not a subscriber?
SIGN UP NOW

K-PIRS - K-State Problem Identification Rating Scale

In today's university environment, counseling centers must respond to two pressure points:

  • students who are struggling with severe emotional difficulties, and
  • administrators who are making decisions about university budget cuts and belt tightening measures.

Agencies, therefore, need a standardized instrument that can be used for two purposes:

  • to provide counselors with information useful in assessment and treatment planning, and
  • to provide counseling center administrators with actuarial evidence demonstrating retention and success in college.

The K-PIRS is a proven instrument designed to meet these needs. It identifies college-student client concerns at the beginning of treatment and, when used with K-PIRS Form-B, assesses behavior change over time. The instrument uses multi-point scales to gather information about presenting symptoms, level of interference with functioning, and readiness to change.

view full abstract »

view sample client profile »

view K-PIRS User Guide Table of Contents »

K-PIRS Assessment Tool


  • 50-item client concern inventory •
  • Analyzes into 7 clinical scales •
  • Client readiness •
  • Purpose for counseling •
  • Interference w/ academic functioning •
  • Basic demographic variables •
  • Follow-up measure of change •
K-PIRS Report

The Seven Factors (derivation and confirmatory studies

  • Mood Difficulties (15 items)
  • Learning Problems (8 items)
  • Food Concerns (5 items)
  • Interpersonal Conflict (5 items)
  • Career Uncertainties (3 items)
  • Self-Harm Indicators (3 items)
  • Substance / Addiction Issues (3 items)