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Two Approaches to the Measurement of Adaptive Style: Comparison of Normal, Psychosomatically Ill, and Delinquent Adolescents

NCJ Number
170911
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Volume: 34 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1995) Pages: 180-190
Author(s)
H Steiner; S S Feldman
Date Published
1995
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the discriminant validity of two self- report measures of adaptive styles.
Abstract
One of the self-report measures is the Weinberger Adjustment Inventory (WAI), which assesses distress, restraint, denial, and repressive defensiveness. The second self-report measure is the Bond Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), which assesses immature, neurotic, and mature defenses. These instruments were administered to 272 adolescents: normal comparison group boys (n = 63); normal comparison group girls (n = 68); girls with psychosomatic disorders (n = 75); and incarcerated delinquent boys (n = 66). Multivariate analyses of covariance, analyses of covariance, and discriminant analyses (with socioeconomic status and age as covariates) were conducted. Findings indicate that adaptive styles from the DSQ differentiated the adolescent groups better than did the WAI styles. The measurement of adaptive style by the DSQ may be a useful adjunct to other measures of psychopathology and can assist in the assessment of risk, treatment planning, and treatment progress. In addition to using the assessment of adaptive style for the screening of adolescents with certain risk and resilience factors, the authors recommend the assessment of these variables in other aspects of clinical practice. Specifically, these measures can be used to refine the assessment of individual patients beyond assignment to descriptive diagnostic categories. The individual profiles of strengths and weaknesses will permit the tailoring of treatment packages that address specific problems and use existing strengths. Serial measurements of these variables in the course of treatment can also provide important clues about the psychological growth (or lack thereof) in an individual patient and provide a basis for altering the course of treatment. 29 references