Extreme response tendency as a function of emotional adjustment.

3 pairs of groups each consisting of an "adjusted" and "maladjusted" group were compared on their tendency to use the extreme, neutral, and intermediate points on semantic differential rating scales applied to unstructured materials. As suggested by several theories of cognitive development, maladjusted groups tended to use extreme points more and intermediate points less often than their adjusted controls. Besides supporting certain theoretical positions these findings were described as holding implications for a new approach to personality assessment. (16 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)