DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/2R0Z-V988
Defense Date
1985
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Donelson R. Forsyth
Second Advisor
Thomas H. Leahey
Third Advisor
John M. Mahoney
Fourth Advisor
Steven R. Robbins
Fifth Advisor
James E. Lindsay
Sixth Advisor
Thomas V. McGovern
Abstract
A theory was presented which argued that dignity or a personal sense of worth is a distinct dimension of the self concept, and it can be distinguished from self-esteem, a related but different dimension of the self-structure. The theory presented an explanation for how a personal sense of worth originates, and why individuals may differ on the degree to which they feel worthy. An internally consistant, alpha= .85, temporally stable, r = .64, 25 item self-report measure of individual differences in dignity, defined as a social process of mutual and reciprocal validation between interactants, was constructed. The Personal Worth Inventory (PWI) demonstrated discriminant validity with numerous theoretically important psychological constructs. Four converging construct validity studies established the factorial stability of the PWI. The scale was found to be composed of two internally consistent and factorially stable subscales which were identified as personal worth and extrapersonal worth. The personal worth and extrapersonal worth subscales were shown to be related r = .51. Dignity was found to be unrelated to sex, race, or social status. The use of the PWI to investigate hypotheses concerning the nature of dignity's relationship to age, culture, and personal and inter-personal dysfunction was discussed.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-20-2025