Citation

Wires E. J. Abnorm. Psychol. Soc. Psychology 1925; 20(4): 416-440.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1925, R.G. Badger)

DOI

10.1037/h0072655

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The profiles obtained on the Downey Will-Temperament Test were correlated with a subjective estimate of the subjects, compiled from the results of psychometric examinations, social histories, clinical notes and personality studies. The tests were given to an unselected group of patients, ranging from 9 to 18 years of age, at the Wayne County Psychopathic Clinic in Detroit. Representative case studies are presented. There were no instances in which a score as indicated on the profile was noticeably opposed to the personality of the subject as shown by the history or analysis. In many cases a high score in a certain test was obtained by an individual who possessed in a noticeable degree the qualities supposedly tapped by the test. In quite a large number of cases such qualities were unnoted, though these individuals scored high in the test corresponding to that trait. The greatest discrepancy between the profile and subjective estimate was in the comparative values of scores made by different individuals on the same trait. When the subjects were divided into several groups according to the type of profile obtained, the reactions of each subject were found to be characteristic of the type to which his profile belonged. The traits listed on this test are not always readily apparent when making a subjective estimate of an individual, and for this reason the test may be regarded as supplementary and helpful in rounding out a personality study. The composite profile of the group is that of the impulsive, poorly inhibited type with relative high scores on impulsion and assurance and lowered scores for resistance and inhibition. Because of the complexity of the factors operating to produce misconduct there was no profile characteristic of any type of delinquency. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)