for elevated scores) clearly state that the respondent may be a "recovering alcoholic."

In intervention and treatment settings, the respondent’s Alcohol Scale score helps staff work through the respondent’s denial. Most people accept the objective and standardized Alcohol Scale score as accurate and relevant in comparison to a person’s subjective opinion. This is particularly true when it is explained that elevated scores don’t occur by chance. The respondent must answer a definite pattern of alcohol-related admissions for elevated scores to occur. And, scale scores are based on thousands of respondents who have completed the DVI.

An elevated Alcohol Scale score in conjunction with other elevated scores magnifies the severity of the other elevated scores. For example, if you have a respondent with an elevated Violence Scale who also has an elevated Alcohol Scale score, that person is even more dangerous when drinking. In summary, the Alcohol Scale can be interpreted independently or in conjunction with other elevated scores.

5. Drugs Scale: Measures illicit drug use and the severity of abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana, cocaine, crack, ice, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin. These are illicit substances. An elevated (70^th to 89^th percentile) Drugs Scale score is indicative of an emerging drug problem. A Drugs Scale score in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th percentile) range identifies serious illicit drug abusers.

A history of drug-related problems could result in an abstainer (drug history, but not presently using drugs) attaining a Low to Medium Risk score. Precautions have been built into the DVI to correctly identify "recovering drug abusers." Several DVI items are printed in the "Significant Items" section of the DVI report for easy reference. These items include: increased tolerance in last year (item #29), admits has a drug problem (item #39), used drugs within the last year (item #44), admits using and abusing drugs (item #69), in treatment for a drug problem (item #93), rates severity of own drug use (item #148) and states desire for drug treatment (item #151). In addition, the elevated Drugs Scale paragraphs clearly state the respondent may be a "recovering" drug abuser.

In intervention and treatment settings, the respondent’s Drugs Scale score helps staff work through client denial. And, an elevated Drugs Scale score in conjunction with other elevated scale scores magnifies the severity of the other elevated scores. For example, an elevated Violence Scale in conjunction with an elevated Drugs Scale score increases the severity and risk associated with the Violence Scale. In summary, the Drugs Scale can be interpreted independently or in conjunction with other elevated scales.

6. Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures how well the respondent copes with stress. It is now known that stress exacerbates symptoms of mental and emotional problems. Thus, an elevated Stress Coping Abilities Scale score in conjunction with other elevated DVI scale scores helps explain the respondent’s situation. For example, when a person doesn’t handle stress well, other existing problems are exacerbated. This problem augmentation applies to substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse, violence (lethality), control issues and stress-related problems.

An elevated Stress Coping Abilities Scale score can also exacerbate emotional and mental health symptomatology. When a Stress Coping Abilities Scale score is in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th percentile) range, it is likely that the respondent has a diagnosable mental health problem. In these instances, referral to a certified/licensed mental health professional is warranted to obtain a diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan. Lower elevated scores suggest less intensive referral alternatives like a stress management program. In summary, the Stress Coping Abilities Scale can be interpreted independently or in conjunction with other elevated scales.

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In conclusion, it was noted that there are several levels of DVI interpretation ranging from viewing the DVI as a self-report to interpreting scale elevations and interrelationships. Scale scores can also be interpreted individually. Staff can then put DVI findings within the context of the respondent’s life and domestic violence situation.