Meaning of self-image disparity as measured by the Q sort.

Reviewed literature on the meaning of the self-image disparity as measured by the Q sort. A study was performed with 58 undergraduates which replicated and extended L. H. Levy's (see 31:5) finding that the self-image disparity score reflects, in part, a general tendency to perceive disparity between the real and ideal. This finding was related to the literature on self-image disparity in general, and to studies of the relationship between mood and self-image disparity in particular. It was concluded that the self-image disparity score should be abandoned and replaced by measures of mood and types of defenses. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)