Two approaches to the measurement of adaptive style: comparison of normal, psychosomatically ill, and delinquent adolescents

Abstract

Objective: This project evaluated the discriminant validity of two self-report measures of adaptive styles.

Method: The Weinberger Adjustment Inventory, which assesses distress, restraint, denial, and repressive defensiveness, and the Bond Defense Style Questionnaire, which assesses immature, neurotic, and mature defenses, 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.

Results: Adaptive styles from the Defense Style Questionnaire differentiated the adolescent groups better than did the Weinberger Adjustment Inventory styles.

Conclusion: Measurement of adaptive style by the Defense Style Questionnaire may be a useful adjunct to other measures of psychopathology and can assist in assessment of risk, treatment planning, and treatment progress.