Ranking of needs: a new method of assessment for use with chronic psychiatric patients.

An instrument to measure the relative importance that individuals attribute to needs is presented. This device employs a methodology especially designed for use with individuals who often have difficulties in concentrating when faced with the more traditional methods of assessment. The instrument was tested on both psychiatric patients and individuals with no psychiatric history. The results showed its satisfactory psychometric properties and its suitability for use with severely disabled psychiatric patients.