Causality-Interpretation and Obsessive versus Hysterical Functioning

Relationships were predicted between the relative salience of the theme of voluntary control (VC) and the relative predominance of obsessive versus hysterical personality traits, and between the relative salience of VC and the relative predominance of obsessive versus hysterical neurotic symptoms. A coding system for VC was applied to TAT stories written by 89 males and 96 females solicited from undergraduate populations. 20 males and 20 females who scored high on VC and 20 males and 20 females who scored low on VC were given further instruments pertaining to obsessive/hysterical personality traits and neurotic symptoms. As predicted, high VC Ss were significantly more obsessive (or less hysterical) in their personality traits than low VC Ss. Predicted relationships between VC and obsessive/hysterical neurotic symptoms were not significant.     

Character, character type, and character organization

This paper explores the relevance of the concept of character organization for psychoanalysis and argues for its usefulness in preserving what is specific to character. Character organization is viewed as a bridge concept between the observable and the structural, the role of fantasy and object relations in development, and as a convenient way of describing certain global phenomena not easily encompassed by the structural theory or compromise formation.     

Link between early maladaptive schemas and defense mechanisms

IntroductionDefense mechanism and early maladaptive schemas are two concepts distorting the perception of reality.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the link between two reality-distorting concepts from two theoretical models: early maladaptive schemas from the cognitive and behavioral model and defense mechanisms based on the psychoanalytic model.MethodTwo hundred thirty-two non-clinical participants completed the Defense Style Questionnaire and the Young Schema Questionnaire (short version). Then a Bravais Pearson correlation analysis connecting these two concepts, and a multiple regressions analysis using early maladaptive schemas as predictors for defense style mechanisms levels were conducted.ResultsThe results indicate that 2 early maladaptive schema domains (i.e. other-directedness as well as over-vigilance and inhibition) predict the frequency of use of the neurotic defense mechanism, and 3 schema domains (i.e. disconnection and rejection, impaired autonomy and performances as well as impaired limits) predict the frequency of use of the immature defense mechanism.ConclusionTo conclude, two psychological concepts based on two different theoretical models (psychoanalytic and cognitive and behavioral therapy) seem to share an important link justifying the use of integrative therapies such as schema therapy.     

The relationship between oral character traits and extraversion/neuroticism

The present study was a factor-analytic study attempting to uncover the relationship between the psychoanalytic concept of oral traits and the personality dimensions of E and N. Two hundred and fifty-four Ss completed the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) and thewritten form of the 19 oral scales designed by Goldman-Eisler. The data was subjected to factor analysis. It was found that five factors were necessary to account for the majority of the observed common variance. The extraction of five factors was contrary to the extraction of two factors in the Goldman-Eisler study. Path analysis, using multiple regression, was performed to find to what extent E and N influenced the 19 oral scales. It was found that 15 of the 19 scales were significantly causally influenced by E and N. Because there were discrepancies between the correlations in the present study and those reported by Goldman-Eisler, and discrepancies in the number of factors to emerge were found, it was decided to subject the original correlation matrix of the Goldman-Eisler study to re-analysis. The results of this re-analysis demonstrated serious mathematical flaws in Goldman-Eisler's results.     

The relationship between defense mechanisms,trait anxiety and need for approval

The current study investigated the relationship between three personality constructs, defense mechanisms as measured by the DMI (Gleser and Ihilevich, 1969), trait anxiety, and need for approval (nApp). 92 undergraduates completed the DMI, Spielberger, Gorsuch and Lushene (1970) A-Trait scale and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability [MC-SD] scale. It was found that for females, defenses that turn anger towards others or towards the self were positively related to trait anxiety while defenses such as denial, repression, rationalization and intellectualization were negatively related to trait anxiety. No relations between defenses and A-Trait were found for males. It was also found that the approval motivated subjects reported less A-Trait as compared to low-nApp individuals and preferred to use socially desirable defenses such as repression, denying or reaction formation. Those who scored low on nApp preferred to use defenses which are less socially desirable. Gender differences in the effectiveness and social desirability of the different defenses are discussed.     

The relationship between emotional intelligence and ego defense mechanisms

The author examined the relationship between the components of emotional intelligence (perception of emotion, affect regulation, and emotional knowledge) and personality factors associated with adaptation, represented by the hierarchical model of defense mechanisms (M. Bond, S. Gardner, J. Christian, & J. Sigal, 1983). Bivariate correlation analyses yielded mixed results; the adaptive defense styles were correlated with overall emotional intelligence but not with the emotional perception and regulation components, as was hypothesized. Emotional knowledge was correlated with both adaptive and maladaptive defense styles and with general intelligence, as was expected. Implications for counseling and psychoeducational interventions are suggested.     

Relationships between personality traits and positive/negative sexual cognitions

In this study we examined the relationship between gender, age, religion, neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, and obsessiveness on one side and the frequency and content of sexual cognitions experienced as being positive/pleasant or negative/unpleasant on the other. The sample was made up of 1,500 individuals (42.8% men and 57.2% women) aged between 18 and 72 years. Results indicated that all the socio-demographic variables as well as the traits neuroticism, openness to experience, and obsessiveness were important in the prediction of the overall frequency of positive sexual cognitions. Age and neuroticism, openness to experience, and obsessiveness were found to be significant in the prediction of the overall frequency of negative sexual cognitions. When considering the content of sexual cognitions (i.e., intimate, exploratory, sadomasochistic, and impersonal), all the socio-demographic variables and the trait openness to experience were found to be significantly related to all types of positive sexual cognitions. Neither socio-demographic variables nor personality traits were significantly associated with the content of negative sexual cognitions. Overall, this study highlights the weakness of the predictive value of personality traits on sexual cognitions, especially those experienced as being negative. We discuss the usefulness of classic personality traits in predicting sexual aspects.     

Adolescent suicide: character traits of high-risk teenagers

Adolescent suicide rates are increasing and are currently higher than ever recorded. Thus, it has become essential for health professionals, counselors, and parents to become familiar with characteristics of the high-risk teenager. This article examines personality traits and life circumstances which place an adolescent at higher risk for suicide. Among the variables examined are: depression, acute suicidal behavior, poor family relationships, alcohol and drug use, recent loss, failure in school, and other characteristics. As adolescents pass through difficult life stages successfully, teenage suicides will decrease. Professional helpers and parents must be able to recognize the signs which are discussed and take an active role in prevention and/or intervention.     

The relationship between sexual identification and the use of defense mechanisms

A distinction is made between two levels of sexual identification. The deeper level was measured by May's Deprivation/Enhancement fantasy pattern, while the surface level was assessed using the Masculinity-Femininity of the Strong Vocational Interest Blank. These measures, while clearly differentiating between college males and females, were found to be unrelated to each other. Moreover, the deeper level was found to be related to the use of "masculine" and "feminine" defense mechanisms.     

Character in fiction and fiction in character

This paper examines the concept of fictional character from a psychoanalytic point of view, including its synthesis and the role of reader response. A second section takes up the role of fiction in the development of character.     

Hope, defense mechanisms, and adjustment: implications for false hope and defensive hopelessness

Two studies replicated and expanded an earlier finding that defense style plays a crucial role in the relation between hope and dysphoria (Kwon, 2000). Lower hope and higher defense style immaturity were each associated with greater dysphoria, depression proneness, and maladjustment. Individuals with low hope and low defense immaturity did not have poor outcomes, supporting the existence of a subtype of low hope (defensive hopelessness) that may have adaptive value. The combination of high hope and high defense immaturity was not associated with maladaptive outcomes, arguing against the false hope construct. Additionally, the findings remained after controlling for levels of anxiety. Thus, it appears that the results are not attributable to general distress or negative affectivity. Finally, domain-specific hope was shown to correlate most strongly with matching areas of adjustment, providing evidence for the validity of the construct.     

The defense mechanisms inventory: Theoretical and psychometric implications

Defense mechanisms and object relations have been increasingly featured in the recent literature on personality and interpersonal behavior. The Defense Mechanisms Inventory (DMI) has become popular as a reference tool in many of these studies. Recent theoretical analyses have elaborated the differential conceptualization of defense from drive theory and object relations perspectives (Juni, 1997). These perspectives are used as counterpoints to analyze relevant constructs of the DMI and their underlying premises. A meta-analysis of convergent validity data is presented, supporting the rationale of the composite object relations measure of the instrument. Inadequacies in defense operationalization inherent in the DMI are reviewed, with particular stress on confounding measurement effects. Psychometric implications of the ipsative nature of the instrument are outlined. The notion of aggression as a defense is explored in context of the unique dynamic status of intropunitiveness, especially as it impacts on defense theory and the factor structure of the instrument.     

The defense mechanisms inventory: Theoretical and psychometric implications

Defense mechanisms and object relations have been increasingly featured in the recent literature on personality and interpersonal behavior. The Defense Mechanisms Inventory (DMI) has become popular as a reference tool in many of these studies. Recent theoretical analyses have elaborated the differential conceptualization of defense from drive theory and object relations perspectives (Juni, 1997). These perspectives are used as counterpoints to analyze relevant constructs of the DMI and their underlying premises. A meta-analysis of convergent validity data is presented, supporting the rationale of the composite object relations measure of the instrument. Inadequacies in defense operationalization inherent in the DMI are reviewed, with particular stress on confounding measurement effects. Psychometric implications of the ipsative nature of the instrument are outlined. The notion of aggression as a defense is explored in context of the unique dynamic status of intropunitiveness, especially as it impacts on defense theory and the factor structure of the instrument.