Construction of a Personal Development Competitive Attitude Scale

Abstract

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.

Competitive Orientations and Women’s Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery

“…In contrast to hypercompetitiveness, personal development competitiveness reflects an alternative healthy, positive competitive orientation (Ryckman & Hamel, 1992;Ryckman et al, 1996Ryckman et al, , 1997. Those characterized by this competitive orientation are highly motivated to win and succeed; however, it would not be at any cost or at the expense of others.…”

“…Research has shown it correlates positively with personal and social self-esteem, achievement, affiliation, concern for the welfare of others, the ability to be altruistic in social relationships and the ability to forgive others for transgressions; and it is negatively correlated with neuroticism, dominance, and aggressiveness (Collier, Ryckman, Thornton, & Gold, 2010;Ryckman & Hamel, 1992;Ryckman, Hammer, Kaczor, & Gold, 1996;Ryckman, Libby, van den Borne, Gold, & Lindner, 1997). Individuals with this perspective are clearly motivated to exert maximum effort to win in competition, but in an honest and straightforward manner.…”

“…This 15-item PDCA scale is a reliable and valid assessment of a psychologically healthy competitive orientation concerned more with personal growth and development than individual attainment (Ryckman et al, 1996;Ryckman et al, 1997). Sample items are "I value competition because it helps me to be the best that I can be," and "I enjoy competition because it brings me and my competitors closer together as human beings."…”

Considering Competition Avoidant Individuals Via the Big Five Model

“…Competition avoiders tend to avoid all competitive situations, but these professionals could help these individuals see that not all competitive activities are to be avoided. Indeed, there are some competitive orientations that are psychologically healthy and interpersonally effective (e.g., personal development competition; Ryckman et al, 1996), whereas other competitive orientations are psychologically and interpersonally unhealthy (e.g., hypercompetitiveness; see Ryckman et al, 1990). In addition to distinguishing between such competitive orientation, attention and efforts then could be directed toward developing or adopting those values associated with competing in a healthy way (Ryckman et al, 1997).…”

A versengés jutalmazásának hatása a nyáltesztoszteronszintre és a teljesítményre fiatal felnőtt férfiakban: A hiperversengés szerepe

“…A versengési attitűdöket a hiperversengés és az önfejlesztő versengés skálák segítségé-vel mértük (RYCKMAN, HAMMER, KACZOR és GOLD, 1990GOLD, , 1996. A hiperversengés azt a versengő attitűdöt jelenti, amikor az egyén kizárólag a győzelmet tartja szem előtt bármi áron, valamint minden lehetőséget kihasznál a versenyzésre az élet bármely területén.…”