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The BASIS-A Inventory is an instrument that is the result of over 18
years of research. The BASIS-A Inventory measures five personal styles
and five supportive scales identified as the HELPS scales which are designed to
expand and facilitate the interpretation of the five primary personal styles. A
unique feature of the instrument is that it asks an individual to recall
childhood experiences rather than describe present functioning. Each of the 65
items on the BASIS-A Inventory begins with the phrase "When I was a
child, I...". The following are brief descriptions of the major themes or
personality descriptors of the BASIS-A Inventory.
BELONGING-SOCIAL INTEREST (BSI) isolates some characteristics
reflective of a person who feels a sense of belonging in the world. If a person
generally tends to feel as if he/she belongs in a group, it is likely that the
individual will be cooperative, interpersonally skilled, and at times display
gregarious behaviors.
GOING ALONG (GA) identifies characteristics related to rule-directed
behavior. This theme reflects the degree to which a person is agreeable,
structure-focused, and a conflict-avoider.
TAKING CHARGE (TC) reflects a person's preference for being the leader
and/or dominant in relationships. This style distinguishes the degree to which a
person is directive and controlling in nature.
WANTING RECOGNITION (WR) describes an individual's tendency to be
success-oriented, achievement-focused, and approval-seeking.
BEING CAUTIOUS (BC) identifies a person who is sensitive to affect,
feeling oriented, and compassionate toward others. A person's tendency to
approach life with caution probably evolved due to a discouraging family
situation that was either unpredictable or at times painful. If caution is an
issue, a person may be most comfortable when he/she can approach life in a
cautious manner. Or, a person might choose an approach which would be more risky
and unpredictable.
There are five supportive scales referred to as the HELPS Scales.
HARSHNESS (H) identifies individuals who view or perceive their early
childhood as more difficult than it may have been.
ENTITLEMENT (E) seems to provide insights on how much attention a
person needs to feel accepted. Furthermore, it may indicate that a person
expects his/her needs to be met, and that they may become impatient and
frustrated if they are not treated in the expected way.
LIKED BY ALL (L) identifies an individual who seeks to please others.
Or, it identifies an individual attuned to what it takes to be liked by others.
Furthermore, it may be that the person possesses social skills which aid in
pleasing others.
STRIVING FOR PERFECTION (P) A high score indicates a person who is
confident and can do many things well. In addition this person may possess high
standards and is sensitive to making mistakes. A person scoring high on this
scale probably thrives in situations where optimism, orderliness, and precision
are valued. With this approach they have acquired valuable stress coping
strategies to deal with life's stressors.
SOFTNESS (S) identifies individuals who present a more favorable
picture of their childhood experiences compared possibly to others viewing a
similar family experience.
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