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A validation of the Defence Mechanism Inventory
The British Journal of Medical Psychology
|September 1, 1982
Summary
The Defence Mechanism Inventory was validated using 16PF profiles, supporting its accuracy in assessing defense mechanisms. However, its scoring limits clinical use, suggesting a need for a revised questionnaire format.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Personality Assessment
- Psychoanalytic Theory
Background:
- The Defence Mechanism Inventory (DMI) is a tool for assessing psychological defense mechanisms.
- Previous validation studies for the DMI were limited.
- Freudian theory provides a framework for understanding defense mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the Defence Mechanism Inventory (DMI).
- To examine the relationship between defense mechanisms assessed by the DMI and personality traits measured by the 16PF.
- To evaluate the clinical utility and statistical properties of the DMI.
Main Methods:
- The study involved participants categorized into different defense mechanism groups based on the DMI.
- 16PF (Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire) profiles were analyzed for each defense group.
- Comparison of observed 16PF profiles with theoretically hypothesized profiles based on Freudian concepts.
Main Results:
- The 16PF profiles of defender groups closely matched theoretically predicted profiles.
- This correspondence suggests that the Defence Mechanism Inventory is a valid measure of defense mechanisms.
- The ipsative scoring system of the DMI was identified as a limitation.
Conclusions:
- The Defence Mechanism Inventory demonstrates validity in assessing defense mechanisms.
- The ipsative scoring system restricts the clinical applicability and statistical analysis of the DMI's scales.
- Development of a rating form for the DMI is recommended to enhance its usefulness.