Dr. Kennedy's Response:

Dr. Blumer,

The low correlation was addressed in the article:

"The correlation was small between the K Axis Violence Subscale and the HoNOS Item 2 (Non-accidental self-injury), because the sample used in this study was selected based on mostly violence to others, not violence to self."

There is a tremendous overlap between violence to self and violence to others; therefore, I included both in the Violence subscale.

On the other hand, there are important differences and to address this is the recommendation that the following be checked:

Primarily (check one):  Non Violent__  Violent To Self__  Violent To Others__  To Self & Others__

I do not recommend changing the K Axis; however, it would be OK to record your ratings in a different manner, for example one may simply enter the K Axis score instead of checking the blank.

For example, a K Axis Violence score of 20 could be broken down as indicated below:

Primarily (check one): Non Violent__ Violent To Self_70_ Violent To Others_20_ To Self & Others__

The K Axis Violence rating would continue to be 20; however, you would also have the rating of both the Violence to Self (70) and Violence to Others (20).

I appreciate you thoughtful comments on the K Axis.

I hope this is helpful.

Regards,

Dr. Kennedy

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The Following Is A Similar Concept Involving Sexual Violence:

In the KennedyMD Newsletter September 2006, a method to separate out scoring for Sexual Violence was suggested. This can be very helpful when trying to focus on Sexual Violence:

VIOLENCE

100_95__90__85__80_75__70_65__60__55_50__45_40_ 35__30__25__20_15__10__5__

Primarily (check one): Non Violent__ Violent To Self__ Violent To Others__ To Self & Others__ Sexual Violence Score: ____

See Newsletter for details as the following web address:

(Click Here to View the September 28, 2006 Newsletter)