Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI)
A 75-item self-report instrument designed to assess different clinical and behavioral components of hostility and aggression.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) was developed by Arnold H. Buss & Marion Durkee (1957). It is designed to measure Hostility and Aggression. The scale is intended for use with Adults and adolescents.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 75 items organized into 8 factors/subscales: Assault, Indirect Hostility, Irritability, Negativism, Resentment, Suspicion, Verbal Hostility, Guilt.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Assault | 1,9,17,25,33,41,49,57,65,70 | 10 |
| Indirect Hostility | 2,10,18,26,34,42,50,58,75 | 9 |
| Irritability | 4,11,20,27,35,44,52,60,66,71,73 | 11 |
| Negativism | 3,12,19,28,36 | 5 |
| Resentment | 5,13,21,29,37,45,53,61 | 8 |
| Suspicion | 6,14,22,30,38,46,54,62,67,72 | 10 |
| Verbal Hostility | 7,15,23,31,39,43,47,51,55,59,63,68,74 | 13 |
| Guilt | 8,16,24,32,40,48,56,64,69 | 9 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a dichotomous True/False format.
The scale includes 15 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 0 to 75. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Hostility: 0 – 25
- Moderate Hostility: 26 – 50
- High Hostility: 51 – 75
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of High internal consistency and test-retest reliability.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.