Repression-Sensitization and Socioeconomic Level

Abstract

This study, examined the relationship among socioeconomic level, ethnic origin, and repression-sensitization (R-S). Subjects were women who filled out the R-S scale one day after childbirth. Socioeconomic level was determined by three indices: level of education, the woman's occupation, and her husband's occupation. Results showed that subjects of higher socioeconomic level and subjects of European origin scored lower on the R-S scale (tended more toward the repressive pole) than subjects of lower socioeconomic level and subjects of Afro-Asian origin, respectively. These differences between the two ethnic groups ceased to be significant when the effects of socioeconomic level were partialed out. In line with previous findings, it is suggested that the specific stress conditions induced by middle-class parents facilitate the development of repressive personality type.