Questionnaire and projective measures of the relationship between irrational beliefs and self-esteem

The theories of Albert Ellis, known as Rational Emotive Therapy have been tested by means of correlations of measures of Irrational beliefs (measured by a modified Jones questionnaire) with measures of self-esteem tested by the Rosenberg questionnaire. In addition Projective methods were used, to detect the patterns of Irrational beliefs by more covert methods. The Incomplete Sentence Technique, and the Thematic Apperception Technique of Murray were used. A cross correlation of the Rosenberg, Incomplete Sentences and Thematic Apperception Test material was used for a self-esteem measure, extracted from the protocols of the last two measures. A pattern of correlations was found with convergent validity showing a correlation between high levels of Irrational beliefs and low levels of self-esteem, most strongly for 'need for approval'. The scores from the Thematic Apperception Test cards were analysed to find out which cards were most powerful in detecting the relationship between irrational beliefs and self-esteem. Questionnaire methods were convergently valid, and the projective methods were convergently valid to some extent, but without agreement between the two alternative forms of measurement, although some intercorrelation was found.