[A comparison of East German and West German probands: emotionality and objective personality variables]

Data from a joint research project between the University of Trier and the Humboldt University Berlin of personality dimensions were compared and analyzed. Since Germany was separated for forty years, studies of the general population are necessary in order to yield possible cultural differences. In the present comparison we analyzed personality constructs like anxiety, curiosity, anger and anger expression as well as variables of objective personality tests. The sample from the former western German states contained N = 109 persons. As a basis for comparison, we selected a parallized matched sample (n = 109) from the new eastern German states out of a larger sample (N = 586). The main results were as follows: (1) reliability (consistency) and factor structure of the measures are similar for both samples. This equivalency is the formal prerequisite for a comparison. (2) There are substantial differential effects between eastern and western samples. Wellness as well as emotionality also show different results considerable with regard to age and sex.