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A quaternary temperament model and defense cluster preferences.
Kathryn E Kelly1, Jerome J Tobacyk
1Education and Social Sciences, Louisiana State University at Alexandria, 71302, USA. Kkelly@lsua.edu
Psychological Reports
|December 3, 2003
Summary
This study explored temperament types and defense mechanisms in college women. Findings showed limited correlation between personality groups and defense preferences, with one exception.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Personality Psychology
- Defense Mechanisms
Background:
- Temperament models offer frameworks for understanding personality differences.
- Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies used to cope with distress.
- Previous research has explored links between personality traits and defense styles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between a quaternary temperament model and defense mechanism preferences.
- To test hypothesized associations between specific temperament groups and defense clusters.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to categorize participants into four temperament groups: Introverted Thinking, Introverted Feeling, Extraverted Thinking, and Extraverted Feeling.
- Administered the Defense Mechanisms Inventory to assess defense preferences.
- Collected data from 158 female college students.
Main Results:
- Found minimal support for the hypothesized relationships between the quaternary temperament model and defense preferences.
- Identified one significant difference: the Extraverted Feeling group showed a greater preference for the Reversal defense cluster compared to the Introverted Feeling group.
Conclusions:
- The quaternary temperament model, as defined, has limited predictive power for defense mechanism preferences in this sample.
- Further research is needed to explore nuanced connections between personality constructs and psychological defense strategies.