Personality Change in the Church-Related Liberal Arts College

Abstract

Four scales of the OPI (developmental status, impulse expression, social maturity and schizoid functioning) and the F and E scales were employed to measure personality change in 38 Ss during 4 yr. at a church-related liberal arts college. Significant increases were found in developmental status, but little change in impulse expression. Significant increase was found in social maturity, and significant decrease in schizoid functioning, especially during the last 2 yr. The F and E scales also showed significant decreases. Some sex differences were found in F and E scores (men showing greater decrease, especially during the last 2 yr.) and in schizoid functioning (women showing a sharp drop in the final 2 yr.). Changes observed during the last 2 yr. are at variance with most other research.