Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the brief symptom inventory among substance abusers

The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) is a multidimensional measure of psycholo gical and somatic distress that is used to obtain detailed symptom profiles . The BSI has been questioned regarding its ability to differentiate among its proposed nine dimensions, and the factor structure underlying the BSI h as not been confirmed with substance abusers. Exploratory factor analyses w ere completed on substance abusers (n(total) = 453; n(women) = 121; n(men) = 332); nine factors were not identified. Five models were then submitted t o confirmatory factor analyses using an independent sample of substance abu sers (n(total) = 456; n(women) = 127; n(men) = 329). A one-factor model (i. e., global psychological distress) best represented the data. Implications for using the BSI in research and counseling are discussed.