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A construct validation study of the Haan defense scales.
1Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|September 1, 1992
Summary
This study validated psychological defense scales, finding regression scales highly effective and denial potentially indicating psychological health. Other scales showed limited validity in diverse samples.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychological Assessment
- Personality Disorders
Background:
- The Haan (1965) psychological defense scales are promising tools for clinical and research assessment.
- Understanding defense mechanisms is crucial for psychological assessment and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To rigorously test the validity of the Haan (1965) psychological defense scales.
- To examine the correlation patterns of defense scales with established psychological measures across different populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three distinct samples: ex-inpatients, their spouses, and college students.
- Correlated Haan defense scale scores with Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) ego-strength and standard scales.
- Assessed correlations with symptom measures and overall pathology severity.
Main Results:
- The regression scale demonstrated excellent validity across all samples.
- Projection scale validity was equivocal.
- Most other defense scales failed to validate as predicted.
- Denial scale scores correlated with indicators of psychological health, not pathology.
Conclusions:
- The regression scale is a valid measure of psychological defenses.
- The construct validity of several other Haan defense scales is questionable.
- Denial may function as a measure of psychological health rather than a maladaptive defense.