A construct validation study of the Haan defense scales

✍ Scribed by David W. Harder

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1992
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 736 KB
• Volume: 48
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0021-9762
• DOI: 10.1002/1097-4679(199209)48:5<606::aid-jclp2270480505>3.0.co;2-n

✦ Synopsis

This study tested the validity of the Haan (1%5) psychological defense scales, which have shown promise for clinical and research assessment. Three subject samples participated: ex-inpatients (n = 80) from a longitudinal highrisk project, their spouses (n = la), and private college students (n = 124). Valid defense scales were predicted to show a specific pattern of correlations with MMPI ego-strength and standard scales across all three cohorts, with measures of symptoms among the ex-inpatients, and with overall severity of pathology for all groups in a pattern consistent with Vaillant's defense model. The regression scale showed excellent validity, and projection received equivocal support, but the other scales were not validated. Denial appeared to reflect psychological health.