Cross-Cultural Validation of the Effects of Dissimulation On a Measure of Actualizing

Abstract

A number of studies have presented evidence for the resistance of the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) to deliberate attempts to fake in a positive direction. Notably consistent is the lower Existentiality score obtained under conditions of faking. Although most of these studies have been based on the standard English language edition of the POI, results presented by Steilberg ( 1976) also have suggested the cross-cultural reproducibility of this finding based on results from a Dutch language version of the POI. The present study is based on results from administrations of a Spanish language version of the POI to samples in Nicaragua. The findings in general were similar to those obtained with American samples, particularly the consistently lower Existentiality scores obtained for both present Nicaraguan samples. Results have further supported the cross-cultural similarity of POI findings and have suggested that whatever degree of empirical or construct validity might be associated with POI scales would not be adversely influenced by an instruction to respond in a manner to create a favorable impression.