Psychological mindedness and cognitive style

Abstract

Psychological mindedness (PM) is theorized to be a cognitively toned personality variable, yet, there is a paucity of research addressing the cognitive components of PM. This study was intended to redress this issue by testing the empirical associations between PM and Ambiguity Tolerance, as measured by the Revised Scale for Ambiguity Tolerance (MacDonald, 1970); Locus of Control, as measured by the Locus of Control Scale (Rotter, 1966); and Magical Thinking, as measured by the Magical Ideation Scale (Eckblad & Chapman, 1983). The results indicated that PM is positively associated with ambiguity tolerance, whereas it is inversely related to external locus of control and magical thinking. These findings suggest a cognitive style profile for PM that includes flexibility, a sense of personal agency, and a propensity for realistic thinking. High-PM individuals are likely to bring these cognitive resources to bear in psychotherapy, a tendency that might explain why high PM patients make better use of treatment.