A further evaluation of the Aggression Questionnaire: issues of validity and reliability

An analysis of the four scales from Buss and Perry's (1992, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 63, 452-459) Aggression Questionnaire was conducted. Examined was the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, the influence of social desirability, and the interrelationships with other measures of aggression. The results suggest that the four scales of The Aggression Questionnaire have moderate to high internal consistencies and are stable over seven months of testing. Social desirability was found to have a moderately high negative relationship with the aggression scales suggesting that social desirability may influence responses provided on The Aggression Questionnaire. In addition, the four aggression scales were found to be positively related to other measures of aggression including scales assessing affect instability and aggressive attitudes, as well as scales designed for clinical use, suggesting some degree of construct validity.     

Validation canadienne-fran?aise de la mesure de conflit et d'ambigu?té de r?le de Rizzo et al. (1970).

The aim of this study was to validate a French-Canadian version of the Role Conflict and Ambiguity Scales (J. R. Rizzo et al, 1970). A sample of 470 Ss (mean age 39.4 yrs) was used to establish the psychometric properties of the instrument. The internal consistency coefficients were found to be .77 and .79 for the conflict and ambiguity scales, respectively. A confirmatory factor analysis supports the factor structure of the original version. Correlations between the role conflict and ambiguity scales with work satisfaction, role overload, and psychological distress provided some indication of construct validity. The two scales were weakly associated with social desirability. Future studies are needed to further investigate their construct validity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comments on Shweder's "Illusory correlation and the MMPI controversy."

R. A. Shweder's (see record 1978-20145-001) 1st principal-component factor loadings are substantially correlated with the proportion of items keyed for true and socially desirable responses in the MMPI scales that he investigated, and it is suggested that the judgments of similarity and dissimilarity that he obtained were based on social desirability considerations. It is also shown that although there is a preexisting conceptual scheme that is widely shared regarding what is desirable and undesirable in the way of personality characteristics, differences in the degree to which individuals agree with the cultural norms of social desirability have little relationship to individual differences in social desirability responding to MMPI items. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Constructive thinking: A broad coping variable with specific components.

The structure of constructive thinking and the development of an instrument for measuring it, the Constructive Thinking Inventory (CTI), were discussed. Scales were derived from a factor analysis of an item domain of people's everyday automatic thinking. When the CTI and other tests were factor analyzed, separate intellective and nonintellective factors were found, with the CTI loading more strongly on the nonintellective factor than any other test. Only measures of IQ loaded on the intellective factor. The global constructive thinking scale correlated significantly with success in work, love, social relationships, and in maintaining emotional and physical well-being, but not with academic achievement, the only criterion with which the measures of IQ correlated strongly. The patterns of correlations between the CTI scales and the various criteria as well as the factor analysis demonstrated that the construct of constructive thinking is differentiated as well as integrated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire for Older Persons.

Conducted 5 studies to construct and psychometrically evaluate a marital satisfaction questionnaire for older persons. The questionnaire content was generated and refined in Study 1, temporal stability was evaluated in Study 2, and criterion-related validity was examined in Study 3. Norms, factor structure, and construct validity of the questionnaire were established in Study 4. The degree to which scores on the questionnaire predicted observer ratings of marital interactions during an analog problem-solving situation was examined in Study 5. The final questionnaire consists of 24 items with 1 major and 2 minor factors. Factor scores and a total Marital Satisfaction Scale score were found to be homogeneous, temporally stable, and significantly correlated with multiple measures of marital adjustment, life satisfaction, perceived spouse behaviors, and observer ratings of marital communication. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Investigating the influence of social desirability on personality factor structure.

This study provides a comprehensive investigation into whether social desirability alters the factor structure of personality measures. The study brought together 4 large data sets wherein different organizational samples responded to different personality measures. This facilitated conducting 4 separate yet parallel investigations. Within each data set, individuals identified through a social desirability scale as responding in an honest manner were grouped together, and individuals identified as responding in a highly socially desirable manner were grouped together. Using various analyses, the fit of higher order factor structure models was compared across the 2 groups. Results were the same for each data set. Social desirability had little influence on the higher order factor structures that characterized the relationships among the scales of the personality measures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Personality Research Form: Factor structure and response style involvement.

Examined the factor structure of the Personality Research Form (PRF) and its relations with response styles. Ss were 71 11th and 12th graders who also completed a battery of response bias measures. In general, the PRF content scales correlated moderately with each other and with measures of acquiescence, social desirability, and defensiveness response biases. 6 oblique factors, identified as Conscientiousness, Hostility, Ascendance, Dependence, Imagination, and Carefreeness, were found in a principal-axis analysis of the content scales. The stylistic measures' estimated loadings on these factors were scattered and moderate. Several factors were similar to the categorization of scales in the PRF manual as well as the factors previously obtained by A. L. Edwards et al (see record 1972-31583-001). (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Inclusion of Other in the Self Scale and the structure of interpersonal closeness.

In 2 studies, the Inclusion of Other in the Self (IOS) Scale, a single-item, pictorial measure of closeness, demonstrated alternate-form and test–retest reliability; convergent validity with the Relationship Closeness Inventory (E. Berscheid et al, 1989), the R. J. Sternberg (1988) Intimacy Scale, and other measures; discriminant validity; minimal social desirability correlations; and predictive validity for whether romantic relationships were intact 3 mo later. Also identified and cross-validated were (1) a 2-factor closeness model (Feeling Close and Behaving Close) and (2) longevity–closeness correlations that were small for women vs moderately positive for men. Five supplementary studies showed convergent and construct validity with marital satisfaction and commitment and with a reaction-time (RT)-based cognitive measure of closeness in married couples; and with intimacy and attraction measures in stranger dyads following laboratory closeness-generating tasks. In 3 final studies most Ss interpreted IOS Scale diagrams as depicting interconnectedness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Interpersonal communication and sexual adjustment: The roles of understanding and agreement.

The influence of interpersonal communication on sexual adjustment in cohabiting heterosexual couples was investigated. Male and female partners from 76 heterosexual couples independently completed measures of their own and their partners' sexual preferences, as well as measures of sexual and general relationship adjustment, sexual difficulties, marital role preferences, depression, and social desirability. Results indicated that sexual satisfaction in both partners was associated with men's understanding of their partner's preferences and agreement between their preferences. The influential role of men's understanding was supported by hierarchical regression, convergent and discriminant evidence, and multiple regression models that accounted for 51% and 63% of variance in men's and women's sexual satisfaction. General relationship adjustment of both partners was associated with women's understanding of men's marital role preferences. An explanation of understanding's function is proposed, accounting for gender differences within and across sexual and general realms of relating. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Imagery assessment through self-report: What do imagery questionnaires measure?

Assessment difficulties have impeded progress in evaluating the therapeutic role of visual imagery. Four studies with 445 undergraduates examined imagery questionnaires and addressed the issues of (a) reliability, (b) agreement among different questionnaires, (c) social desirability, and (d) construct validity. The (Betts) Questionnaire Upon Mental Imagery, Gordon Test of Visual Imagery Control, and a newer inventory, the Paivio Individual Differences Questionnaire, were examined. Reliability of the Paivio inventory was found to be satisfactory and equivalent to that of other imagery questionnaires. In 2 studies, the Betts and Paivio questionnaires were correlated at the .45–.50 level, but correlations involving the Gordon scale were inconsistent from one study to the next. In general, imagery measures were not influenced by social desirability (Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale). Factor analysis indicated that subjective and objective measures of visualization are independent. The final study revealed a relationship between imagery questionnaire scores and reported values and interests. It is suggested that imagery is not a unitary construct and that criteria other than visuospatial tests may be appropriate for validating imagery questionnaires. (36 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Rotter's internal-external scale: Confirmatory factor analysis and correlation with social desirability for alternative scale formats.

536 undergraduates completed alternative versions of Rotter's Internal–External Locus of Control Scale and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. 178 Ss completed the scales in their original formats (forced-choice and true/false, respectively), and 358 Ss completed a Likert instrument that incorporated both measures. It was hypothesized (a) that J. F. Watson's (see record 1982-29470-001) 2-factor structure for the forced-choice scale and B. E. Collins's (see record 1974-25219-001) 4-factor structure for the Likert version would be confirmed and (b) that both scales would exhibit significant social desirability correlation. A restricted factor analysis of the data confirmed the reported factorial structures, but the variance explained by the factors was small, and there was evidence that the scale may be tapping a unitary construct. Correlation with social desirability was found for the Likert data but not for the forced-choice results. However, data indicate that there may be problems with the interpretation of results that were based on use of the Marlowe-Crowne scale. (54 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Self-disclosure and marital satisfaction.

Examined the effect of self-disclosure on marital satisfaction in couples and also introduced attitude similarity as a possible predictor of marital satisfaction. 51 couples (mean age 30.6 yrs) completed 5 test instruments, including a self-disclosure scale, 2 marriage satisfaction scales, an attitude survey, and a demographic questionnaire. Results (1) revealed high reciprocity between spouses on most measures, (2) found a consistent positive relationship between self-disclosure and marital satisfaction, (3) substantiated self-disclosure as a significant predictor of marital satisfaction, and (4) demonstrated that attitude similarity had a strong positive relationship to marital satisfaction. Findings provide a firm basis for self-disclosure and attitude similarity as important predictors of marital satisfaction. (28 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessing dysfunctional cognition in marriage: A reconsideration of the Relationship Belief Inventory.

Although the Relationship Belief Inventory (RBI) is used widely in marital research, its psychometric properties have not been examined separately for men and women, it has not been validated in relation to observational measures, and the reliability of some of its scales has been questioned. To address these issues, 43 couples completed the RBI and a measure of marital satisfaction and were observed while discussing a marital difficulty. The reliability and validity of the RBI scales did not differ with gender. Wives' higher RBI scores correlated with lower rates of avoidant behavior and higher rates of negative behavior, and husbands' higher RBI scores correlated with a greater tendency to reciprocate negative behavior. Finally, coefficient alpha exceeded .70 for 3 of the 6 RBI scales. The psychometric and theoretical status of the RBI is evaluated on the basis of these findings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The conceptualization of marital commitment: An integrative analysis.

Although theoretical statements regarding the conceptualization of marital commitment abound in the literature, no research has attempted to compare these conceptualizations empirically. Six studies involving 1,787 participants explored the conceptual structure of marital commitment through a variety of empirical methods. Results suggested the existence of 3 primary dimensions of marital commitment: an attraction component based on devotion, satisfaction, and love, a moral normative component based on a sense of personal responsibility for maintaining the marriage and on the belief that marriage is an important social and religious institution, and a constraining component based on fear of the social, financial, and emotional costs of relationship termination. These factors most strongly resemble the three dimensions proposed by M. P. Johnson (1991) but also appear to represent the general features of interpersonal commitment described in most theoretical treatments of the construct and correspond well with couples' personal accounts of what it feels like to be in a committed relationship. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Relationship between sex role attitudes and personality traits and the sex role behavior scale-1: A new measure of masculine and feminine role behaviors and interests.

Describes the construction of a preliminary Sex Role Behavior Scale (SRBS-1), a 160 item self-report inventory comprising male-valued, female-valued, and sex-specific interest/behavior scales. The relationship of the SRBS-1 to measures of sex role attitudes and personality traits is also examined. An initial pool of 239 items describing recreational activities, vocational interests, social and dating behaviors, and marital behaviors thought to be more typical of one sex than the other was administered to 528 college men and women. One-third of the Ss compared the typical young adult man and woman on the items, one-third rated the desirability of the items for men and women, and the remaining third rated themselves. Typical and desirability ratings were used to select items that were male valued (more typical of one sex and desirable only for that sex). The findings suggest that male- and female-valued behaviors form a dualism and are actually positively correlated. Additional analyses showed that individuals with nontraditional sex role attitudes or personality trait organization were somewhat less conventionally sex typed in their behaviors and interests. However, these relationships tended to be small, suggesting a general independence of sex role traits, attitudes, and behaviors. (20 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Does a long-term relationship kill romantic love?

This article examines the possibility that romantic love (with intensity, engagement, and sexual interest) can exist in long-term relationships. A review of taxonomies, theory, and research suggests that romantic love, without the obsession component typical of early stage romantic love, can and does exist in long-term marriages, and is associated with marital satisfaction, well-being, and high self-esteem. Supporting the separate roles of romantic love and obsession in long-term relationships, an analysis of a moderately large data set of community couples identified independent latent factors for romantic love and obsession and a subsample of individuals reporting very high levels of romantic love (but not obsession) even after controlling for social desirability. Finally, a meta-analysis of 25 relevant studies found that in long- and short-term relationships, romantic love (without obsession) was strongly associated with relationship satisfaction; but obsession was negatively correlated with it in long-term and positively in short-term relationships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The relationship between social desirability and internal consistency of personality scales.

3 hypotheses concerning the relationships between psychometric characteristics of 61 personality scales were tested. A measure of internal consistency (Kuder-Richardson Formula 21) was found to be positively correlated (.62) with the degree of imbalance in the social desirability keying of the scales. Internal consistency was also negatively correlated (-.46) with the proportion of neutral items in the scales. The mean probability of a keyed response to the items in a scale was positively correlated (.83) with the proportion of items keyed for socially desirable responses. These results are consistent with predictions based upon social desirability considerations. (19 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A meta-analytic study of social desirability distortion in computer-administered questionnaires, traditional questionnaires, and interviews.

A meta-analysis of social desirability distortion compared computer questionnaires with traditional paper-and-pencil questionnaires and face-to-face interviews in 61 studies (1967–1997; 673 effect sizes). Controlling for correlated observations, a near-zero overall effect size was obtained for computer versus paper-and-pencil questionnaires. With moderators, there was less distortion on computerized measures of social desirability responding than on the paper-and-pencil measures, especially when respondents were alone and could backtrack. There was more distortion on the computer on other scales, but distortion was small when respondents were alone, anonymous, and could backtrack. There was less distortion on computerized versions of interviews than on face-to-face interviews. Research is needed on nonlinear patterns of distortion, and on the effects of context and interface on privacy perceptions and on responses to sensitive questions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)