Ego-control and ego-resiliency: Generalization of self-report scales based on personality descriptions from acquaintances, clinicians, and the self

Ego-control refers to the inhibition/expression of impulse and ego-resiliency (ER) to the dynamic capacity to contextually modify one s level of ego-control in response to situational affordances (Block, J., 1950, 2002; Block, J.H., 1951; Block & Block, 1980). This article investigates the generalization of brief under control (UC) and ER self-report scales across samples, measurement techniques, and data sources, utilizing personality descriptions provided by acquaintances, clinician-interviewers, and the self. Undercontrolled individuals were consistently described as self-dramatizing, unable to delay gratification, unpredictable, assertive, rebellious, moody, and self-indulgent. Overcontrolled individuals were consistently described as bland, consistent, dependable, and calm. Resilient individuals were described as having wide interests and a high aspiration level, assertive, socially poised and skilled, and cheerful; and not self-defeating, emotionally bland, nor lacking personal meaning in life. The definitive characteristics of both constructs were mostly consistent across data source, gender, and eth0092-6566/$ see front matter 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2004.06.003 q Data gathering for this paper was supported by National Institute of Mental Health Grant MH42427 to David C. Funder. The conceptualization of the constructs of ego-control and ego-resiliency was supported by National Institute of Mental Health Grant MH16080 to Jack and Jeanne Block. qq Supplemental analyses can be found on our laboratory web site at http://www.psych.ucr.edu/faculty/ funder/RAP/RAP.htm. * Corresponding author. E-mail address: [email protected] (T.D. Letzring). 2 T.D. Letzring et al. / Journal of Research in Personality xxx (2004) xxx–xxx ARTICLE IN PRESS nicity, although ego-resiliency conformed more reliably with theoretical expectations among females than males, while ego-undercontrol may have more negative implications among Caucasians than other ethnic groups. Overall, the UC and ER self-report scales appear to offer effective, efficient, and accessible means for investigating these constructs. 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.