Questionnaire Description

The California Psychological Inventory – Socialization Scale (CPI-So) aims to assess antisocial behavior by analyzing the responses of individuals to 54 statements. The respondent is asked to indicate whether each statement is “true” or “false” in relation to themselves. A high score indicates greater socialization, while a low score may suggest antisocial or non-conforming behavior.

Data Analysis and Use

The Greek standardization of the scale was conducted on a sample of 772 adolescents, 716 of whom were high school students from the area of Salamina and 56 were institutionalized in reformatories or detention centers. The average score for boys in the general population was 25.05 with a standard deviation of 9.40, while for girls it was 22.56 with a standard deviation of 10.23. In the institutionalized group, the average scores were significantly lower. Factor analysis of the responses revealed four primary factors: harmonious (or non-harmonious) family life, compliance with social rules, social anxiety, and concern with physical appearance. The scale’s validity was supported by its ability to differentiate between adolescents with criminal behavior and those from the general population, to distinguish socioeconomic levels, and to correlate with teachers’ evaluations.

Purpose

The purpose of the Socialization Scale is to assess the degree to which an individual has internalized social norms, values, and roles during their developmental process. Specifically, it evaluates attitudes toward social demands, the ability for self-criticism, conformity to institutional rules, and acceptance of social order and norms.

Scoring

Scoring is based on the extent to which the individual’s answers align or do not align with socially acceptable attitudes and behaviors. High scores are interpreted as indicators of socialized behavior, while low scores are seen as signs of antisocial or maladaptive tendencies.

References

Gough, G. H. (1956). California Psychological Inventory. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press. Repapi, M. (1984). Assessment of adolescent socialization in Greece: Adaptation, validity, and findings of the CPI Socialization Scale. Doctoral Dissertation, Psychiatric Clinic, University of Athens. Repapi, M. & Stefanis, K. (1979). The Greek version of the CPI psychological test. Athens: Aiginiteio Hospital, Psychiatric Clinic, University of Athens.