The “Strength-of-Personality” Scale

The “strength-of-personality” scale consists of ten simple self-assessments that were culled from what was originally a much larger pool of statements via a series of factor analyses. The statements read:

• I usually count on being successful in everything I do

• I am rarely unsure about how I should behave
• I like to assume responsibility
• I like to take the lead when doing things in a group
• I enjoy convincing others of my opinion
• I often notice that I serve as a model for others
• I can usually accomplish what I want
• I am often a step ahead of others
• I own many things others envy me for
• I often give others advice, make suggestions

These statements are presented to respondents, who are then asked to indicate which items they would say apply to themselves.

Note: The development and application of the strength-of-personality scale can only be described here in very rough terms. For a more detailed description, see Noelle-Neumann 2002, SPIEGEL-Dokumentation 1983.