Abstract
58 Ss divided into 29 pairs, 15 of whom were comprised of Ss of different levels of adjustment (Cattell's IPAT Anxiety Scale) and 14 of Ss of similar levels, rated the person with whom S interacted in terms of what he “appeared to be” and what he “really was.” The hypothesis that the perceived difference between “real” and apparent levels of personality contributes to differences between adjusted and maladjusted behavior received support. Factor analysis of rs of S‘s ratings indicated a tendency for maladjusted Ss to exhibit extremes in ratings on all factors and in a negative direction when the stimulus person was adjusted. Results indicated support for the notion that personality adjustment affects the perception of personality characteristics of the other person, suggesting a need for caution in the interpretation of ratings in experiments involving interpersonal perception.
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