Showing papers in "Journal of Personality Assessment in 1986"
TL;DR: Findings indicate boredom proneness to be negatively related to life satisfaction and autonomy orientation and the relationship of boredom to other affective states is discussed, and directions for future research are outlined.
Abstract: This article reports the development, validation, and correlates of a self-report measure of boredom proneness. The 28-item Boredom Proneness (BP) Scale demonstrates satisfactory levels of internal consistency (coefficient alpha = .79) and test-retest reliability (r = .83) over a 1-week interval. Evidence of validity for the BP is supported by correlations with other boredom measures and from a set of studies evaluating interest and attention in the classroom. Other hypothesized relationships with boredom were tested, with significant positive associations found with depression, hopelessness, perceived effort, loneliness, and amotivational orientation. Additional findings indicate boredom proneness to be negatively related to life satisfaction and autonomy orientation. The relationship of boredom to other affective states is discussed, and directions for future research are outlined.
762 citations
TL;DR: Seven factors appear to account for the failure of mental health professionals to apply in practice the strong and clearly supported empirical generalizations demonstrating the superiority of actuarial over clinical prediction.
Abstract: Review and reflection indicate that no more than 5% of what was written in the 1954 book entitled, Clinical Versus Statistical Prediction (Meehl, 1984), needs to be retracted 30 years later. If anything, these retractions would result in the book's being more actuarial than it was. Seven factors appear to account for the failure of mental health professionals to apply in practice the strong and clearly supported empirical generalizations demonstrating the superiority of actuarial over clinical prediction.
367 citations
TL;DR: Good convergent and discriminant validity was demonstrated by the Male Upper Body Strength and Physical Condition subscales and by the female Weight Concern, Physical Condition, and Sexual Attractiveness subscales.
Abstract: This research was intended to further establish convergent and discriminant validity for a recent Body Esteem Scale (BES) which measures different dimensions of body satisfaction in young adults. One hundred and fifty-four male and 193 female undergraduates completed the BES, the Body Consciousness Questionnaire (BCQ), the Self-Esteem Scale, and several questions pertaining to exercise, food intake, and attractiveness. Good convergent and discriminant validity was demonstrated by the Male Upper Body Strength and Physical Condition subscales and by the female Weight Concern, Physical Condition, and Sexual Attractiveness subscales.
196 citations
TL;DR: The general finding of the study was that the perceptual, affective, and cognitive components of body image differed as a function of body weight, but the nature of the differences varied with the measure employed.
Abstract: This study examined the relations between body weight and multiple parameters of body image in a nonclinical sample. Thirty-six female undergraduate students with stable body weights served as subjects; 12 were underweight, 12 were normal weight, and 12 were overweight, as determined using recent normative tables. Each subject responded to a general weight information questionnaire and to the Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, a standardized instrument assessing affective, cognitive, and behavioral components of appearance-related body image. A newly developed apparatus and procedure for estimating body size, the Body Image Detection Device, was utilized for perceptual and cognitive measures of body image. Each subject estimated and also subjectively appraised the width of her own body at five points and that of a realistic female mannequin. A caliper was used to record actual widths, and a standard laboratory scale and rule measured weight and height. The general finding of the study was that the perceptual, affective, and cognitive components of body image differed as a function of body weight, but the nature of the differences varied with the measure employed. The pattern of results for the perceptual measure suggest a cautious view of its reliability and validity. The multidimensional approach of our study, in marked contrast to earlier fractionated studies, offers a more integrated perspective on body image and provides new directions for future research.
175 citations
TL;DR: Although particular modifications from the original form are planned, appreciative levels of validity were established for the SITA's various scales.
Abstract: The procedures undergone to establish the validity of the Separation- Individuation Test of Adolescence (SITA) are described The test consists of six scales designed to measure key dimensions of adolescent separation-individuation Each scale was subjected to three stages of validation: theoretical-substantive, internal-structural, and external-criterion The results of data with 305 adolescents are reported Although particular modifications from the original form are planned, appreciative levels of validity were established for the SITA's various scales
161 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that the clinical and statistical approaches rest on different assumptions about the nature of random error and the appropriate level of accuracy to be expected in prediction.
Abstract: In this article I argue that the clinical and statistical approaches rest on different assumptions about the nature of random error and the appropriate level of accuracy to be expected in prediction. To examine this, a case is marie for each approach. The clinical approach is characterized as being deterministic, causal, and less concerned with prediction than with diagnosis and treatment. The statistical approach accepts error as inevitable and in so doing makes less error in prediction. This is illustrated using examples from probability learning and equal weighting in linear models. Thereafter, a decision analysis of the two approaches is proposed. Of particular importance are the errors that characterize each approach: myths, magic, and illusions of control in the clinical; lost opportunities and illusions of the lack of control in the statistical. Each approach represents a gamble with corresponding risks and benefits.
160 citations
TL;DR: Two recent item factor analyses of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) classified the resulting factors according to a conceptual scheme offered by Norman's (1963) five factor model, although MMPI factors derived in a normal sample showed closer correspondences with the five normal personality dimensions.
Abstract: Two recent item factor analyses of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) classified the resulting factors according to a conceptual scheme offered by Norman's (1963) five factor model. The present article empirically evaluates those classifications by correlating MMPI factor scales with self-report and peer rating measures of the five factor model in a sample of 153 adult men and women. Both sets of predictions were generally supported, although MMPI factors derived in a normal sample showed closer correspondences with the five normal personality dimensions. MMPI factor scales were also correlated with 18 scales measuring specific traits within the broader domains of Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness. The nine Costa, Zonderman, McCrae, and Williams (1985) MMPI factor scales appear to give useful global assessments of four of the five factors; other instruments are needed to provide detailed information on more specific aspects of normal personality. The use of the five factor model in routine clinical assessment is discussed.
137 citations
TL;DR: Validity data showed that, compared to people who score low on the Objectivism Scale, highly objective individuals enjoy thinking more, rely more on observable facts when making decisions, and place less emphasis on subjective and intuitive styles of decision making.
Abstract: A self-report scale was constructed and validated that measures individual differences in objectivism–the tendency to base one's judgments and beliefs on empirical information and rational considerations. Validity data showed that, compared to people who score low on the Objectivism Scale, highly objective individuals enjoy thinking more, rely more on observable facts when making decisions, and place less emphasis on subjective and intuitive styles of decision making. Among graduate students in psychology, objectivism correlated positively with ratings of research-oriented careers, but negatively with ratings of mental health careers; also, highly objective students were more critical of nonobjective psychological assessment techniques and placed greater importance on research. Objectivism also predicted preferences for newspaper articles, college course selections, and the criteria respondents use when making decisions.
81 citations
TL;DR: Two scales were constructed to assess self-esteem, conceptualized as reflecting feelings of competence and efficacy, and perceived positive appraisal from significant others, which have been shown to have acceptable reliability and some concurrent validity based on correlations with the well-known Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.
Abstract: Two scales were constructed to assess self-esteem, conceptualized as reflecting (a) feelings of competence and efficacy, and (b) perceived positive appraisal from significant others. To control for response bias a paired choice format was chosen for the items constructed. A buffer scale designed to measure social assertiveness was also included. Data were collected on three samples of high school boys. The item intercorrelations were subjected to principal component analyses followed by Varimax rotations. In each of the three analyses factors of Confidence, Popularity (Social Approval), and Social Assertiveness emerged. The revised self-esteem scales, each defined by 11 items, have been shown to have acceptable reliability and some concurrent validity based on correlations with the well-known Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.
81 citations
TL;DR: A method for determining the utility of individual scales for different clinical populations is suggested and implications of this type of analysis of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory for diagnosis of the individual case are discussed.
Abstract: The operating characteristics of the 20 scales of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) were analyzed with respect to the construction sample data as presented in the test manual. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive power, negative predictive power, and overall diagnostic power of each scale were derived. Results indicated that eight scales show excellent characteristics, nine were classified as fair, and three were determined to have poor positive predictive power for identifying the presence of a syndrome in an individual patient. Five scales had good positive predictive power for identifying the most prominent syndrome in a patient's clinical picture, eleven scales were classified as fair, and four were seen as poor on this dimension. We suggest a method for determining the utility of individual scales for different clinical populations and discuss implications of this type of analysis of the MCMI for diagnosis of the individual case.
79 citations
TL;DR: The Rorschach data indicate that the borderline group is markedly different in both organization and functioning from both other groups; however, there are many similarities between the records of the schizotypals and schizophrenics.
Abstract: The Rorschach data from 84 borderline personality disorders and 76 schizotypal personality disorders, both groups diagnosed using DSM-III criteria, were compared with each other and with two sets of Rorschach protocols collected from 80 first admission schizophrenics, one being administered shortly after admission and the second taken shortly before discharge. The data indicate that the borderline group is markedly different in both organization and functioning from both other groups; however, there are many similarities between the records of the schizotypals and schizophrenics. It is suggested that nomenclatures such as borderline schizophrenia or latent schizophrenia might be more appropriate to designate the schizotypal group and that the once used, but now discarded, nomenclature of inadequate personality offers a more fitting description of the borderlines.
TL;DR: The Bulimia Cognitive Distortions Scale was developed to measure irrational beliefs and cognitive distortions associated with bulimia and was found to have excellent internal consistency with high item to total correlations and a coefficient alpha of .97.
Abstract: The Bulimia Cognitive Distortions Scale (BCDS) was developed to measure irrational beliefs and cognitive distortions associated with bulimia. The final 25-item scale was found to have excellent internal consistency with high item to total correlations and a coefficient alpha of .97. Factor analysis revealed two clear factors measuring cognitive distortions related to automatic eating behaviors and to physical appearance. Data attesting to the convergent and divergent validity of the BCDS are also presented. With 110 subjects (55 bulimics, 55 controls), a discriminant analysis revealed the BCDS to be the only significant variable in predicting group membership, correctly classifying 93.6% of all subjects. The BCDS was also predictive of severity of bulimia as measured by the frequency of binge eating episodes. The potential of the BCDS as both a diagnostic and research instrument is discussed.
TL;DR: Rorschach protocols of borderline and schizophrenic patients were studied for the presence of themes related to the separation-individuation process, and the results tended to confirm a developmental model for the understanding of psychopathology.
Abstract: In an attempt to test hypotheses derived from Mahler's theory of borderline development, Rorschach protocols of borderline and schizophrenic patients were studied for the presence of themes related to the separation-individuation process. A specially constructed Separation-Individuation Theme Scale was used with a 96% reliability of agreement between two raters. The borderline group attained more separation-individuation themes than the schizophrenic group, whereas the schizophrenics showed more preseparation-individuation themes. The results were interpreted as a validation of Mahler's theory. In addition, the results tended to confirm a developmental model for the understanding of psychopathology.
TL;DR: A significant correlation between orality and quality of parental representations was found, with high oral subjects giving more negative descriptions of the mother than low orals, and no relationship betweenOrality and the conceptual level of parental descriptions was found.
Abstract: One hundred ninety-three undergraduate male subjects were administered a Rorschach orality measure (Masling, Rabie, & Blondheim, 1967), and completed copies of Blatt, Wein, Chevron, and Quinlan's (1981) Parental Representations measure. A significant correlation between orality and quality of parental representations was found, with high oral subjects giving more negative descriptions of the mother than low orals. No relationship between orality and the conceptual level of parental descriptions was found. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of psychodynamic formulations regarding the oral personality.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors demonstrate inherent features in the DSM-III diagnostic criteria for personality disorders (i.e., overlapping diagnoses and heterogeneous symptomatology) that limit efforts to identify a sensitive and specific profile for the borderline personality disorder.
Abstract: This study demonstrates inherent features in the DSM-III diagnostic criteria for personality disorders (i.e., overlapping diagnoses and heterogeneous symptomatology) that limit efforts to identify a sensitive and specific MMPI profile for the borderline personality disorder. A sample of 71 inpatients was administered an MMPI and a semistructured interview that systematically evaluated each of 81 symptoms for the 11 DSM-III personality disorders. Interrater reliability was substantially higher than has been obtained with unstructured interviews. The effect on the borderline MMPI profile of variation in the number of borderline symptoms and overlap with the schizotypal, histrionic, and antisocial diagnoses was demonstrated. We discuss implications with respect to a prototypal model of classification.
TL;DR: One of the early participants in the clinical-statistical controversy describes his effort to mediate the dispute and to direct attention to the underlying issues, to most of which the box scores were irrelevant.
Abstract: One of the early participants in the clinical-statistical controversy describes his effort to mediate the dispute and to direct attention to the underlying issues, to most of which the box scores were irrelevant. A previously undiscussed undercurrent of the controversy is the conflict between different metaphysical world views, the history of which for the past few hundred years is quickly sketched. The mechanist metaphysics of behaviorism, which has long been dominant in American mainstream psychology, favors objective and statistical approaches and discourages interest in judgment, an issue that nevertheless refuses to go away. Systems philosophy is proposed as an integrative alternative.
TL;DR: The reliability of measurements obtained from a dictionary-based form of content analysis was investigated by tape-recording subjects as they spoke about a predetermined topic in two separate sessions 1 week apart, and there were few differences observed between contexts.
Abstract: The reliability of measurements obtained from a dictionary-based form of content analysis was investigated in this experiment by tape-recording subjects as they spoke about a predetermined topic in two separate sessions 1 week apart. Subjects were randomly assigned to speak in one of two contexts. The content of transcripts of these sessions was analyzed using adaptations of the Harvard III Psychosociological Dictionary and the General Inquirer content analysis program (Stone, Dunphy, Smith, & Ogilvie, 1966). Reliability was high over time, both within and between sessions, and there were few differences observed between contexts. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the use of content analysis in personality research.
TL;DR: A questionnaire that assessed a broad range of eating-related characteristics for unselected, normal subjects was factor analyzed, and weak results tentatively indicated that individuals with more pleasant and/or more arousable temperaments were less likely to be overweight.
Abstract: A questionnaire that assessed a broad range of eating-related characteristics for unselected, normal subjects was factor analyzed in a two-step process proposed by Comrey (1984). Twelve "factored homogeneous item dimensions" were identified first and yielded three primary-level factors in a second factor analysis: Predisposition to Obesity (including Dieting and Preoccupation with, and Fear Of, Gaining Weight), Uncontrollable Urges to Eat (including Eating Momentum Beyond Control, Food a Panacea and Constant Temptation, and Secret Binging), and Predisposition to Anorexia (including Insufficient Eating Obvious to Others, Food Phobia, Inability to Eat, and Vomiting After Meals). The three primary-level factors were positively intercorrelated and exhibited significant positive, though weak, correlations with a measure of trait arousability. Also, weak results tentatively indicated that individuals with more pleasant and/or more arousable temperaments were less likely to be overweight. Subjects reported sharp...
TL;DR: A rejoinder to Millon's critique of the article by Widiger, Williams, Spitzer, and Frances on the MCMI as a measure of DSM-III disorders, which believes this position has not been refuted.
Abstract: Millon (1985) presented eight criticisms of the article by Widiger, Williams, Spitzer, and Frances (1985) on the MCMI as a measure of DSM-III. This article is a brief rejoinder. The major point we wish to make is that one should be cautious in interpreting the MCMI as a measure of DSM-III disorders because there has not yet been any research published on the relationship between the MCMI and DSM-III. We believe this position has not been refuted by Millon's critique.
TL;DR: The earlier controversy between clinical and statistical prediction has faded into the shadows, but few people today challenge the necessity for both approaches in seeking to develop and apply knowledge.
Abstract: The earlier controversy between clinical and statistical prediction has faded into the shadows. Few people today challenge the necessity for both approaches in seeking to develop and apply knowledge. In more contemporary terms, the issue of which prediction method should be preferred involves choosing between a quest for historical truth (i.e., correspondence demonstrated by staristical methods) and a quest for narrative truth (i.e., coherence achieved by clinical formulations).
TL;DR: Using in tandem, explanatory concepts and supportive data enhance the scientific stature and professional utility of Rorschach assessment.
Abstract: Conceptual and empirical perspectives on the Rorschach assessment of psychopathology are described and placed in a complementary perspective that stresses the value of conceptual formulations and the necessity of empirical data. Empiricism without concepts fails to explain adequately why Rorschach assessment yields useful information; conceptualization without empirical support fails to document adequately the psychometric soundness of Rorschach inferences. Used in tandem, explanatory concepts and supportive data enhance the scientific Stature and professional utility of Rorschach assessment.
TL;DR: Overall, stability coefficients for the inpatient sample were lower than those reported for other samples, and results indicated that stability estimates were greater for the basic personality scales than for the symptom scales.
Abstract: This study investigated the stability of the personality and symptom scales of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) for a sample of psychiatric inpatients. Patients were administered the MCMI shortly following admission and shortly preceding discharge. As would be expected theoretically, results indicated that stability estimates were greater for the basic personality scales than for the symptom scales. These results were also compared with results from a previous study investigating the stability of MCMI scales. Overall, stability coefficients for the inpatient sample were lower than those reported for other samples. Possible explanations for this and other findings are discussed.
TL;DR: The survey represents a 10-year update of a study conducted in 1974 and reported in 1976, and results clearly indicate that the Exner Comprehensive System is widely used as an instructional method.
Abstract: A questionnaire on teaching of the Rorschach technique was sent to all APA-approved graduate clinical psychology programs in the United States and Canada. The survey represents a 10-year update of a study conducted in 1974 and reported in 1976. The questionnaire asked for (a) the degree of emphasis placed on the Rorschach in the curriculum; (b) the Rorschach teaching experience of the Rorschach instructor; (c) the instructor's evaluation of the technique as a clinical tool, a teaching aid, and a research instrument, and (d) a list of the instructional material used to teach the Rorschach. Based on a 93% return of questionnaires, the major results show that (a) 88% of the programs place major emphasis on the Rorschach in at least one assessment course (compared to 86% in 1974); (b) in contrast to the results of the 1974 survey, there were no differences between the ratings of highly experienced and moderately experienced instructors; (c) as in 1974, instructors as a group highly rated the Rorschach as a cl...
TL;DR: The present data reveal that Trait Anxiety was a significant predictor of elevations on all three of these scales for both males and females and Trait Anger emerged as a classical suppressor variable for males only.
Abstract: Studies utilizing the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) with chronic pain patients have almost without exception found marked elevations on the Hypochondriasis (Hs), Depression (D), and Hysteria (Hy) scales. The present data reveal that Trait Anxiety was a significant predictor of elevations on all three of these scales for both males and females. Trait Anger emerged as a classical suppressor variable for males only. The implications of these findings are discussed.
TL;DR: The inventory significantly discriminated cyclothymes and dysthymes from patients with nonchronic major depressions and nonaffective disorders, and provided strong support for the discriminant validity of the GBI.
Abstract: Recent studies have provided strong support for the convergent validity of the General Behavior Inventory (GBI), a case identification inventory for chronic subsyndromal affective disorders (cyclothymia and dysthymia). Fewer data are available, however, on the ability of the GBI to distinguish chronic subsyndromal affective disorders from other forms of psychopathology. In order to address this issue, outpatients with cyclothymia (n = 9), dysthymia (n = 26), nonchronic major depression (n = 16), and nonaffective psychiatric disorders (n = 30) were compared on the GBI. Diagnoses were derived blind to GBI scores using structured diagnostic interviews and DSM-III criteria. The inventory significantly discriminated cyclothymes and dysthymes from patients with nonchronic major depressions and nonaffective disorders. Using the cutoff score that maximized GBI-diagnosis concordance, the inventory correctly classified 88% of the sample. All of the cyclothymes, 92% of the dysthymes, 87% of the patients with nonaffective psychiatric disorders, and 75% of the nonchronic major depressives were correctly classified by the inventory. These data provide strong support for the discriminant validity of the GBI.
TL;DR: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and hierarchical regression showed no evidence for unique positive "androgyny" effects, while higher masculinity was associated with flexibility and individualism, particularly among women.
Abstract: Questionnaire data from 195 college students were examined to clarify the relationships among masculinity, femininity, and androgyny and self-perceived flexibility and individualism. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and hierarchical regression showed no evidence for unique positive "androgyny" effects, while higher masculinity was associated with flexibility and individualism, particularly among women. Contrary to expectations, "androgynous" men were more rigid and conforming, while the cross-typed were most flexible and independent.
TL;DR: The relative contributions of subtle and obvious item endorsements to the prediction of a relevant criterion were assessed under faking and control ("honest") conditions.
Abstract: The relative contributions of subtle and obvious item endorsements to the prediction of a relevant criterion were assessed under faking and control ("honest") conditions. The MMPI and a nonconformity questionnaire were first administered to 100 male college students. Items on the Pd scale and 101 additional MMPI items that correlated significantly with the nonconformity questionnaire were then rated by 38 other male college students for apparent relationship to psychopathology. From these ratings, a scale (designated PdΧ) was constructed, which consisted of 21 subtle and 21 obvious items. After a third group of 98 male college students completed the nonconformity questionnaire, they were asked to respond to the items of the Pd and PdΧ subscales under control, fake-good, and fake-bad instructions. Significant correlations between the nonconformity scale and certain PdΧ and Pd subscales were found only for the control group. Implications for test construction and for clinical interpretation unde...
TL;DR: There is evidence that the factor structure for this inpatient sample demonstrated more discrimination between symptoms and personality traits than had been demonstrated in previous studies.
Abstract: This study examines the factor structure of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) for a sample of psychiatric inpatients. The results are compared and contrasted with previous studies that have examined the factor structure of the MCMI. Factors identified for the inpatient sample include Interpersonal Withdrawal/Avoidance, Emotional Distress, Impulsivity/Negativism, Paranoid Distrust/Delusions, and Dependency/Submission. In general, results from this study are consistent with previous findings. However, there is evidence that the factor structure for this inpatient sample demonstrated more discrimination between symptoms and personality traits than had been demonstrated in previous studies.
TL;DR: The MAC scale was able to differentiate alcoholics and nonalcoholic psychiatric patients, but was unable to differentiate either of the alcoholic psychiatric groups from its non alcoholic psychiatric counterpart.
Abstract: The MacAndrew Alcoholism scale scores of 140 mate patients from a large VA hospital were examined to assess whether the MAC scale can detect alcoholism among patients with psychiatric diagnoses. There were five diagnostic groups, each with 28 patients: alcoholics, alcoholics with neurotic disorders, alcoholics with personality disorders, nonalcoholic patients with neurotic disorders, and nonalcoholic patients with personality disorders. The MAC scale was able to differentiate alcoholics and nonalcoholic psychiatric patients, but was unable to differentiate either of the alcoholic psychiatric groups from its nonalcoholic psychiatric counterpart. Thus, it appears that the MAC scale may be unable to identify alcoholism among patients with combined alcoholic-psychiatric diagnoses.
TL;DR: Levels of private self-consciousness do not appear to mediate concordance of structured behavior or symptom-based ratings of either anxiety or depression; however, there is limited support for levels of privateELF mediating concords between patients' global ratings of anxiety and clinicians' anxiety ratings.
Abstract: This study assesses the relations between the ratings of clinicians and psychiatric inpatients on several anxiety and depression measures, as mediated by private selfconsciousness. The overall concordance between clinicians' and patients' ratings is quite high, particularly on the depression measures. Levels of private selfconsciousness do not appear to mediate concordance of structured behavior or symptom-based ratings of either anxiety or depression; however, there is limited support for levels of private self-consciousness mediating concordance between patients' global ratings of anxiety and clinicians' anxiety ratings.