The case study evaluated Juan Pablo, who reported being depressed throughout his teenage years. He openly confesses to feeling stuck in his life, which led him to see Dr. Ellison, who suggested a 16PF assessment. The 16PF is a sixteen-variable personality test collected by factor analysis. It is taken for the purpose of assessing a persons general traits and likely behaviors resulting from those attributes. This essay aims to summarize the results of Mr. Pablos 16PF test and seek out patterns of primary factors.
A global factor is a group of primary factors which show the individuals mode of making decisions and emotional response. The global factors show that Mr. Pablo is sociable and accommodating to others, with moderate Extraversion levels. He is comfortable in peaceful and friendly environments, where he can be open with people. However, he prefers dealing with problems alone instead of involving others. Mr. Pablo scored a 5 in Independence, meaning he is likely to be influenced by other people to a standard degree. He complies with people’s demands and typically trusts others’ intentions. His score in Tough-Mindedness is 4, meaning he makes decisions based on logic and feelings while also being open to change. His scores in Self-Control show that Mr. Pablo usually carefully considers his actions and words. He typically refers to his subjective moral standards instead of conforming to rules enforced by others. Mr. Pablo’s scores also reflect that he does not have high Anxiety.
To properly assess Mr. Pablos results, it is necessary to understand the interaction and pattern of the scores of the primary factors. According to Cattel and Schuerger (2003), the combinations of two scores play a role in modifying the meaning of both scores, changing the overall may these factors surface in a persons behavior. They explain by providing an example of a combination of high Warmth (A+) and high Dominance (E+), where “the aggressive, overbearing qualities that can be present in E+ individuals are softened by the tendency to be concerned about others and their feelings” (p. 135). Later they describe the general patterns of scores, which will be used to come up with a picture of Mr. Pablo.
The patterns most applicable to Mr. Pablo are A+ and E-, E- and G-, and O+ and Q2+. The first pattern is described as “low assertiveness, compensated for by friendship, adaptability, and approval seeking” (Cattel & Schuerger, 2003, p. 137). People with this pattern of traits are likely to present themselves as friendly and attend to others needs in social situations. Their high Warmth (A) and low Dominance (E) make them want to adapt to others instead of asserting their own presence in social interaction.
The second, low Dominance (E) and low Rule-Consciousness (G), show that Mr. Pablo is likely to have immature moral notions. These traits combined to influence the way people interact with others, submitting to their expectations, showing obedience, and sacrifice to be rewarded for their behavior. Many people with this pattern of scores may have a “martyr” complex, which means they avoid acknowledging faults and taking responsibility by seeking out suffering.
A combination of high Apprehension (O) and high Self-Reliance (Q2) is a pattern describing a tendency to isolate oneself. According to Cattel and Schuerger (2003), people with this pattern tend to “withdrawal from a sense of unworthiness” (p. 147). A person believes they are unworthy of attention or love from high self-doubt, insecurities, or guilt, and they leave relationships because of fear of rejection. This fear, which is based on insecurity in oneself, typically is irrational and harmful to the person.
Mr. Pablo also has a combination of other patterns but to a lesser extent than the ones described above. The first is high Reasoning (B), high Sensitivity (I), and high Perfectionism (Q3). Cattel and Schuerger (2003) explain that this pattern in adolescents corresponds with control over one’s fantasy activity. Mr. Pablo shows a great interest in continuing his photography career, and he confessed he gained a childhood interest. The pattern of low Dominance (E), low Vigilance (L), and high Sensitivity (I) describes a kind and accommodating person who shows empathy towards others. The combination of passiveness, trust, and compassion makes an accepting and caring person. Low Liveliness (F) and high Apprehension (O) is a combination typically found in pessimistic individuals with high levels of discouragement from failure. This pattern may characterize Mr. Pablo’s depression. “Identity problems and low self-concept” is found in people with low Rule-Consciousness (G) and high Apprehension (O) (Cattel & Schuerger, 2003, p. 143). The last pattern observed is high Apprehension (O) and high Perfectionism (Q3). People with this combination set high expectations for themselves, which, if not met, will cause shame.
The results show that Mr. Pablo is an unassertive, caring, and empathetic individual who puts peoples needs above his own. He has a tendency towards self-sacrifice to receive approval from others and avoid responsibility, which can be characterized as a martyr or “victim” complex. Mr. Pablo has a pessimistic outlook on the world and is quick to blame himself. When faced with failure or embarrassment, Mr. Pablo is likely to withdraw from the situation because of insecurities and an unstable sense of self. Another factor contributing to isolation is high expectations of himself, which cause shame and discouragement.
Reference
Cattell, H. E., & Schuerger, J. M. (2003). Essentials of 16PF assessment (Vol. 40). John Wiley & Sons.