Showing papers in "Journal of Personality Assessment in 1990"
TL;DR: This study attempted to extend the initial findings by demonstrating the internal reliability, factorial validity, and subscale validity of the MSPSS using three different subject groups: 265 pregnant women, 74 adolescents living in Europe with their families, and 55 pediatric residents.
Abstract: The initial study describing the development of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) indicated that it was a psychometrically sound instrument (Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet, & Farley, 1988). The current study attempted to extend the initial findings by demonstrating the internal reliability, factorial validity, and subscale validity of the MSPSS using three different subject groups: (a) 265 pregnant women, (b) 74 adolescents living in Europe with their families, and (c) 55 pediatric residents. The MSPSS was found to have good internal reliability across subject groups. In addition, strong factorial validity was demonstrated, confirming the three-subscale structure of the MSPSS: Family, Friends, and Significant Other. Finally, strong support was also found for the validity of the Family and Significant Other subscales.
2,317 citations
TL;DR: A general ability to perceive consensual emotional content in visual stimuli was found, and it was most strongly associated with the ability to respond empathically to others.
Abstract: Emotional intelligence involves the accurate appraisal and expression of emotions in oneself and others and the regulation of emotion in a way that enhances living One aspect of emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize the consensually agreed upon emotional qualities of objects in the environment One hundred thirty-nine adults viewed 18 reproductions of faces, color swatches, and abstract designs and rated the emotional content of these visual stimuli Three scores were extracted, including consensual accuracy, amount, and range of emotion perceived These scores were compared with other aspects of emotional intelligence such as empathy and related to constructs such as alexithymia and neuroticism A general ability to perceive consensual emotional content in visual stimuli was found, and it was most strongly associated with the ability to respond empathically to others
944 citations
TL;DR: This article presents an analysis of the factor structure of the Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (BSRQ), an attitudinal body-image instrument, and indicates that females demonstrated somewhat greater differentiation of body- image attitudes than did males.
Abstract: This article presents an analysis of the factor structure of the Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (BSRQ), an attitudinal body-image instrument. Random stratified samples, drawn from a national survey, included 1,064 females and 988 males. In order to evaluate the replicability of the BSRQ factor structure, separate split-sample factor analyses (principal components with varimax rotation) were conducted for each sex. Largely consistent with the conceptual basis of the BSRQ, the resultant factors derived from each analysis were: Appearance Evaluation, Appearance Orientation, Fitness Evaluation, Fitness Orientation, Health Evaluation, Health Orientation, and Illness Orientation. Subsequent concordance analyses revealed marked stability of the factor structure both within and between sexes. Females demonstrated somewhat greater differentiation of body-image attitudes than did males. The utility of the BSRQ is discussed relative to extant body-image measures.
935 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the factor structure of the Boredom Proneness (BP) Scale and found that boredom proneness consists of at least five factors that are conceptually similar to those discussed in the literature.
Abstract: This study investigated the factor structure of the Boredom Proneness (BP) Scale. Previous research on boredom indicates the existence of at least five factors that comprise this construct. Data from 385 participants on the BP scale items were analyzed through a principal components factor analysis with a varimax rotation in which five factors were requested. The results supported the hypothesis that boredom proneness, and therefore the BP scale, consists of at least five factors that are conceptually similar to those discussed in the literature. The findings are discussed in terms of how they provide a more precise measurement of the construct, and how this may have implications for counseling, education, and industry.
900 citations
TL;DR: The structural convergence of the IIP circumplex scales with an established measure of interpersonal dispositions, the Revised Interpersonal Adjective Scales, was examined.
Abstract: We constructed a set of circumplex scales for the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP; Horowitz, Rosenberg, Baer, Ureno, & Villasenor, 1988) Initial scale construction used all 127 items from this instrument in two samples of university undergraduates (n = 197; n = 273) Cross-sample stability of item locations plotted against the first two principal components was high A final set of eight 8-item circumplex scales was derived from the combined sample (n = 470) and cross-validated in a third university sample (n = 974) Finally, we examined the structural convergence of the IIP circumplex scales with an established measure of interpersonal dispositions, the Revised Interpersonal Adjective Scales (IAS-R; Wiggins, Trapnell, & Phillips, 1988) Although both circumplex instruments were derived independently, they shared a common Circular space Implications of these results are discussed with reference to current research methods for the study of interpersonal behavior
889 citations
TL;DR: The LEAS correlated positively with openness to experience and emotional range but not with measures of specific emotions, repression or the number of words used in the LEAS responses, suggesting that it is the level of emotion, not the specific quality of emotions, that is tapped by the LE AS.
Abstract: The Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS) is based on a new cognitive-developmental model of emotional experience. The scale poses evocative interpersonal situations and elicits descriptions of the emotional responses of self and others which are scored using specific structural criteria. Forty undergraduates (20 of each sex) were tested. Interrater reliability and intratest homogeneity of the LEAS were strong. The LEAS was significantly correlated with two measures of maturity: the Washington University Sentence Completion Test (SCT) of Ego Development, and the Parental Descriptions Scale-a cognitive-developmental measure of object representation. In addition, the LEAS correlated positively with openness to experience and emotional range but not with measures of specific emotions, repression or the number of words used in the LEAS responses. These findings suggest that it is the level of emotion, not the specific quality of emotion, that is tapped by the LEAS.
690 citations
TL;DR: A scale measuring generalized expectancies for negative mood regulation (NMR) was developed and modest correlations of the 30-item scale with internal-external control were revealed, and it was revealed that high scorers on the N MR scale reported few symptoms of depression, and that the NMR scale predicted a different pattern of emotions than the Beck Depression Inventory did.
Abstract: A scale measuring generalized expectancies for negative mood regulation (NMR) was developed. The construct was defined as the expectancy that some behavior or cognition will alleviate a negative mood state. Data from five samples of college undergraduates (N = 1,630) were reported. Internal consistency, discriminant validity from social desirability, and temporal stability were demonstrated for a 30-item scale derived from an initial pool of 50 items. Further analyses revealed (a) modest correlations of the 30-item scale with internal-external control, (b) that high scorers on the NMR scale reported few symptoms of depression, and (c) that the NMR scale predicted a different pattern of emotions than the Beck Depression Inventory did. Discussion focused on possible roles for expectancies for negative mood regulation in the coping process and directions for future research on the mood regulation process.
570 citations
TL;DR: This study compared the validity of two promising measures of shame and guilt proneness: revisions of the Harder Personal Feelings Questionnaire (PFQ2) and the ASGS Adapted Shame and Guilt Scale (ASGS).
Abstract: This study compared the validity of two promising measures of shame and guilt proneness: revisions of the Harder Personal Feelings Questionnaire (PFQ2; Harder & Lewis, 1987) and the Hoblitzelle Adapted Shame and Guilt Scale (ASGS; Hoblitzelle, 1982). Internal consistency, test-retest stability, factor structure, and construct validity with convergent and discriminant personality dimensions were examined for both scales. In addition to the shame and guilt measures, 63 (37 male, 26 female) mostly freshman college students completed a randomly ordered battery of personality scales theoretically relevant to shame and guilt proneness. Results support the reliability and shame/guilt factor structure of each scale. ASGS Shame correlations appeared marginally more valid with 11 external construct variables than PFQ2 Shame, whereas PFQ2 Guilt was clearly more valid than its corresponding ASGS subscale. New, potentially improved scales were constructed from the factor analyses and from item analyses. However, the r...
355 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an individual difference measure of general hypercompetitive attitude with satisfactory psychometric properties is presented. But, it is limited to the area of hypercompetitiveness and is not suitable for the general public.
Abstract: Theory testing in the area of hypercompetitiveness has been impeded by the lack of an adequate psychometric instrument. Four studies were conducted as part of an initial research program designed to remedy this deficiency by constructing an individual difference measure of general hypercompetitive attitude with satisfactory psychometric properties. In Studies 1 and 2, a 26-item scale was derived primarily through item-total correlational analysis; it demonstrated adequate internal and test-retest reliabilities. The remaining two studies were concerned with determining the construct validity of the scale. In line with theoretical expectations based on Horney's theory of neurosis, subjects who perceived themselves as hypercompetitive were less psychologically healthy. The potential usefulness of the scale in therapeutic, athletic, school, and business settings is discussed.
183 citations
TL;DR: This study provides an analysis of theDEQ responses in a large sample of undergraduate subjects in an attempt to articulate more clearly the psychometric properties of the DEQ.
Abstract: The Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ; Blatt, D'Afflitti, & Quinlan, 1976) was developed to permit the study of the continuities between normal and pathological forms of depression. Since its publication over 10 years ago, the DEQ has been increasingly used in a wide range of investigations of depression in clinical and nonclinical samples and as a measure of two major personality dimensions in a number of studies of differential responsiveness to various life stressors. This study provides an analysis of the DEQ responses in a large sample of undergraduate subjects in an attempt to articulate more clearly the psychometric properties of the DEQ. The DEQ consists of 66 items describing experiences frequently reported by depressed individuals. In the original development of the DEQ, factor analyses using male and female undergraduate samples yielded three orthogonal factors, Dependency, Self-Criticism, and Efficacy (Blatt et al., 1976). Most subsequent studies have used the factor scoring coefficients from the female sample to score men and women's DEQs. The factor loadings in the new male and female samples were very similar to one another and to the original female factor loadings. Thus, the continued use of the scoring parameters from the original female sample is recommended. Factor scores for Dependency and Self-Criticism continue to be uncorrelated in both men and women. Normative data are presented from the new samples, with men scoring higher on Self-Criticism and women scoring higher on Dependency.
177 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study of 125 male and female college students compared multiple measurement methods within each of two modalities of body image: (a) perceptual (body size estimation) and (b) attitudinal (body-image affect and cognition).
Abstract: A major criticism of research on body image concerns the dubious assumptions of the unidimensionality of the construct and the equivalence of body-image measures. Our study of 125 male and female college students compared multiple measurement methods within each of two modalities of body image: (a) perceptual (body-size estimation) and (b) attitudinal (body-image affect and cognition). Clinically relevant indices of psychological adjustment and eating disturbance were included. Results clearly supported the distinction between attitudinal and perceptual modalities of body image and indicated more convergent and discriminant validity for the former than for the latter. Whereas one method of assessing size-estimation accuracy and most body-image attitudes produced relationships with maladjustment, only attitudinal body image and perceptual, self-ideal discrepancy measures were significantly linked to eating disturbance. Relationships were generally more consistent for women than for men. Implications are discussed in the context of extant and future research on body image with clinical and nonclinical populations.
TL;DR: This study lends little evidence to the common contention that test anxiety differentially debilitates the aptitude test scores of females and ethnic minority student candidates.
Abstract: This study examines the commonly held contention that test anxiety may serve as a source of bias in the scholastic aptitude test performance of gender and ethnic minority groups. In addition, this study examines sex and sociocultural group differences in the level and pattern of test anxiety among Israeli college students. The sample was composed of 163 male and 198 female students sitting for scholastic aptitude tests routinely administered to all student applicants as part of their college admissions procedures. About 67% were of Western cultural extraction whereas the remainder were of Eastern extraction. Significant differences in text anxiety scores for males and females were observed, with greater sex group differentiation on the Emotionality than on the Worry scale. Test anxiety scores were not discernible by ethnicity or social class. Furthermore, test anxiety was not differentially related to aptitude test scores by sex or sociocultural group membership. Thus, this study lends little evidence to ...
TL;DR: Intrascale factor analyses identified five common themes: Cathexis of Power, Risk-Seeking Propensity, Need for Attention, Disesteem for Others, and Impatient Willfulness.
Abstract: New Narcissism scales for the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) were developed on the basis of DSM-111 criteria and the writings of Akhtar and Thomson (1982), Kernberg (1975) and Kohut (1971, 1977). Self-report protocols from 152 adults and 198 college students were utilized. Rationally selected preliminary items were retained or discarded according to their alignment with the total score on these items. The resulting 49-item CPI and 39-item MMPI scales correlated .81 with each other, and significantly so at p < .01 with ratings of narcissism, the Raskin-Hall Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) and the MMPI Narcissism scale of Morey, Waugh, and Blashfield. Personological implications of the two new scales were examined in relation to other measures and to observers' adjectival and Q-sort descriptions. Intrascale factor analyses identified five common themes: Cathexis of Power, Risk-Seeking Propensity, Need for Attention, Disesteem for ...
TL;DR: It was concluded that the developed scales might have utility for understanding coping and experienced stress in various life roles.
Abstract: Scales to measure control-of-outcome expectancies and self-efficacy expectancies based on social comparisons were developed for adult females in the four life roles of occupation, parenting, marriage, and economic management. Internal consistency and construct validity of the scales were examined in two studies. Internal consistency estimates of six of the eight scales exceeded .70. A factor analysis within each role supported the distinction between control-of-outcome expectancies and self-efficacy expectancies. Construct validity was supported by finding the hypothesized relations between the developed scales and standard measures of self-esteem, depression,and locus of control. As hypothesized, the developed scales accounted for unique portions of the variance in role-specific coping orientation and role stress. Specifically, control-of-outcome expectancies predicted active or passive coping orientation in the personal roles of parenting and marriage. It was concluded that the developed scales might have utility for understanding coping and experienced stress in various life roles.
TL;DR: In comparing the classification performance of the three methods, it is found that both computerized methods were more accurate than the human-scored method.
Abstract: Computerized content analysis is a technique for classifying texts. In personality research it has been used to make inferences about psychological states and traits of the speaker or writer. Whereas computerized techniques have been increasing in both sophistication and ease of use, questions remain regarding their validity compared to hand-scored scales. In this study, we compare a relatively simple computerized technique; a more sophisticated, context-sensitive computerized approach; and a context-sensitive, human-scored system. Seventy-one subjects, representing four diagnostic groups, provided free-speech samples which were scored according to all three methods. Data from each method were then submitted to discriminant and classification analyses. In comparing the classification performance of the three methods, we found that both computerized methods were more accurate than the human-scored method. The time and cost benefits of computerized systems are discussed.
TL;DR: The authors reviewed research conducted to date on the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI), a self-report test of psychopathology, and summarized the research on the validity of the MCMI.
Abstract: This article reviews research conducted to date on the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI), a self-report test of psychopathology. The composition of the test and its theoretical basis are described. Data regarding its internal psychometric structure are reviewed. Finally, the article summarizes the research on the validity of the MCMI.
TL;DR: The authors examined the dimensionality of one of the most frequently used measures of global self-esteem, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE; Rosenberg, 1965), and found that the scale taps two independent constructs: self-derogation versus defensive assertion of self-worth.
Abstract: We examined the dimensionality of one of the most frequently used measures of global self-esteem, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE; Rosenberg, 1965). Although the RSE is assumed to be unidimensional, Kaplan and Pokorny (1969) provided evidence that the scale taps two independent constructs: self-derogation versus defensive assertion of self-worth, in our study a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted which supported the superiority of the Kaplan and Pokorny two-factor model over a one-factor model but indicated that their model provided a poor fit to the data. Consequently, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted which revealed two dimensions, one mostly defined by negatively worded items (self-derogation) and the second by positively worded items (self-enhancement). Although the correlations obtained were generally quite small, relations with work-related attitudes shown for the negative factor were in the opposite direction and somewhat larger than those shown for the positive factor. Thus,...
TL;DR: The results suggest that the able to think imaginatively in a free-association style and the ability to have access to affect-laden material are related processes.
Abstract: The relationships among expression of primary process thinking on the Rorschach, affective expression in fantasy play, and divergent thinking were investigated in first and second grade children. Sixty children received the Rorschach (Holt's scoring system), a play task (Affect in Play Scale), and the Alternate Uses Test. Major hypotheses were supported because the amount of primary process thinking on the Rorschach (frequency and percent) was significantly, positively related to amount of affective expression and primary process expression in play. Also, expression of affect in play (frequency, variety, integration, and comfort) was significantly, positively related to divergent thinking, independent of IQ for both boys and girls. On the Rorschach, percent of primary process was significantly related to divergent thinking for boys. The results suggest that the ability to think imaginatively in a free-association style and the ability to have access to affect-laden material are related processes.
TL;DR: The results suggest that weight locus of control is a multidimensional construct, and they provide a possible explanation for the inconsistent findings concerning the relation between weight locu of control and dieting success.
Abstract: This article describes the construction and preliminary validation of a new scale of weight locus of control, the Dieting Beliefs Scale. The 156-item scale demonstrated moderate internal consistency and high test-retest reliability in a sample of undergraduate women. Principal-components analysis suggested three factors. The three factors were interpretable and had distinct relations with a variety of weight-related and psychological variables. The results suggest that weight locus of control is a multidimensional construct, and they provide a possible explanation for the inconsistent findings concerning the relation between weight locus of control and dieting success. Implications for the study of dieting relapse and for the construction of treatment programs are discussed.
TL;DR: The Cook and Medley Hostility (Ho) Scale is an increasingly important measure in studies examining health consequences of hostility and two studies discussed herein provide further evidence of the construct validity of this measure.
Abstract: The Cook and Medley Hostility (Ho) Scale is an increasingly important measure in studies examining health consequences of hostility. The two studies discussed herein provide further evidence of the construct validity of this measure. In Study 1, high Ho scores were associated with a greater level of aroused anger and disparaging appraisals of subjects' partners in a competitive reaction-time game as well as marginally more frequent antagonistic behavior. In Study 2, high Ho scores were associated with greater levels of angry and suspicious thoughts and feelings in response to hypothetical interpersonal conflicts and the tendency to attribute hostile intent to actors' displays of negative social behaviors. These findings are consistent with previous conceptual descriptions of the cognitive, behavioral, and affective correlates of hostility. The results are discussed in terms of interpretation of studies using the Ho scale and possible refinements of the measure.
TL;DR: In this paper, the reliability of MMPI-2 scores of college students was compared with reliabilities of the MMP-2 normative sample on clinical and validity scales.
Abstract: MMPI-2 responses of 515 male and 797 female college students from four universities were examined. College students were compared with the new MMPI-2 normative sample on the clinical and validity scales. The reliability of MMPI-2 scores of college students were compared with reliabilities of the MMPI-2 normative sample. The results indicated that college students respond to the MMPI-2 in a highly similar manner to the MMPI-2 normative sample. Mean score differences on the validity and clinical scales were within 1 to 3 T-score points on most scales, and the frequency distributions of the college students were highly similar to those of the MMPI-2 normative samples, Slight differences obtained on the Pt, Sc, and Ma scales may reflect the younger age of the college groups compared to the MMPI-2 normative groups. The MMPI-2 norms were shown to be appropriate for use with college subjects. Test-retest correlation coefficients obtained from college students who were administered the MMPI-2 on two occasions sho...
TL;DR: It is concluded that antisocial individuals tend to be highly egocentric, and that narcissism is one component of psychopathy, and individuals who are incarcerated for felony offenses and also meet the DSM-III-R criteria for antisocial personality disorder exhibit degrees of borderline personality organization.
Abstract: This study assessed the object relations, defensive operations, and level of psychopathy and narcissism in a group of antisocial personality disordered offenders. The Rorschach protocols of 33 subjects who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed., rev. [DSM-III-R], American Psychiatric Association, 1987) criteria for antisocial personality disorder were analyzed utilizing Kwawer's (1980) criteria for borderline object relations categories (borderline phenomena), the Lerner and Lerner (1980) Defense Scale, and a number of experimental criteria including Cooper and Arnow's (1986) defense criteria. Level of narcissism was assessed utilizing Exner's (1973) Self-Focus Sentence Completion Test. Hare's Psychopathy Checklist was used as an independent variable to determine a subject's level of psychopathy. Those subjects scoring 30 or more on the psychopathy checklist were compared to subjects scoring less than 30. The level of narcissism or proportion of defenses did not differ significantly between the severe psychopaths (greater than or equal to 30) and the moderate psychopaths (less than 30). The severe psychopaths produced a significantly greater number of borderline object relations. I conclude that antisocial individuals tend to be highly egocentric, and that narcissism is one component of psychopathy. Severe psychopaths, as a group, tend to be more borderline in their functioning than those exhibiting moderate levels of psychopathic disturbance. I also conclude that individuals who are incarcerated for felony offenses and also meet the DSM-III-R criteria for antisocial personality disorder exhibit degrees of borderline personality organization.
TL;DR: Results support the construct validity of the BES female subscales and their utility for research in populations at increased risk for body-image or eating-disorder disturbances.
Abstract: The female subscales of the Body Esteem Scale (BES) have demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity in two previous studies. However, relationships between BES dimensions, weight, and other body-image measures have not been adequately examined. In this study, 200 women with a mean age of 27.6 years completed the BES, the Eating Disorder Inventory, the Self-Consciousness Scale, the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, a figure rating task, a phototechnical body-size estimation procedure, and items concerning weight satisfaction and attractiveness. BES Weight Concern was most closely related to weight variables and other body image measures where BES Sexual Attractiveness and Physical Condition were more strongly associated with less specific self-perceptions and attitudes. Results support the construct validity of the BES female subscales and their utility for research in populations at increased risk for body-image or eating-disorder disturbances.
TL;DR: Subsequent administrations of the IPB to various samples indicate adequate internal consistency and high test-retest reliability; significant correlations with the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) Social Maturity Index; consistent Q-sort portraits of high-scoring and low-scoring women; negligible correlations with test taking response styles, intelligence, and measures of psychopathology; and moderate developmental trends.
Abstract: The development and initial validation of the Inventory of Psychosocial Balance (IPB), designed to assess all eight Eriksonian psychosocial stages, is described. A pool of 208 items that survived a clinical analysis was administered to 528 subjects and then factor analyzed. The resulting eight factors parallel the eight stages and account for 72.34% of the total variance. Subsequent administrations of the IPB to various samples indicate adequate internal consistency and high test-retest reliability; significant correlations with the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) Social Maturity Index; consistent Q-sort portraits of high-scoring and low-scoring women; negligible correlations with test taking response styles, intelligence, and measures of psychopathology; and moderate developmental trends.
TL;DR: It is hypothesized that the impressionistic responses are indicative of primitive dissociative processes and hysteria in psychopathic subjects, and that their presence provides construct validity for the work of Guze (1976) and others who suggested an underlying histrionic dimension to psychopathy.
Abstract: We investigated Rorschach responses associated with narcissism and hysteria in a group of antisocial personality disordered offenders The Rorschach protocols of 42 subjects who met the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed, rev [DSM-III-R]; American Psychiatric Association, 1987) for antisocial personality disorder were analyzed using Exner's (1986) criteria for pairs, reflections, and personal responses, and Gacono's (1988) criteria for the impressionistic response Severe, or primary psychopaths (n = 21), scoring greater than or equal to 30 on the Hare (1980) Psychopathy Checklist (PCL), were compared to moderate, or secondary pscyhopaths (n = 21), scoring less than 30 on the PCL The mean number of pair and impressionistic responses did not significantly differ for the two antisocial groups The highly psychopathic group, however, did exhibit a significantly greater mean number of reflection and personal responses We discuss pair and reflection responses and their relationship to narcissism in psychopathic disturbance We recommend interpreting the personal response within the context of the psychopathic character and view personal responses as expressions of narcissism and omnipotence in highly psychopathic subjects We also hypothesize that the impressionistic responses are indicative of primitive dissociative processes and hysteria in psychopathic subjects, and that their presence provides construct validity for the work of Guze (1976) and others who suggested an underlying histrionic dimension to psychopathy
TL;DR: The results suggest a partial dissociation of thought disorder and other cognitive functions in schizophrenia.
Abstract: The impact of haloperidol treatment on the Wechsler Adult intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Thought Disorder Index was investigated in a group of 19 patients with schizophrenia tested both before and after 26 days of treatment with haloperidol. Thought disorder scores declined significantly over the course of treatment and fewer patients demonstrated severe forms of thought disorder at the end of the trial. WAIS performance improved significantly but the magnitude of change was consistent with the literature on expected practice effects. Thought disorder scores were negatively correlated with IQ at baseline, but not at Day 26. The results suggest a partial dissociation of thought disorder and other cognitive functions in schizophrenia.
TL;DR: The data indicate that borderlines experience the object-relational world in a way that is fundamentally different from the way normals and depressives perceive it.
Abstract: Recently, researchers and clinicians have become increasingly interested in diagnostic distinctions between borderline and mood disorders. Object relations theory provides a useful framework for the comparison of these two overlapping diagnostic categories. In our study, a measure of object relations as represented on the Rorschach, developed by Blatt, Brenneis, Schimeck, and Glick (1976), was applied to data produced by borderline and depressive inpatients and by normal comparison subjects. Portions of the Blatt measure that tap the subject's experience of human action and interaction distinguish among the three diagnostic groups. Specifically, borderlines tend to understand human action as more highly motivated and human interaction as more malevolent in nature than do either depressives or normals. The data indicate that borderlines experience the object-relational world in a way that is fundamentally different from the way normals and depressives perceive it. implications are discussed for theories of...
TL;DR: Assessment techniques designed to measure adult behavior and mental representation that emphasize relatedness constructs are reviewed and clinical and research implications for integration around the cognitive, affective, and behavioral vicissitudes of adult relatedness are highlighted.
Abstract: Assessment techniques designed to measure adult behavior and mental representation that emphasize relatedness constructs are reviewed. These measures grow out of two traditions, object relations and attachment theories. Although these two paradigms are fairly well elucidated theoretically, the relevant assessment literature is only more recently expanding, especially that focusing directly on adult attachment as opposed to childhood attachment, in addition to a presentation of various projective and objective measures, this review highlights the clinical and research implications for integration of these two paradigms around the cognitive, affective, and behavioral vicissitudes of adult relatedness.
TL;DR: Ego functions mature inconsistently, affective responsivity influences ego disorganization, and level of functioning and IQ are related to the production of Rorschach variables.
Abstract: This study investigated differences in ego functions of borderline and narcissistic personality disorders through examining responses to Rorschach structural and content variables. Reality testing, thought process, affective regulation, impulse control, and the defenses of splitting and grandiosity were examined from Rorschach protocols of 50 borderlines and 26 narcissists. The borderlines produced greater distortion in reality testing, p less than .05; the narcissists produced more insidious thought process disturbance, p less than .05; and higher functioning groups demonstrated greater control of impulses, p less than .05. Borderlines in this sample demonstrated more affective constriction than the narcissists and used more splitting, p less than .05; narcissists used more grandiosity, p less than .05. Implications of this study are (a) ego functions mature inconsistently, (b) affective responsivity influences ego disorganization, and (c) level of functioning and IQ are related to the production of Rorschach variables.
TL;DR: A significant decline in total use of defenses in the TAT was significantly associated with a reduction in psychiatric symptoms and sex-incongruent patients (anaclitic men and introjective women) were found to use different defenses and to change in ways different from sex-congruent Patients.
Abstract: Changes in the use of defense mechanisms (denial, projection, and identification) were examined over a period of approximately 15 months of intensive treatment of 90 seriously disturbed young adults who were hospitalized in an intensive, open, long-term treatment setting. Patients independently judged to have primarily an anaclitic or an introjective personality configuration (Blatt, 1974, Blatt & Shichman, 1983) were assessed for psychiatric symptoms and aspects of interpersonal behavior both on admission and after an average of 15 months of treatment. Findings based on an independent assessment of TAT protocols at these two times indicated a significant (p < .05) decline in total use of defenses for the entire sample, but especially for introjective patients. Further, this decline in total use of defenses in the TAT was significantly associated with a reduction in psychiatric symptoms. Also, sex-incongruent patients (anaclitic men and introjective women) were found to rise different defenses and to chan...