The Semantic Differential and Inferred Identification

Abstract

It was hypothesized that the large semantic differential D-scores which separate self concept and parental concepts in neurotic individuals do not necessarily reflect poor identification, but instead are indicative of the positive nature of parental concepts and the neurotic individual's tendency to perceive himself as different from highly valued concepts. Pretest and posttest measures were taken in a group of college students during psychotherapy and in a second group during a course in introductory psychology. It was determined that measured differences between the normal and neurotic groups could be explained in terms of a “distance from positive concept” interpretation.