Personal Orientation Inventory

Abstract

The Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) is a widely utilized psychometric instrument designed by Everett L. Shostrom to measure values and behaviors central to self-actualization, primarily based on the theoretical framework developed by Abraham Maslow. Comprising 150 forced-choice items, the POI yields 12 scores, including two major scales (Time Competence and Inner-Directedness) and ten subscales that assess various facets of self-actualizing behavior. The inventory is specifically constructed to differentiate among individuals classified as self-actualized, normal, and non-self-actualized individuals, providing a comprehensive measure of psychological health and personal growth.

Keywords

Personal Orientation Inventory, POI, Self-actualization, Humanistic Psychology, Existential Psychology, Maslow, Time Competence, Inner-Directedness, Psychological Assessment, Personality.

Authors

Everett L. Shostrom

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) is to provide a standardized assessment of an individual’s level of self-actualization. This instrument is utilized in clinical and research settings to evaluate the extent to which a person is living a life that fulfills their potential, aligning with the tenets of Humanistic Psychology.

Furthermore, the POI serves a key discriminatory function, proving effective in distinguishing between clinically healthy and troubled populations, as well as successfully differentiating between groups identified as self-actualized, normal, and non-self-actualized. The scores derived from the POI provide insights into relative time competence and relative inner- or other-directedness.

Construct

The POI is rooted fundamentally in Abraham Maslow’s hierarchical theory of needs, specifically focusing on the highest level of psychological development: self-actualization. However, the scale construction extended beyond Maslow, integrating concepts from various prominent figures within the humanistic, existential, and gestalt therapy movements. The instrument measures an individual’s orientation toward specific values and behaviors that characterize psychologically mature and fully functioning persons.

Key theoretical contributors whose work influenced item selection include Fritz Perls, Rollo May, Ernest Angel, Henri Ellenberger, Erich Fromm, Karen Horney, Carl Rogers, David Riesman, Alan Watts, and Albert Ellis. Items were also developed based on observed value judgments gathered from both clinically healthy patients and those experiencing psychological distress, ensuring a broad and clinically relevant representation of psychological orientations.

Validity

The validity of the POI has been established through several correlational studies demonstrating its relationship with other established personality inventories. One significant validation study involved correlating the POI with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Significant relationships (at the 0.01 level) were observed between all 12 POI scales and four critical MMPI scales: Depression (D), Psychopathic Deviate (Pd), Psychasthenia (Pt), and Schizophrenia (Sc).

Further evidence of construct validity was provided by correlating the POI with the Eysenck Personality Inventory, where significant relationships were identified. Critically, the POI possesses predictive validity as it successfully differentiates between psychologically healthy and unhealthy groups, confirming its ability to measure progress toward self-actualization. The POI is thus a robust tool for distinguishing levels of personal functioning.

Reliability

The reliability of the Personal Orientation Inventory has been consistently demonstrated through test-retest procedures, confirming the stability of the scores over time. High test-retest reliability coefficients were reported for the major scales, specifically ranging between 0.91 and 0.93.

Reliability coefficients for the ten individual subscales showed a broader range, from a lower bound of 0.55 for the subscale measuring Acceptance of Aggression, up to 0.85 for Existentiality, with a median reliability coefficient reported at 0.74 across all subscales. These coefficients generally indicate adequate to strong internal consistency and temporal stability for most dimensions of the inventory.

Factor Analysis

The POI is structured around 12 core scales, which include two primary orientation scales and ten subscales designed to capture specific components of the self-actualizing personality. While the original documentation highlights the conceptual grouping based on Maslow’s theory, specific details regarding formal factor analysis were not provided in the source content.

Conceptually, the scale is organized to measure two fundamental dimensions: Time Competence (the degree to which an individual lives in the present rather than dwelling on the past or future) and Inner-Directedness (the reliance on internal feelings and values rather than external influences). The ten subscales subsequently provide detailed insight into the specific behavioral manifestations of these core dimensions, supporting a multidimensional structure consistent with Humanistic Psychology.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report personality inventory

Format: 150 forced-choice items (A vs. B)

Language Available: English (Original)

Population Group: General population, clinical patients, and specialized student/professional groups

Age Group: Adults (Typically college age and older)

Population Details: One key validation study included a diverse sample comprising 650 freshmen at Los Angeles State College, 150 patients undergoing therapy, 75 members participating in a Sensitivity Training Program at UCLA, and 15 school psychologists.

Test Methodology: The scoring utilizes a forced-choice format so that each item is written twice (A and B options), representing both ends of the self-actualization continuum. Respondents select the statement that is most true of themselves.

Keywords

Psychological Inventory, Personality Assessment, Existentiality, Time Competence, Inner-Directedness, Shostrom, Humanistic Psychology, Clinical Assessment, MMPI.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: N/A (Information not provided)

Affiliation Email addresses: N/A (Information not provided)

Correspondence Address: N/A (Information not provided)

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The Personal Orientation Inventory was first published in 1966. The original manual was published by Educational and Industrial Testing Service (EDITS). Permissions, usage fees, and current distribution information must be secured directly from the current copyright holder or authorized test distributor.

Reference’s

Abbott, S. A. (2009). The effect of an existential educational self-awareness intervention on self-awareness in college students. PhD dissertation, Walden University.

La Civita, J. L. (2009). Social interest and the Personal Orientation Inventory of artists working in a community art and wellness center. PsyD dissertation, Adler School of Professional Psychology.

Serotkin, S. V. (2010). The relationship between self-actualization and creativity as a self-growth practice. PsyD dissertation, California Institute of Integral Studies.

Shostrom, E. L. (1966). Manual for the Personal Orientation Inventory. San Diego, CA: Educational and Industrial Testing Service.

Starcher, P. L. (2006). The relationship between self-actualization and caring behavior in nurse educators. PhD dissertation, The Pennsylvania State University.

Wells, J. A. (2011). Investigating the self-actualization of ultra-marathon runners, compared with non-endurance training population. PhD dissertation, Pacifica Graduate Institute.

Items of the Personal Orientation Inventory

Subscale Definitions

The POI contains 10 subscales, in addition to the two major scales (Time Competence and Inner-Directedness). The items are distributed as follows:

• Self-actualizing values (26 items): Refers to the core values held by self-actualizing people.
• Existentiality (32 items): Refers to the ability to react to situations without rigid adherence to principles, remaining flexible and present.
• Feeling reactivity (23 items): Refers to the sensitivity and responsiveness to one’s own needs and feelings.
• Spontaneity (17 items): Refers to the ability to be oneself or react spontaneously without excessive self-consciousness.
• Self-acceptance (26 items): Refers to the acceptance of oneself in spite of recognized weaknesses or limitations.
• Nature of man (16 items): Refers to one’s view of human nature, including perspectives on masculinity and femininity.
• Self-regard (16 items): Refers to the intrinsic sense of self-worth and appreciation.
• Synergy (9 items): Refers to the ability to surpass dichotomies or perceive opposites (e.g., work and play) as meaningfully integrated.
• Acceptance of aggression (25 items): Refers to the ability to acknowledge, tolerate, or appropriately express aggression.
• Capacity for intimate contact (28 items): Refers to the ability to cultivate deep, authentic, and intimate relationships.

Sample Items

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

1. a. I trust my ability to size up a situation.
2. b. I do not trust my ability to size up a situation.

60. a. It is important that others accept my point of view.
61. b. It is not necessary for others to accept my point of view.

80. a. For me, work and play are the same.
81. b. For me, work and play are opposites.

127. a. I like to participate actively in intense discussions.
128. b. I do not like to participate actively in intense discussions.

150. a. I can overcome any obstacles as long as I believe in myself.
151. b. I cannot overcome every obstacle even if I believe in myself.