Inventory-Description

The LDMI measures the defensive mechanisms that individuals employ, which influence their daily behaviors, relationships, and performance. These defensive patterns are developed to protect individuals from stress and emotional discomfort. The LDMI evaluates various types of defense mechanisms, such as:
Avoidance: Mechanisms that allow individuals to avoid confronting difficult situations.
Aggression: More active and aggressive approaches to dealing with challenges.
Rationalization: The tendency to justify one’s actions to reduce emotional discomfort.

Data Analysis and Usage

Data for the LDMI is collected through questionnaires typically scored using Likert scales, which assess the frequency or intensity with which different defense mechanisms are used.
Data analysis includes:
Factor analysis to identify underlying dimensions and different types of defense mechanisms.
Reliability analysis, such as calculating Cronbach’s alpha to assess the internal consistency of subscales.
Statistical techniques like multiple regression to examine the relationship between defense mechanisms and other psychological factors such as stress or mental health.

Purpose

The goal of the LDMI is to identify the defense mechanisms individuals use in their lives and to evaluate how these mechanisms affect their emotional balance and social interactions. The scale can be used for:
Identifying dysfunctional defense mechanisms associated with psychological problems.
Understanding the stress management strategies individuals employ.
Providing a basis for developing therapeutic interventions aimed at improving mental health.

Calibration

The calibration of the LDMI involves standard psychometric processes:
Reliability analysis by calculating Cronbach’s alpha to assess the internal consistency of the scales.
Confirmatory factor analysis to ensure that the scale reliably measures defense mechanisms.
Cross-validation to ensure that the results are generalizable to different populations.

Bibliography

Plutchik, R., Kellerman, H., & Conte, H. R. (1979). A structural theory of ego defenses and emotions. In Psychiatric Clinics of North America.
Conte, H. R., & Plutchik, R. (1995). Ego defenses: Theory and measurement. Wiley.
Kellerman, H., & Plutchik, R. (1980). Emotion and adaptation: A psychoevolutionary synthesis. Academic Press.