Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS)
The Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS) is a psychological test used to measure individual preferences across a range of different activities and preferences.
Introduction
The EPPS was developed by Allen L. Edwards in the 1950s and has since been widely used in personality research and counseling settings.
Purpose
The EPPS aims to assess an individual’s personal preferences, attitudes, and interests across a broad spectrum of areas, including occupational interests, recreational activities, and interpersonal relationships.
Structure
The EPPS consists of 225 items, each representing a different preference or attitude. These items are divided into 15 subscales, with each subscale containing 15 items.
Subscales
  • Abasement: Measures the tendency to feel inferior or humiliated.
  • Aggression: Assesses the inclination toward assertiveness and hostility.
  • Autonomy: Gauges the desire for independence and self-determination.
  • Affiliation: Measures the need for social interaction and companionship.
  • Dominance: Assesses the preference for controlling others or situations.
  • Exhibition: Gauges the desire to be the center of attention.
  • Nurturance: Measures the inclination to care for others and offer help.
  • Order: Assesses the preference for organization and structure.
  • Change: Gauges the openness to new experiences and willingness to adapt.
  • Endurance: Measures the ability to persevere and tolerate adversity.
  • Harm Avoidance: Assesses the tendency to avoid risks or potentially harmful situations.
  • Intraception: Gauges the tendency to engage in introspection and self-reflection.
  • Succorance: Measures the preference for receiving support and assistance from others.
  • Sentience: Assesses the inclination toward experiencing emotions and aesthetic responsiveness.
  • Sex: Gauges the interest in sexual activities and attitudes toward sexuality.
  • Aggression Control: Measures the ability to control aggressive impulses.
Administration and Scoring
The EPPS is typically administered as a self-report questionnaire that individuals complete in paper-and-pencil format. Scoring involves summing the responses within each subscale to obtain scores, providing an indication of the individual’s preferences and attitudes in various domains.
Applications
The EPPS can be used in career counseling, vocational guidance, and research on personality traits and preferences. It helps individuals gain insights into their own personal preferences, which can be beneficial in making informed decisions about career paths and personal development.