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Theory development and research in the area of psychologically healthy competition has been impeded by the lack of a psychometrically sound instrument. Four studies were conducted as part of a research program designed to remedy this deficiency by constructing an individual difference measure of general personal development competitive attitude with satisfactory psychometric properties. In Studies 1 and 2, a 15-item scale was derived primarily through item-total correlational analysis; it demonstrated satisfactory internal and test-retest reliabilities. Studies 3 and 4 were concerned with establishing the construct validity of the scale. Both Studies 3 and 4 showed the scale's discriminant validity through its lack of association with hypercompetitiveness. In addition, its construct validity was seen in its negative association with neurosis and its positive links with personal and social self-esteem and optimal psychological health. Also, as expected, personal development competitiveness was positively correlated with needs for affiliation, whereas hypercompetitiveness was unrelated to affiliation needs. Although hypercompetitive individuals were more aggressive, dominant, and exhibitionistic, this was not the case for personal development competitors.

This article reviews recent literature on the physical and psychosocial correlates of head and neck cancer, with a focus on quality-of-life issues, rehabilitation outcomes, and changes in the literature from the previous decade. These studies have shown that head and neck cancer has an enormous impact on the quality of life of patients. The most important physical symptoms are speech problems, dry mouth and throat, and swallowing problems. Pain is also frequently reported. Disturbances in psychosocial functioning and psychological distress are reported by a considerable number of patients; worry, anxiety, mood disorder, fatigue, and depression are the main symptoms. Cancer of the head and neck has a negative effect on social, recreational, and sexual functioning. Despite a growing number of longitudinal studies, little is known about the rehabilitation outcomes over a longer period of time. Future research is necessary to form a consensus about the further development and use of specific instruments to study patients with cancer of the head and neck, to conduct more prospective studies, and to develop programs that are aimed at maximizing rehabilitation outcomes and evaluate these programs with randomized designs.

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The value systems of hypercompetitive and personal development competitive individuals were examined in a sample of university undergraduates. As expected, people higher in hypercompetitiveness and in personal development competitiveness were both more likely to endorse values related to self-contained individualism such as achievement, hedonism, and a striving for an exciting and challenging life, but only hypercompetitives endorsed the value of power and control over others. Moreover, the data indicated that people higher in personal development competitiveness were more prone to endorse values related to ensembled individualism. In particular, they strongly endorsed values associated with social concern, that is, with caring about the well-being of others and with treating them with respect and as equals, whereas hypercompetitives expressed a lack of such concern. Discussion centered on the socialization process and how it can foster the development of different competitive orientations.