Self-perception and interpersonal behavior changes in marathon and time-extended encounter groups

Clinical applications of self-esteem and locus of control to adolescent health

Self-esteem and locus of control are two associated constructs representing, respectively, a generalized self-evaluation and an assessment of personal control. Measures representing these constructs generally rely on self-report. These measures have been applied to adolescent health as predictors and outcomes. Most studies rely on chi 3, t-test, and ANOVA analysis and report mixed results in attaining significant group comparisons on issues including contraceptive use, adolescent pregnancy, and substance abuse. Few studies employ multiple regression or discriminant function analysis assessing the relative influence or predictive accuracy and sensitivity of these measures. Studies using these analyses report limited or nonsignificant contributions of these measures to clinical issues (e.g., adolescent fatherhood, adolescent pregnancy, substance abuse, medical management) relative to variables such as patient age, social class, parental attitudes, and peer relationships. Our discussion of these results addresses the validity of self-reports of self-esteem and locus of control versus observation procedures assessing these constructs by verbal and nonverbal presentation of self, analytic procedures appropriate to clinical prediction of behavior by person and situation characteristics, and procedures to advance the clinical adoption of behavioral measures.

Psychological adjustment of persons seeking sensitivity group experiences

College students ( N = 37) who volunteered to participate in sensitivity training groups were compared on a number of measures of psychological adjustment with a random sample ( N = 40) of those who did not volunteer to participate. Subjects were administered the Mini-Mult form of the MMPI, the MMPI Social Introversion scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, a problem checklist, and a questionnaire dealing with history of, and treatment for, mental and emotional problems. Statistical analyses indicated no significant differences between volunteers and nonvolunteers on any of the indices of psychological adjustment.