A test of social adjustment

Abstract

In an attempt to construct and validate a test surveying and summating behavior factors which are not measured by intelligence tests but which are important in social adjustment, a questionnaire (called the OSPA Inventory) was designed to get at five characteristics which appear from common observation to vary with social adjustment independently of intelligence. The five characteristics were named and defined: 1. Purpose, that is, desire definitely directed toward a goal involving plan, evaluation, selection, and effort. 2. Socialness, that is, a broad and lively interest in people. 3. Sympathy, that is, sensitive, empathetic, and non-negative responsiveness to people. 4. Poise, that is, emotional stability in social situations, and the general sense of psychological intimacy and security with people. 5. Impulse-judgment, that is, self-control in the sense of being able to sacrifice an immediate or easily attained satisfaction for a more remote or more difficult satisfaction which is recognized as greater. This article looks at the construction and validation of the OSPA Inventory. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)