The measurement of psychological androgyny: an extended replication

The Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI), the recently developed measure for psychological androgyny, was administered to 344 middle-Tennessee high school and university students. The BSRS's reliability coefficients and mean scores were very similar to those reported earlier for California junior college and university students, respectively. The present scoring patterns for the BSRI remained unchanged with the introduction of the four "familial context" variables of sex of Ss' siblings, sex of Ss' nearest-in-age sibling, parent whom the Ss considered emotionally warmest, and parent whom the Ss would most prefer to be like. Contrary to Bem's original findings, the present results with the BSRI suggested that Ss' responses to the measure may be affected by the social desirability phenomenon. Moreover, scores on the BSRI did not correlate consistently or highly with those presently obtained with a symbolic sex-role measure and a verbal sex-role scale. This lack of construct validity has been reported previously in at least two other studies. Though apparently reliable, the validity of the BSI remains problematic.     

Self-monitoring and control in dyadic interactions.

Examined individual differences in the level of planning and monitoring involved in actual interpersonal interactions between pairs of friends and strangers, as measured by a self-monitoring scale (SMS) developed by M. Snyder (see record 1975-03047-001). 18 male–male, 18 male–female, and 18 female–female undergraduate dyads of friends or strangers conversed for 10 min and completed a questionnaire (rating their behavior and feelings in the interaction) and the SMS. Findings reveal that the original unitary SMS was a poor predictor of Ss' perceptions of the interaction, whereas an analysis based on 3 subscales suggested by previous research (e.g., S. R. Briggs et al [see PA, Vol 65:9212]) not only successfully predicted the Ss' perceptions but also explained the failure of the unitary scale. The subscales frequently operated in opposite directions to one another, so that although the individual subscales were able to predict aspects of Ss' perceptions quite well, when the scores were amalgamated into a single overall score this predictive power was lost. It is concluded that the subscales derived from the SMS provided a better explanation of Ss' perceptions of their interactions. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Perfectionistic self-presentation in children and adolescents: Development and validation of the Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale—Junior Form.

Research on adults indicates that perfectionistic self-presentation, the interpersonal expression of one's perfection, is associated with a variety of psychopathological outcomes independent of trait perfectionism and Big Five traits. The current article reports on the development and evidence for the validity of the subtest score interpretations of an 18-item self-report measure of perfectionistic self-presentation for children and adolescents. Analyses conducted on data from two clinical samples and one nonclinical sample of children and adolescents found that the Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale—Junior Form (PSPS–Jr) reflected a multidimensional model of perfectionistic self-presentation with three subscales: Perfectionistic Self Promotion, Nondisplay of Imperfection, and Nondisclosure of Imperfection. The subscale scores were found to demonstrate internal consistency, and there was good evidence supporting the validity of the interpretation of subscale scores based on this new measure. The subscales were associated with maladaptive outcomes, but were not influenced unduly by biases that included social desirability and differential item functioning by gender. Overall, the PSPS-Jr appears to be a useful measure of the expression of perfection among youths and an important tool in attempting to understand the nature and the consequences of perfectionistic self-presentation in children and adolescents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cooperative, competitive, and individualistic social values: An individualized regression and clustering approach.

An individualized regression and clustering procedure was used to examine the plausibility of the conceptual frameworks describing the major cooperative, competitive, and individualistic social values. 100 undergraduates rated the desirability of a set of social outcomes that systematically varied with regard to the benefits to oneself and another person. 28 Ss later completed 2 measures of social values. A multiple regression equation was then produced for each S using theoretically specified outcome characteristics to predict the desirability ratings. The partial regression coefficients from the multiple regression equations were then clustered into groups of equations representing groups of Ss who used different decision rules in evaluating the outcomes. Results provide evidence of (a) considerable within-S consistency in the use of social decision rules; (b) 6 clusters or groups of Ss who displayed different social values such as equality and individualism; (c) considerable consistency between Ss' cluster membership, their verbalized social values, and their behavior on a measure of social values; and (d) a sex difference in social values, with males being less likely to focus on group enhancement and more likely to focus on superiority. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Induction of angiotensin converting enzyme and angiotensin II receptors in the atherosclerotic aorta of high-cholesterol fed Cynomolgus monkeys

Psychometric characteristics of the Social Introversion (Si) scale, the Social Discomfort (SOD) scale, and the Si subscales of the MMPI-2 were examined in clinical samples of 122 psychiatric patients and 399 patients with substance-use disorders. The combined Si1 (Shyness/Self-Consciousness) and Si2 (Social Avoidance) subscales correlated highly with SOD and are apparent measures of the social introversion construct. Si3 (Self/Other Alienation) was found to be a measure of the general maladjustment factor of the MMPI-2. Content not included on the Si subscales was divided into a group of items that measures general maladjustment and 2 other item groups that may assess minor constructs related to social introversion. As in previous research, the 3 Si subscales accounted well for variance in Si scores.     

Roles of approval motivation and social reinforcement in children's discrimination learning.

144 3rd- and 4th-grade children were given a 2-choice discrimination learning task. The 2 major factors were (a) the 3 levels of social desirability (high, moderate, and low) on the Children's Social Desirability scale; and (b) the 2 types of treatment conditions (monetary-social reinforcement and monetary-no social reinforcement). In opposition to D. P. Crowne and D. Marlowe's (1961) model of the approval-motivated individual, the high-social-desirability group made significantly fewer errors than both the moderate and low groups. It is suggested that for young children, social desirability scores may require a different interpretation than scores for older children and adults. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A measure of anxiety symptoms among children

The Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) is a child self-report measure designed to evaluate symptoms relating to separation anxiety, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic-agoraphobia, generalized anxiety and fears of physical injury. The results of confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses supported six factors consistent with the hypothesized diagnostic categories. There was support also for a model in which the 1st-order factors loaded significantly on a single 2nd-order factor of anxiety in general. The internal consistency of the total score and subscales was high and 6 month test-retest reliability was acceptable. The SCAS correlated strongly with a frequently used child self-report measure of anxiety. Comparisons between clinically anxious and control children showed significant differences in total SCAS scores, with subscale scores reflecting the type of presenting anxiety disorder of the clinical samples.     

Personality measurement, faking, and employment selection.

Real job applicants completed a 5-factor model personality measure as part of the job application process. They were rejected; 6 months later they (n = 5,266) reapplied for the same job and completed the same personality measure. Results indicated that 5.2% or fewer improved their scores on any scale on the 2nd occasion; moreover, scale scores were as likely to change in the negative direction as the positive. Only 3 applicants changed scores on all 5 scales beyond a 95% confidence threshold. Construct validity of the personality scales remained intact across the 2 administrations, and the same structural model provided an acceptable fit to the scale score matrix on both occasions. For the small number of applicants whose scores changed beyond the standard error of measurement, the authors found the changes were systematic and predictable using measures of social skill, social desirability, and integrity. Results suggest that faking on personality measures is not a significant problem in real-world selection settings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessment of children's self-efficacy for social interactions with peers.

Constructed the Children's Self-Efficacy for Peer Interaction Scale (CSPI) and administered it to 245 3rd–5th graders along with the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale and the Teacher Rating Scale of Social Efficacy. Analyses of reliability and construct validity indicated that the CSPI has psychometric properties that warrant its use. Ss' self-efficacy varied by grade and situation. The usefulness of the CSPI for research on children's social development is discussed. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

"Trance" versus "skill" hypnotic inductions: The effects of credibility, expectancy, and experimenter modeling.

Compared a hypnotic induction procedure based on social learning principles (skill induction) with a traditional eye-fixation/relaxation trance induction, a highly credible placebo induction, and a no-induction base-rate control. Before inductions were administered, 100 undergraduates completed Rotter's Internal–External Locus of Control Scale, the Rotter Trust Scale, and an absorption scale. The trance induction surpassed the skill induction only on the Hypnosis Inventory. Experimenter modeling did not enhance the effectiveness of the skill induction. Skill and trance inductions elicited slightly higher behavioral scores on the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale: Form C than did the placebo induction. However, this difference was not obtained on other measures of hypnotic responsivity and depth. Significant correlations were found between expectancy, absorption, and responsiveness on all dependent measures. Multiple regression analyses indicated that the relationship between absorption and responsivity was mediated by expectancy. Results support the hypotheses that hypnotic responses are elicited by the expectancy for their occurrence and that induction procedures are a means of increasing Ss' expectancies for hypnotic responses. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Biomechanical analysis of nonreamed tibial intramedullary nailing after simulated transverse fracture and fibulectomy

PURPOSE: To examine differences between early adolescent girls' and their mothers' perceptions of girls' depressive symptoms. METHODS: 313 daughter-mother dyads completed the Children's Depression Inventory. RESULTS: Low to modest agreement was found for most symptoms, although higher agreement was found for symptoms relating to school performance. The hypothesis that girls would report more ideational symptoms and mothers more behavioral symptoms of depression was tested; girls generally reported more ideational and behavioral symptoms when differences occurred. However, several specific ideational symptoms (feeling like crying; feeling sad; guilt; worrying) tended to be more frequently endorsed by girls and had particularly poor daughter-mother agreement. Examining third variables associated with daughter-mother agreement, girls scoring high on social desirability tended to have smaller daughter-minus-mother difference scores for ideational, but not for behavioral items; therefore, social desirability may be associated with girls underreporting ideational symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers appear to be reliable raters of symptoms related to school functioning, but may be less aware of certain covert depressive symptoms in their early adolescent daughters.     

Daydreaming and curiosity in gifted and average children and adolescents.

307 gifted (CA 10–16 yrs; mean IQ 138.8) and 192 age-matched average Ss (IQ 100.8) completed the Imaginal Processes Inventory, the Children's Reactive Curiosity Scale, and the Academic Curiosity Scale. Demographic and IQ data were obtained from Ss' school records. Factor analysis of the data resulted in factors indicative of individual difference dimensions in daydreaming content and curiosity independent of demographic and IQ factors. Analyses of factor scores by grade level revealed decreasing linear trends over grade on the Guilt and Fear of Failure Daydreaming factor in both groups. Increasing trends over grade level were found for the Curiosity and Positive-Constructive Daydreaming factors in the gifted group. Average Ss showed a developmental decline in curiosity. Compared to average Ss, gifted Ss had higher Curiosity factor scores, lower Guilt and Fear of Failure Daydreaming scores, and higher scores on the Intelligence and Family Enrichment factor. The validity of the distinction between intellectual power and intellectual styles and the development of intellectual styles are discussed. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of religious affiliation, religious involvement, and sex on the social desirability ratings of MMPI religion items.

Because efforts to account for individual differences in social desirability responding have been largely unsuccessful, an investigation was undertaken to determine whether meaningful relationships can be found if S characteristics relevant to the items being rated are selected. Religion items from the MMPI were rated by 90 Ss classified by religious affiliation, degree of religious participation, and sex. The 1st 2 factors and item content markedly influenced Ss' perception of the statements, attesting to the effectiveness of this more precise approach. (15 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Manifest anxiety and reversed alphabet printing.

"A group of 96 S's was given a reversed printing task, presumed to involve considerable intratask interference. Task performance was found to be negatively correlated with Ss' scores on the Manifest Anxiety Scale. Scores on a number of subscales, corresponding to factors extracted from the total scale in a previous study, were also computed… and… correlated with performance… . The theoretical implications of these findings were discussed." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Real Relationship Inventory: Development and psychometric investigation of the client form.

The development and validation of a client version of the Real Relationship Inventory (RRI-C) is reported. Using a sample of clients (n = 94) who were currently in psychotherapy, a 24-item measure was developed consisting of two subscales (Realism and Genuineness) and a total score. This 24-item version and other measures used for validation were completed by 93 additional clients. Results of the present study offer initial support for the validity and reliability of the RRI-C. The RRI-C correlated significantly in theoretically expected ways with measures of the client-rated working alliance and therapists' congruence, clients' observing ego, and client ratings of client and therapist real relationship on an earlier measure of the real relationship (Eugster & Wampold, 1996). A nonsignificant relation was found between the RRI-C and a measure of social desirability, providing support for discriminant validity. A confirmatory factor analysis supported the two theorized factors of the RRI-C. The authors discuss the importance of measuring clients' perceptions of the real relationship. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Impact of Elaboration on Socially Desirable Responding and the Validity of Biodata Measures.

The current study investigated the impact of requiring respondents to elaborate on their answers to a biodata measure on mean scores, the validity of the biodata item composites, subgroup mean differences, and correlations with social desirability. Results of this study indicate that elaborated responses result in scores that are much lower than nonelaborated responses to the same items by an independent sample. Despite the lower mean score on elaborated items, it does not appear that elaboration affects the size of the correlation between social desirability and responses to biodata items or that it affects criterion-related validity or subgroup mean differences in a practically significant way. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Consistency of assertive, aggressive, and submissive behavior for children.

Assessed the interpersonal behavior of 50 3rd–5th grade children (22 boys and 28 girls) over an 8-mo period in a wide variety of naturally occurring school activities. The consistency of the Ss' behavior was found to vary as a function of the S's sex, the class of behavior examined, and the similarity–dissimilarity of the contexts in which the behaviors occurred. Boys demonstrated remarkable consistency in their aggressive expression; 46 of 105 intercorrelations for the aggressiveness dimensions were statistically significant. In general, the consistency of assertive behavior for both boys and girls was unexpectedly high. (46 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A factor analysis of experimental social desirability and response set scales.

Intercorrelations between 19 response set scales, based upon the scores of 110 students, were factor analyzed and the factors rotated orthogonally. Edwards' SD scale and 6 experimental social desirability scales had their highest loadings on the 1st factor. 3 scales containing neutral items in which the probability of a True response to the items varied between scales were found to have their highest loadings on 3 different factors. Scales designed to measure the tendency to give deviant True responses to items with socially undesirable scale values, to items with socially desirable scale values, and to items with neural scale values were found to have their highest loadings on 3 different factors. The tendency to give deviant True responses to items with socially undesirable scale values was found to be related to the tendency to give deviant False responses to items with socially desirable scale values. The tendency to mark items as doubtful and the tendency to answer items marked doubtful as True were identified as 2 factors unrelated to social desirability tendencies. (31 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Influence of social desirability on symptom and mood reporting in a community survey.

Analyzed scores of 976 persons over 18 yrs of age on the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale obtained during a community mental health assessment survey to determine differences in social desirability according to demographic characteristics. In addition, the relationships between social desirability and a battery of mental health measures (e.g., Depression Adjective Checklist, and measures of aggression, satisfaction, life changes, medication, and alcoholism) were examined. Scores differed on the basis of age, education, and race. Small but consistent inverse relationships between symptom reporting and social desirability were found. Implications of these findings for community studies are discussed. (38 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Perceived self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and negative mood states in end-stage renal disease.

Tested A. Bandura's (1977) social learning theory, which hypothesizes that the joint experience of weak efficacy and strong outcome expectancies induces negative mood states. 70 end-stage renal disease patients served as Ss. Perceived self-efficacy was measured via Ss' self-rated control over health and over life in general. Outcome expectancies were assessed on Rotter's Internal–External Locus of Control Scale and the Health Locus of Control Scale. The 3 dependent variables were Ss' scores on the Beck Depression Inventory, Self-Esteem Inventory, and self-ratings of helplessness. Data were analyzed using a hierarchical multiple-regression strategy. The efficacy and outcome measures each correlated significantly and uniquely with the 3 dependent variables. Weaker efficacy and weaker outcome expectancies were associated with increased depression, lower self-esteem, and subjective feelings of helplessness. (19 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)