How to determine the pronounced character traits using the personality differential method

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

All people often “dig” into themselves, trying to find answers to many questions about their personality. Sometimes it takes months or even years. However, there are methods that make it easier to find "yourself" and help you get to know a loved one better. This is the method of personal differential, which will be discussed in the article.

The essence of the method of determining individuality

Method of personal differential implies a semantic assessment of individuality. Was created based on the Russian language.

Used primarily in clinical and psychological psychodiagnostics and promotes the study of relationships.

This technique was developed using Ozhegov's dictionary. 120 definitions were selected from it, reflecting personality traits. Subsequently, employees of the Psychoneurological Institute. V. M. Bekhtereva, the personality differential technique has been adapted into a compressed version suitable for the analysis of personality structure andinterpersonal relationships.

This method of studying relationships can be useful when undergoing family therapy. A positive moment is the opportunity to analyze mutual understanding between family members, to identify different points of view in relation to the child. In the same way, you can determine the status of the main and subordinate spouse, consider the reasons for their possible discontent. This approach helps to establish the correct model of behavior in the family and to understand the role of the child in the family conflict.

Subjective review of methodology

Visually, a personality test is a table in which words are inscribed that characterize negative and positive character traits. Each of the 21 questions represents a gradation from negative to positive reference. For a detailed study of certain personality traits, a person needs to evaluate his belonging to one of them according to the proposed scale.

To do this, you need to choose the degree of manifestation of one of the opposite character traits, measured in points from 0 to 3. Then the results are calculated and belonging to the categories. After the work done, you can study the result.

The test consists of personal qualities that are formed and developed in society through socialization. These words characterize 3 main factors of the personal semantic differential methodology, which are the basis of a certain personality model. They can appear at high (17-21 points),medium (8-16 points) and low (up to 7 points) quality levels. These factors are:

• evaluation;
• strength;
• activity.

Deciphering the evaluation factor

Shows the degree of self-worth inherent in the subject. High scores indicate that a person is satisfied with himself and fully accepts his individuality. Also, at this height, the tested person positions himself as the owner of positive, socially approved characteristics.

The average indicators of this factor reveal a rather self-critical person who does not fully accept himself. Underestimated indicators usually characterize an individual suffering from neurotic problems. Such people do not feel sufficient authority of the individual in society.

If the personality differential technique is used to study relationships, then this factor determines the degree of attractiveness and sympathy with which one particular person perceives another. Positive traits are proportional to those the subject prefers, while negative traits are proportional to those they reject.

Deciphering the power factor

In the study of self-assessment, it tells about the volitional aspects of the personality and how the subject realizes and develops them. Inflated indices characterize an independent person with a strong character. He tends to keep his cool in stressful situations and rely solely on himself.

Average values indicate that the subject is in the power of influenceexternal factors, which gives rise to insufficient self-control. Such people tend to pay attention to the opinions of others, which changes the already accepted model of behavior. Too low indicators indicate that a person has anxiety, as well as possible difficulties in the functioning of the nervous system and mental he alth complications.

In relationships, this factor characterizes the relationship "dominant-subordinate" and their perception by the subjects themselves.

Deciphering the activity factor

This indicator of the personality differential technique calculates extroverts and introverts. Positive traits characterize a person who is open and sociable, perhaps even impulsive. Negative values are inherent in introverts, people who are calm and passive.

Assessing the relationship of this factor expresses how people perceive each other's individual characteristics.

Conclusion

The method of personal semantic differential is especially useful when it is necessary to reveal the true position of a particular person towards oneself and disposition towards others. Such a test allows you to clearly determine the degree of self-control and respect, dominance, anxiety, openness and isolation.

This approach can become quite a significant indicator in the recognition of neuroses, differential diagnosis, investigations of changes in well-being during the rehabilitation period, as well as during testing the effectiveness of psychotherapy. Thanks tobrevity, this technique can be used both independently and in combination with other diagnostic procedures.