Title: Bioenergetic Analysis and the MMPI: A Validity Study

Author: Carl H. Shubs, Ph.D.

Date: 1982
Purpose: Empirical research in the assessment aspect of Bioenergetic analysis has been sparse. The purpose of this study was to use a global perspective to validate Lowen’s stated relationship between physical structure and character structure on a broad s

Reference for thesis or dissertation: Shubs, C. (1983). “Bioenergetic Analysis and the MMPI: A Validity Study.” (Doctoral dissertation, United States International University, 1982). Dissertation Abstracts International, 43, 2717B. (University Microfilms No. 8229640)

Length: 148

METHOD: Lachar’s system of automated interpretation of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory was selected as a criterion. Five self-selected female subjects took the MMPI and were individually video taped. Using Lachar’s system, a narrative description and four distractor descriptions were derived for each subject. Three groups of judges (Bioenergetic, non-Bioenergetic, and naive) were asked to view each tape and to match it with the correct narrative.
RESULTS: Analysis of data revealed that all groups of judges performed the task with a significant level of inaccuracy. Overall, there was no significant difference between groups. Certain narratives were selected or excluded more frequently than others. Judges seemed to agree in their explanations for their choices, many of which related to behavior manifest in the body. The results of this study did not support the assertion that Bioenergetic analysis enables one to discern character in the body. Because of the significant negative findings, it was suggested that Lachar’s system of automated interpretation was not a good criterion for a global evaluation of the assessment aspect of Bioenergetic analysis.

Author's institution: United States International University
Contact: Carl H. Shubs, Ph.D.
Language: English
Country origin: USA

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Entry source: Carl H. Shubs, Ph.D.
Entered by: Carl H. Shubs, Ph.D.
Entry date: 2 August 2010

Key Phrases: assessment, research, empirical research, bioenergetic analysis, physical structure, character structure, character, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, MMPI, Lachar, video, body, behavior,
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