A multidimensional interpretation and comparison of three A-B scales

Notes that despite a rapidly expanding literature on the A-B therapist-type variable, an adequate conceptual and empirical understanding has not been forthcoming. The present study endeavored to increase the limited understanding of the A-B dimension as well as to compare 3 different versions of the A-B scale. A battery of interest, personality, and aptitude tests (e.g., the SVIB) was completed by 231 undergraduate males. This battery was subjected to a 2-step principal components analysis in order to minimize the effects of method-specific sources of variance. Each of the 3 A-B scales was then regressed against component scores, followed by multiple discriminant-function analyses. Results indicate that 2 of the 3 A-B scales seem to be tapping a dimension tentatively labeled as a "social interpersonal orientation vs an impersonal cognitively complex orientation toward concepts and things." Explanations for some inconsistencies in the literature, for the nature of the Therapist * Patient Type interaction effect, and for possible strategies for future research are discussed. (42 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).