Abstract
The subject of our study was to analyse if it is possible by psychometric methods to find out contained aggressiveness which is often described in patients with RA.
In three samples totalling 228 RA patients we studied the prevalence of contained aggressiveness by using the Freiburg personality chart at five times.
Contained aggressiveness was identified in 32%-40% of the patients. Only at two of five times of measurement this proportion is significantly high. Except for few variables we didn't find statistically significant relations between the aggressiveness and determinants of the disease, social factors and indicators of a structural social isolation which had been investigated at the same time. Significantly high correlations we observed only between the aggressiveness scale and other scales of the Freiburg personality chart especially the scale 9. After eliminating those patients who answer in the sense of social desirability from calculation the part of the patients with contained aggressiveness remained no longer significantly high.
The hypothesis of contained aggressiveness in patients with RA cannot be supported by our study. Altogether, a personality inventory does not seem to be appropriate for evaluating a trait like contained aggressiveness. To approach this psychodynamic phenomenon is more likely to be successful by leading psychoanalytic interviews or using projective tests.
In three samples totalling 228 RA patients we studied the prevalence of contained aggressiveness by using the Freiburg personality chart at five times.
Contained aggressiveness was identified in 32%-40% of the patients. Only at two of five times of measurement this proportion is significantly high. Except for few variables we didn't find statistically significant relations between the aggressiveness and determinants of the disease, social factors and indicators of a structural social isolation which had been investigated at the same time. Significantly high correlations we observed only between the aggressiveness scale and other scales of the Freiburg personality chart especially the scale 9. After eliminating those patients who answer in the sense of social desirability from calculation the part of the patients with contained aggressiveness remained no longer significantly high.
The hypothesis of contained aggressiveness in patients with RA cannot be supported by our study. Altogether, a personality inventory does not seem to be appropriate for evaluating a trait like contained aggressiveness. To approach this psychodynamic phenomenon is more likely to be successful by leading psychoanalytic interviews or using projective tests.
Translated title of the contribution | Psychological Measurement of Aggressiveness in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis |
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Original language | German |
Journal | Aktuelle Rheumatologie |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 1 |
Pages (from-to) | 18-24 |
Number of pages | 7 |
ISSN | 0341-051X |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 01.1988 |