Stability of a Q-sort model of optimal mental health

Author(s): Bennett, E.

Journal/Book: J Personal Assess. 1997; 69: 10 Industrial Ave, Mahwah, NJ 07430-2262. Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc Inc. 314-323.

Abstract: This study explores clinicians' conceptions of optimal mental health as a function of target age and asks whether contemporary conceptions of optimal mental health differ from Block's (1961) earlier Q-sort model. Ten experienced clinicians from Northwestern University described the personality characteristics of optimally adjusted 25- and 50-year-old targets using the California Q-set. Item scores from these Q-sorts were aggregated to form 25-year-old, 50-year-old, and composite templates of optimal mental health. Using the Spearman-Brown formula, the reliability of the 10-judge composite was .97. The 3 templates were very highly correlated with each other and with Block's original template. Q-sort descriptions of optimal mental. Health are remarkably stable over 2 generations of clinicians and between young adulthood and mid-life.

Note: Article Zeldow PB, Northwestern Univ, Sch Med, Dept Psychiat & Behav Sci, Ward Bldg 12-138, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago,IL 60611 USA

Keyword(s): CALIFORNIA Q-SET

Zurück | Weiter