Relation of Repression-Sensitization to Philosophies of Human Nature

Abstract

150 males and 45 females were administered the Philosophy of Human Nature (PHN) Scale and the Repression-Sensitization (R-S) Scale. Sex differences were found on the PHN subscales, and the two sexes were treated separately. Both male and female sensitizers believed human nature to be more negative than did repressers, but female sensitizers presented a more selective negative view on the subscales associated with the positive vs negative view of human nature. No relationship was found in either sex between the R-S dimension and the beliefs about the extent of complexity or variability present in human nature.