Showing papers in "Journal of Personality Assessment in 1973"
TL;DR: A 30-item sentence completion blank (SFSC), in which most of the stems contain a self-reference (I, my, me, etc.), may provide a useful index of egocentricity as a response orientation or style.
Abstract: Summary A 30-item sentence completion blank (SFSC), in which most of the stems contain a self-reference (I, my, me, etc.) is described. Normative data are provided for 2,592 non-psychiatric subjects representing five different kinds of populations, and 273 psychiatric patients from nine different diagnostic groups. Reliability data are presented and the results of six validation studies are discussed. It is suggested that the SFSC, which yields six scores, may provide a useful index of egocentricity as a response orientation or style. The data are discussed in the context of “egocentric balance,” a postulate seemingly compatible with several theoretical positions.
155 citations
TL;DR: A factor analysis of responses to a temporal experience questionnaire from 110 Ss, and related intensive personality assessment research with 17 of them, extracted four bipolar temporal experience factors and investigated their personality correlates.
Abstract: Summary A factor analysis of responses to a temporal experience questionnaire from 110 Ss, and related intensive personality assessment research with 17 of them, extracted four bipolar temporal experience factors and investigated their personality correlates. An Immediate Time Pressure factor (harassed lack of control vs. relaxed mastery and adaptive flexibility) was correlated with high emotionality and nervous tension, imaginative fantasy and self-absorption, and sensitivity. A Long-Term Personal Direction factor (continuity and steady purpose vs. discontinuity and lack of direction) correlated with happiness and elated mood levels, and self-esteem and identity. A Time Utilization factor (efficient scheduling vs. procrastination and inefficiency) correlated with precision and orderliness, and confidence and initiative. A Personal Inconsistency factor (inconsistency and changeability vs. consistency and dependability) correlated with affective lability and low repression, and impulsiveness.
83 citations
TL;DR: It is indicated that the ISI distinguishes between working adults, college students, outpatient neurotics, and prisoners of both sexes, and evidence of the concurrent validity of the scales is presented.
Abstract: Summary The aim of the report is to present data regarding the Interpersonal Style Inventory (ISI-B). Fourteen hypothesized bipolar dimensions of personality are identified in 370 men and 471 women. Six more inclusive higher-order factors were also found in both sexes. These are Extroversion vs. Introversion, Socialized vs. Unsocialized, Independent vs. Dependent, Structure Seeking vs. Avoidance, Stable vs. Neurotic, and Tempo. A discriminant function analysis indicates that the ISI distinguishes between working adults, college students, outpatient neurotics, and prisoners of both sexes. Evidence of the concurrent validity of the scales is also presented.
79 citations
TL;DR: F Females with high sex guilt and low sex behavior seemed to prefer G and GP rated movies and described themselves as reading fewer “obscene/pornographic” books, and this relationship also tended to obtain for males.
Abstract: Summary The relationship between sex guilt and sex behavior was examined among college students. The two variables were assessed by means of self report instruments and were found to be inversely related. Sex guilt was positively related to religious activity, whereas sex behavior and religious activity were negatively related. Although females reported a higher level of sex guilt than males, both sexes reported equal involvement in sex behavior. Females with high sex guilt and low sex behavior seemed to prefer G and GP rated movies and described themselves as reading fewer “obscene/pornographic” books. This relationship also tended to obtain for males.
57 citations
TL;DR: Sex differences in rating performances with the 100-item California Q Sort are reported for 10 men and 13 women psychologists who were variously paired to assess the adult personalities of the same 48 male and 50 female Ss.
Abstract: Summary Sex differences in rating performances with the 100-item California Q Sort are reported for 10 men and 13 women psychologists who were variously paired to assess the adult personalities of the same 48 male and 50 female Ss. Women judges ascribe more favorable characteristics to females than do men, while men judges are generally more unfavorable in their judgments of both men and women. Other qualitative differences, perhaps related to stereotypic sex-role perceptions, are discussed. The absence of empirical data on sex differences to expert judgment is noted, and the need for control of this factor in future accessment studies is indicated.
45 citations
TL;DR: The Irrational Beliefs Test (IBT) as mentioned in this paper is a test of commonly held irrational beliefs, postulated by Albert Ellis to contribute to psychopathology, was devised by Jones (1969) for research and clinical use.
Abstract: Summary A test of commonly held irrational beliefs, postulated by Albert Ellis to contribute to psychopathology, was devised by Jones (1969) for research and clinical use. A previously published study by the authors (1972) provides support for the validity of the instrument. Additional data from that study bearing on the reliability and construct validity of the Irrational Beliefs Test are presented here and discussed. The instrument is viewed as having value for measuring cognitive aspects of psychopathology and psychotherapeutic change.
26 citations
TL;DR: Construct validity studies correlating Megargee et al.'s O-H (Overcontrolled Hostility) scale with other MMPI-based measures of hostility and control might reflect common methods variance rather than trait validity.
Abstract: Summary Construct validity studies correlating Megargee et al.'s O-H (Overcontrolled Hostility) scale with other MMPI-based measures of hostility and control might reflect common methods variance rather than trait validity. Could reliable differences between high and low O-H Ss be found on an inventory that did not share a common theoretical basis, common test construction methods or a common item pool with the MMPI? The 16 PF, Form C was administered to 75 youthful offenders with high and low O-H scale scores. As predicted, the high O-H group scored significantly higher on Factors C, G, and Q3 and significantly lower on Factors E, L, M and N, thus adding to the evidence for the construct validity of the O-H scale.
20 citations
TL;DR: Are needs for achievement, affiliation, and power, measured by the TAT, generally independent?
Abstract: Summary Are needs for achievement, affiliation, and power, measured by the TAT, generally independent? A review of the literature provides some reassurance, but a number of problems for further research emerge. A shortage of reported data on sex differences and female subjects precludes an unequivocal response to the important theoretical and methodological questions involved.
18 citations
TL;DR: It was hypothesized that a tendency to cope actively with novel and complex situations is needed for success in adapting to this type of situation and general positive motivation for self-realization in relation to people and for constructive activity was highly correlated with success, whereas situation specific motivation was not.
Abstract: Summary Adaptation to contact lenses was chosen as a paradigm for a process of adjustment to self-selected stress. It was hypothesized that a tendency to cope actively with novel and complex situations is needed for success in adapting to this type of situation. Forty women, ages 16 to 33, before receiving contact lenses for cosmetic reasons, were administered the Shanan Sentence Completion Test, the Petrie experiment and a questionnaire. Two months later, objective symptoms, subjective complaints and feelings about adaptation and results were assessed. A significant positive relationship was found between the tendency to cope actively and success (number of hours wearing time per day). General positive motivation for self-realization in relation to people and for constructive activity was highly correlated with success, whereas situation specific motivation was not. Ss who tended to decrease stimulation on the Petrie experiment were more successful than those who “augmented.” The relevance of these findi...
17 citations
TL;DR: Four different judges at 3 levels of clinical experience were asked to make postdictive judgments on the length of stay in psychotherapy for mental health service clients under conditions in which psychodiagnostic and statistical information increased incrementally at each level.
Abstract: Summary Four different judges at 3 levels of clinical experience were asked to make postdictive judgments on the length of stay in psychotherapy for mental health service clients. Judgments were made under 4 conditions in which psychodiagnostic and statistical information increased incrementally at each level. Accuracy increased with more information. Accuracy by experience level was not significant. A significant group by information level interaction demonstrated a lower proportion of correct judgments for the less experienced Js under reduced levels of information. Appropriateness of judgments was also lower for the less experienced Js. Statistical information was concluded to be valuable in clinical judgment.
17 citations
TL;DR: The results indicated that safety- oriented Ss were significantly higher on manifest anxiety and dependency and lower on dominance than esteem-oriented Ss.
Abstract: Summary This study was concerned with establishing the construct validity of a sentence completion test to assess safety and esteem motives, as characterized by Maslow (1970). A large number of students were given the test and 36 safety-oriented and 36 esteem-oriented Ss were selected and given the manifest anxiety (At), dominance (Do) and dependency (Dy) subscales from the MMPI. As predicted, the results indicated that safety-oriented Ss were significantly higher on manifest anxiety and dependency and lower on dominance than esteem-oriented Ss. Considerations of construct validity in the use of the test were discussed.
TL;DR: Subjects were given the same generalized personality interpretation based on personality inventories differing in length, and the short inventory was seen as more efficient than the two longer forms.
Abstract: Summary Subjects were given the same generalized personality interpretation based on personality inventories differing in length The short inventory was seen as more efficient than the two longer forms While no significant differences were noted between forms in terms of accuracy and depth of the interpretation, in percentage terms the short form was more favorably evaluated
TL;DR: The hypothesis that the drawings of obese children would be more global and less differentiated than those of non-obese matched controls, was strongly supported by the data.
Abstract: Summary Two matched samples of 36 obese and 36 average weight controls, 12 at each of three age levels (7, 10, 13) submitted drawings of male and female figures. The hypothesis that the drawings of obese children would be more global and less differentiated than those of non-obese matched controls, was strongly supported by the data. Discussion focused on the relationship between the obese child's poor body image and his difficulties in developing feelings of worthiness, competence, and self-esteem. The paper concluded with an examination of the treatment needs of the obese child.
TL;DR: Although the indicator seems to be of some value as an indicator of depression its utility is lessened due its low rate of occurrence, and it was found to be infrequent.
Abstract: Summary The present study explored the validity of constriction as an indicator of depression. Twenty-five patients displaying constriction in their Bender records and 25 patients not showing this indicator were compared with regard to MMPI Depression scores. A significant difference was found between D scores of these two groups (p<.05), supporting the validity of the indicator as an index of depression. Constriction was found to be infrequent, occurring in only 5.5% of the patient records. Although the indicator seems to be of some value as an indicator of depression its utility is lessened due its low rate of occurrence.
TL;DR: The results were interpreted as supporting the construct validity of most of the measures but indicating the multifactorial nature of the I-E scale.
Abstract: Summary Three measures of each of six traits (locus of control (I-E), extraversion, neuroticism, cultural estrangement, social desirability, and guilt) were administered to 43 male and 57 female college students. Multimethod analysis of the resulting multitrait-multimethod matrix revealed eight traits, although informal examination of the matrix revealed only weak evidence for convergent and discriminant validity. The results were interpreted as supporting the construct validity of most of the measures but indicating the multifactorial nature of the I-E scale.
TL;DR: Positive relationships were found between perception of external control and feelings of personal distress manifested by elevated MMPI clinical scales on the part of the alcoholics, but not for other diagnostic groups.
Abstract: Summary This study's purpose was to investigate the relationship between locus of control (Rotter, 1966) and MMPI clinical scale scores with groups of process schizophrenic, reactive schizophrenic, neurotic and alcoholic patients. Positive relationships were found between perception of external control and feelings of personal distress manifested by elevated MMPI clinical scales on the part of the alcoholics, but not for other diagnostic groups. Results were discussed in terms of alcoholics differing from other groups in attentional focus; alcoholics tend to be more adient and environmentally focused than the other groups.
TL;DR: The ability of “internal” and “external” Midi-Mults to predict long form MMPI scores in a college population was investigated and the midi-Mult is recommended for use with “normal” populations when administration of the standard M MPI is prohibitive.
Abstract: Summary The ability of “internal” and “external” Midi-Mults to predict long form MMPI scores in a college population was investigated. The necessity for determining adequate regression equations for transforming short form raw scores to standard form scores was pointed out. The Midi-Mult is recommended for use with “normal” populations when administration of the standard MMPI is prohibitive.
TL;DR: The results suggested the SE scale assesses pathological thinking, but is not specific to disturbances of body image, as suggested by factor analysis.
Abstract: Summary The figure drawings of 59 recently hospitalized psychiatric patients were scored for specific features and on global ratings of sophistication and artistic skill. Factor analysis suggested two scales, one of Body Disturbance (BD) features; the second contained features of Sexual Elaboration (SE). The scales were correlated with measures theoretically related to body image disturbance and to other measures of psychopathology. BD correlated highly with artistic skill and with sophistication, but not with other measures. The SE scale correlated with Rorschach Penetration scores but not with other body image related variables. SE also correlated with measures of pathological thinking. The results suggested the SE scale assesses pathological thinking, but is not specific to disturbances of body image.
TL;DR: A survey of book reviews pertinent to the Rorschach Test reflects the changing attitudes which can explain the Test's declining popularity and indicate what the future holds.
Abstract: Summary A survey of book reviews pertinent to the Rorschach Test published in the Mental Measurements Yearbook series reflects the changing attitudes which can explain the Test's declining popularity and indicate what the future holds. A major shift from optimism to pessimism was seen; authors were criticized for not reacting to the research literature or altering their systems, for their overemphasis on scoring, for their ignoring of rival Rorschach schools, and for their lack of links with theoretical psychology. Considerable controversy surrounds the issue of content analysis. Also indicated is a growing methodological sophistication and increased attention to non-projective determiners of the response. It is concluded that regarding the Test as a standardized interview may presage the future utilization of the Rorschach.
TL;DR: Those who had attempted suicide give significantly more shading responses to chromatic cards than those who had no history of suicide attempts, suggesting that the technique may be useful in further studies of affect.
Abstract: Summary A new experimental approach was devised to increase responses to color and shading, thereby facilitating study of the previously demonstrated relationship between Rorschach Test color-shading responses and suicide attempts. The present study demonstrates that of 17 matched pairs of hospitalized psychiatric patients, those who had attempted suicide give significantly more shading responses to chromatic cards than those who had no history of suicide attempts. These results suggest that the technique may be useful in further studies of affect.
TL;DR: A new measure of locus of control orientation, the Gruen-Korte-Stephens IE Scale, was administered to 48 male and female second graders and found that internal males imitated an experimenter's behavior more than external males when the behavior was instrumental in task performance, but less when thebehavior was irrelevant to the task.
Abstract: Summary A new measure of locus of control orientation, the Gruen-Korte-Stephens IE Scale, was administered to 48 male and female second graders. These subjects were then tested for the amount of help-seeking and imitation in which they would engage in performing tasks. The chief findings, in addition to sex differences in help-seeking, were that internal males imitated an experimenter's behavior more than external males when the behavior was instrumental in task performance, but less when the behavior was irrelevant to the task. The findings for females were unclear, and several alternative explanations were discussed.
TL;DR: The nature of conversion hysteria, as interpreted by Structural Analysis, was presented and principles were derived which specify the kind of patterning to be expected from conversion hysterics on projective techniques.
Abstract: Summary The nature of conversion hysteria, as interpreted by Structural Analysis, was presented. Principles were then derived which specify the kind of patterning to be expected from conversion hysterics on projective techniques. Two cases were reported which illustrate these principles. Implications were briefly discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, Rorschach adapted adaptive regression and change in psychotherapy was discussed, with a focus on the effect of personality assessment on the performance of psychotherapy, and the authors proposed a method for personality assessment.
Abstract: (1973). Rorschach Adaptive Regression and Change in Psychotherapy. Journal of Personality Assessment: Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 218-224.
TL;DR: Results were ordered to a “subself” conception of personality organization and three theoretical propositions: models elicit fantasy thematically similar to their activity unless S is incompatibly preoccupied, but in fantasy both elicitation and suppression are short-lived.
Abstract: Summary 582 Ss in 8 experiments viewed 1 of 9 films portraying models involved in achievement (Ach), affiliation (Aff), or neutral (Neu) activity. Ss who viewed Ach models after an interval of adaptation to the setting produced more TAT n Ach immediately after the film than other adapted Ss. Under other conditions, Ss who viewed Ach models produced significantly less n Ach than Ss who viewed non-Ach models. Results were ordered to a “subself” conception of personality organization and three theoretical propositions: (a) Models elicit fantasy thematically similar to their activity unless S is incompatibly preoccupied, (b) in which case models cause suppression of similar fantasy; but (c) in fantasy both elicitation and suppression are short-lived.
TL;DR: The apparent loss of discriminative “power” of the MMPI with older patients was interpreted as supporting the importance of the often overlooked nonpathological characteristics of the psychological test subject.
Abstract: Summary MMPIs were obtained from four groups of 20 hospitalized male patients which differed in age (18–28 years vs 45–59 years) and psychiatric diagnosis (schizophrenic vs nonschizophrenic). The MMPI discriminated between young schizophrenic and nonschizophrenic patients but did not discriminate between older schizophrenic and nonschizophrenic patients. The apparent loss of discriminative “power” of the MMPI with older patients was interpreted as supporting the importance of the often overlooked nonpathological characteristics of the psychological test subject.
TL;DR: The model proposed emphasizes the evaluation of therapy dyads extrapolating from relevant social persuasion theory, which avoids the mistake of considering only patient variables in treatment.
Abstract: Summary Psychological assessment has been attacked both from within and outisde of psychology. Current research and opinion suggests that usual assessment procedures provide only marginally useful information at best and often yield unreliable, invalid, and unwanted data. It is argued that a new approach should be treatment oriented. The model proposed emphasizes the evaluation of therapy dyads extrapolating from relevant social persuasion theory. This approach avoids the mistake of considering only patient variables in treatment.
TL;DR: An alternative method for considering DD and DE jointly as a measure of adaptive regression is presented, and this alternative method is illustrated with data from a recent psychotherapy study.
Abstract: Summary In Holt's primary process system for scoring the Rorschach, a summary score of adaptive regression is derived by combining the “Defense Demand” (DD) and “Defense Effectiveness” (DE) scores associated with most responses. The adaptive regression score is criticized because its computation involves a mathematical artifact which in effect creates a score that is very similar to the simpler DE measure. An alternative method for considering DD and DE jointly as a measure of adaptive regression is presented, and this alternative method is illustrated with data from a recent psychotherapy study.
TL;DR: In this paper, Lefcourt's finding that repressors view repression-sensitization scales as measures of mental illness, while sensitizers view these scales as revealing honesty with one's self was tested.
Abstract: Summary Lefcourt's (1966) finding that repressors view repression-sensitization (R-S) scales as measures of mental illness, while sensitizers view these scales as revealing honesty with one's self was tested. Thirty-six repressors and 36 sensitizers were assigned to three test-taking conditions: Mental Illness, Openness and Honesty, and Control. Results showed that the three test-taking conditions had no effect on the responding of the repressors and sensitizers to the Millimet (1970) Manifest Anxiety-Defensiveness (MAD) Scale, another measure of R-S. Content analysis revealed that repressors and sensitizers viewed their opposites as maladjusted and adjusted, respectively. The results were seen as supporting a personal adjustment view of R-S.
TL;DR: The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the group Holtzman Inkblot Technique (HIT) were administered to 52 college Ss in order to determine the relationship between HIT Anxiety (Ax) and Shading (Sh) scores and A-trait and A -State scores.
Abstract: Summary The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the group Holtzman Inkblot Technique (HIT) were administered to 52 college Ss in order to determine the relationship between HIT Anxiety (Ax) and Shading (Sh) scores and A-Trait and A-State scores. Neither Ax or Sh correlated with A-Trait. Ax correlated with A-State, both before and during the administration of the inkblots. To determine the influence of productivity or inhibition, inkblot protocol word counts were obtained. Word count failed to correlate with the sc ores on the STAI, but did correlate significantly with the HIT scores.