Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS)

Introduction 

The Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS) is a widely used psychological assessment tool designed to measure an individual's personality traits and preferences based on Murray’s theory of needs. Developed by Allen L. Edwards in 1959, the EPPS assesses 15 personality traits, providing insight into an individual's needs, motivations, and social behaviors. The test is grounded in Henry Murray's theory of needs, which posits that human behavior is motivated by various psychological needs, such as achievement, affiliation, and dominance (Edwards, 1959).

Structure and Administration

The EPPS consists of 225 paired statements, with each pair reflecting two contrasting statements related to a specific personality trait. The assessed individual selects which of the two statements best represents their feelings or preferences. The test is typically administered in a paper-and-pencil format, but it can also be adapted for computer-based administration. It is appropriate for individuals aged 16 and older and is used in clinical, vocational, and research settings.

Time Required for Administration

The EPPS typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. The test is brief and designed to provide an efficient measure of personality without requiring a long-time commitment.

Scoring Criteria and Subscales

The EPPS measures 15 distinct personality needs, each representing a different motivational or behavioral aspect:

1. Achievement:      Desire for success and accomplishment.
2. Deference:      Tendency to yield to others’ opinions and authority.
3. Nurturance:      Need for caring and helping others.
4. Exhibition:      Desire to be noticed and admired.
5. Affiliation:      Need for social interaction and connection.
6. Intraception:      Desire for understanding oneself and others.
7. Succorance:      Need for support and comfort from others.
8. Dominance:      Desire to control or influence others.
9. Abasement:      Tendency to self-criticism or submission.
10. Change:      Need for variety and new experiences.
11. Heterosexuality:      Interest in relationships with the opposite sex.
12. Autonomy:      Desire for independence and freedom.
13. Aggression:      Tendency to assert oneself and challenge authority.
14. Intimacy:      Need for close, intimate relationships.
15. Order:      Need for structure and organization.

These traits reflect a blend of personal motivations, social behaviors, and emotional needs. The scoring is based on how an individual responds to the paired statements, with scores indicating the relative strength of each of the 15 traits (Edwards, 1959).

Population Applicability

The EPPS applies to a wide range of populations, including adolescents and adults. It is frequently used in clinical settings to assess personality traits in individuals seeking therapy or counseling. It is also utilized in vocational and organizational settings to evaluate personality traits that may affect job performance, interpersonal relationships, and personal development (Edwards, 1959).

Conclusion

The Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS)remains a valuable tool for measuring personality traits and understanding the underlying motivations driving human behavior. Its broad applicability, relatively brief administration time, and empirically supported framework make it an effective tool for psychological assessment in clinical, research, and vocational contexts.