Studies are presented that describe the development and psychometric p
roperties of the Personal Styles Scale (PSS), a brief, easily complete
d and scored self-report scale for the measurement of derivatives of p
sychodynamic conflict. The PSS, from which a total score is obtained,
consists of 25 items presented in a wish/fear or conflicting wishes fo
rmat. It demonstrated good stability, high internal consistency, and f
ace and content validity. Further studies provided additional evidence
for reliability and for the convergent and construct validity of the
PSS. Limitations inherent in the construction of any self-report measu
re of conflict are discussed. The findings indicate that the PSS, base
d on psychodynamic principles, may prove to be a useful research and c
linical instrument.