ASSESSMENTS WITH THE KMP QUESTIONNAIRE AND THE BRIEF

KMP-BASED AFFECT SCALE

Sabine C. Koch & Stephanie M. Müller

This chapter introduces a questionnaire-format of the Kestenberg Movement Profile (KMP) and a
brief KMP-based affect scale in English and German. Psychometric quality and use are briefly
discussed.

Erhebungen mit dem KMP-Fragebogen

Dieses Kapitel beinhaltet ein Fragebogenformat des Kestenberg Movement Profile (KMP) und
einen KMP- basierten kurzen Affektfragebogen jeweils in Deutsch und Englisch. Psycho-
metrischen Qualitäten und Anwendungsnutzen für die KMP-Forschung werden kurz diskutiert.

Keywords: movement analysis, Kestenberg Movement Profile (KMP), KMP questionnaire,

psychometric quality.

The Kestenberg Movement Profile (KMP) is a systematic and theory-based

nonverbal assessment instrument that helps to capture and reflect the actual
complexity of movement behavior and its related meanings in diagnostic, therapeutic
and research contexts. In many applied contexts, however, it is unrealistic to create a
complete KMP of each client. Usually, a full working day is needed to finish one
profile with interpretations. More economic methods that help the clinician to get an
impression of movement-related parameters are therefore needed. One such method
has been developed by Bräuninger and Züger (this volume). Another possibility for the
KMP practitioner is a questionnaire format to form first hypotheses and relate them to
self-ratings of the clients or third-person ratings of movement-related psychological
parameters. The questionnaire cannot by any means replace the observational
assessment, but it can add to the picture that results from observations by capturing the
client’s own and third persons’ perspectives. Regarding the psychometric qualities of
the KMP, such a questionnaire format can help to validate KMP-theory by rendering
an external criterion to which the movement observations can be related.
In 1998, the first author developed the KMP-questionnaire (Koch, 1999) from the
semantic interpretations provided in “The meaning of movement” (Kestenberg
Amighi, Loman, Lewis, & Sossin, 1999); she extracted from the KMP book all
interpretive words she could localize for the single movement categories and put them
into scales. The English version of the questionnaire was tested only on a small sample
(n=5 participants; and n=5 partners of participants), where correlations of self and
other ratings were computed, and were high overall (all r>.80); additional reports of
the participants on feeling taken seriously in this questionnaire encouraged the author
to translate the questionnaire into German and test its psychometric quality criteria. On
a sample of n=80 participants she computed internal consistencies (all Alphas>.80)
and for the discriminative power of the items she calculated corrected inter-item
correlations (Trennschärfen). The questionnaire was highly consistent and items had
high discriminative power throughout (the two exceptions were taken out of the
German version of the questionnaire). The author further developed a brief affect scale
on basis of the original KMP-questionnaire that she employed in experimental studies
(Koch, this volume).
This chapter provides both questionnaires developed, in both language versions.
The English versions of both questionnaires still need testing of the psychometric
quality (the results for the German versions creates optimistic expectations). Both
language versions of the KMP-questionnaire still need validity testing regarding the
comparison with actual movement parameters from observations.

KMP-questionnaire (version: self ratings)

This is a questionnaire about your personality style. Rate yourself on the following categories by circling one of
the numbers on the scales at the digit you think you would score according to your personality. 0 means this trait
is low, 4 means this trait is high. The numbers in between indicate growing presence of the trait from the lower
to the higher digits. Start the questionnaire only when you have understood what to do. Feel free to ask any
questions regarding this questionnaire at any time. Try to answer as truthfully as possible. Your partner is not
going to see your answers.

I am…

1. Overall:
. relaxed, easy going (f) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. tense, cautious, anxious (b) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. movement released and continuous (f) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. movement inhibited and discontinuous (b) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. enjoying myself, satisfied, indulging attitude (I) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. aggressive, dissatisfied, fighting attitude (F) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. self-controlled/controlling (G) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. spontaneous (E) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. have a differentiated and complex personality low 0 1 2 3 4 high

2. Inner Needs:
Which of your inner needs are indicated in your behavior (the following categories may
seem a little strange to you, try to give your best guess on each of the scales):
. self-soothing, eager to take all things in low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. critical, analytic, sarcastic low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. playful, teasing, coy low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. holding back, straining, withholding low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. aimless drifting/wandering, easily distracted low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. like to initiate and to stop, impatient low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. integrating, naggy, unclear about own wishes (inward) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. in transitory process with self (inward) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. high in excitement, bubbling over with ideas (outward) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. aggressive, intrusive (outward) low 0 1 2 3 4 high

3. Feelings, Affect and Temperament:

. feel pleasure, safe, “at ease”, carefree low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. feel displeasure, danger, “caution”, restrained low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. temperament steady, ability to concentrate low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. even temperament, poise, equanimity low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. fitting in with caution, considerate low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. adjusting with ease, attentive, accommodating low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. excited, exuberant, intense feelings low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. excitable, furious, strained, tense low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. (relaxed, easy going, low intensity), low-keyed low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. impulsive, (impatient), alert low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. spontaneous, impulsive low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. patient, enduring, taking time to feel intensely, intensifying,
training, awakening, becoming excited low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. patient, enduring, calming down, relaxing, yielding low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. limb, fluid, weak, indifferent low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. wooden, doughy, inert, heavy, waxen low 0 1 2 3 4 high

4. Learning Styles and Defense Mechanisms (how do you ATTEMPT to cope with the environment):
- attempt to concentrate and focus attention low 0 1 2 3 4 high
- attempt to shift focus, finding associations low 0 1 2 3 4 high
- attempt to problem solve, try hard to remember things low 0 1 2 3 4 high
- able to learn without resistance low 0 1 2 3 4 high
- have sudden insights or illuminations low 0 1 2 3 4 high
- attempt to considerate new ideas well low 0 1 2 3 4 high
- use defense mechanism of isolation of affect low 0 1 2 3 4 high
- use defense mechanism of avoidance low 0 1 2 3 4 high
- use identification with the aggressor as defense low 0 1 2 3 4 high
- use defense mechanism of reaction formation low 0 1 2 3 4 high
- use defense mechanism of escaping from danger
or counterphobia (run into danger) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
- use defense mechanism of postponing or
delaying (as in procrastination) low 0 1 2 3 4 high

5. Coping Mechanisms (what ways do you preferably use to cope with your environment?)
. focused attention, to the point, discrimination, direct low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. general attentiveness, alert to changes, listen, indirect low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. intentionality, determination low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. intentionality, tact, low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. decisive, unambiguous, without alternative low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. decisive with deliberation low 0 1 2 3 4 high

Which are your strong areas:

. communication and investigation low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. presentation, understanding and explanation low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. operations and procedures low 0 1 2 3 4 high

Which of the following attributes characterizes you best, second best, third best and least (put
numbers behind the letters, 1 for best, 2 for second best, 3 for third best and 4 for least):

. practical concrete doer A

. timeless, enchanted, good listener B
. driven, excited, unreasonable, unrealistic C
. planning, judging, observing, abstracting from self D

Which states of mind do you seem to prefer between the two poles mentioned below (be aware that these are
bipolar scales, put a cross on the best corresponding spot on the scale; try to give your best guess, if terms are
unclear ask the researcher):
alert |-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----| dreamy
stable |-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----| mobile
rhythmic |-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----| remote (projecting to the outside)

6. Response to general environmental stimuli:

- comfortable in the environment of the study, free breathing, expanding, approaching
low 0 1 2 3 4 high
- uncomfortable in the environment of the study, restrained breathing, withdrawing
low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. giving low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. taking low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. open low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. closed low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. feelings of omnipotence and generosity, seeking low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. feelings of self-containment, oppression, frowning,
shying away low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. trusting in my environment, balanced low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. feelings of elation, pride, grandiosity, feeling big low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. feelings of inferiority, shame, depression, feeling small,
downcast low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. stable, secure standing, balanced low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. feelings of gratification, fullness, satiation, completion low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. feelings of emptiness, hunger, depletion, being rejected low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. confident, balanced low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. feeling and looking shapeless, loosing structure (n) low 0 1 2 3 4 high

7. Responses to discrete environmental stimuli:

. attracted by the majority of stimuli low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. repulsed by the majority of stimuli low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. constricting, clutching, tightening body boundaries low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. expanding, loosing body boundaries low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. constricting, feeling small low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. extending, feeling elated, big low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. becoming thin, empty, flat low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. becoming full, saturated low 0 1 2 3 4 high

8. Object relations as related to learning and defenses, self as different from others. In which way do you
try to bridge the space between the self and the external world (other people and objects)? In which way
do you try to establish and maintain contact with other people and objects in the environment?
. preventing distraction (ac) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. isolating, disconnecting, learning to define low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. displacing, eluding, generalizing (si) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. learning by association and generalization low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. provoking, putting down (d) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. learning to explain (as problem solving) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. looking up, trying to please, seeking guidance (u) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. learning to seek explanations low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. protecting oneself, backtracking and remembering (ba) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. learning by illuminations derived from past events low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. testing, initiating, anticipating (e.g. the teacher) (fo) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. learning to make step by step decisions with proper
sequencing and by anticipating consequences low 0 1 2 3 4 high

9. Secondary process, symbolism, cognitive style, deductive reasoning. In which way do you express your
multifaceted relationships to people and objects (structure the adaptation to reality)? In which way do you
relate to objects in space (depth, width and length of relationships)?
. prefer exploration of small areas of space, dyadic relationship, with stationary object,
with: discrimination, focused attention, to the point (hen/d) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. prefer exploration of large areas of space, multiple relationships with mobile/s objects,
with: general attentiveness, alertness, listening (hsp/I) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. prefer to confront people, demanding cooperation
with: intentionality and determination (vde/s) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. prefer to confront people with my aspirations, looking up,
with: intentionality, light touch, tact (vas/l) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. anticipate consequences on the basis of past experiences, terminating,
with: decision, unambiguous, without alternative (sre/q) low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. anticipate consequences of actions, initiating,
with: decision with deliberation (sad/s) low 0 1 2 3 4 high

Your strong areas, mark first, second and third (by putting numbers behind the letters):
. communication and investigation A
. presentation, understanding and explanation B
. operations and procedures C

10. Posture and Gesture:

. involved, wholehearted, unreserved low 0 1 2 3 4 high
. reserved, thoughtful, critical (thinking on trial basis) low 0 1 2 3 4 high

11. Context of videotaping (if applicable):

Situation:
Activities:
Box 1: KMP-questionnaire English (Koch, 1999; based on Kestenberg Amighi et al., 1999), 113 Items.
 German Version:
KMP-Fragebogen

Dies ist ein Fragebogen zur Persönlichkeit, wie sie sich im nonverbalen Verhalten äußert. Unter nonverbalem
Verhalten verstehen wir bewusste und nichtbewusste Bewegungen, Haltung, Mimik, Gestik, Gesprächsverhalten
etc. Bitte schätzen Sie die Personen aus den Teams auf den folgenden Kategorien ein, indem Sie die Nummer
auf der Skala markieren, die dem Ausmaß der jeweiligen Eigenschaft der Person entspricht. 1 bedeutet, dass die
jeweilige Eigenschaft nicht oder nur wenig ausgeprägt ist, 4 bedeutet, dass die jeweilige Eigenschaft sehr stark
ausgeprägt ist. Die Zahlen dazwischen zeigen den ansteigenden Ausprägungsgrad der Eigenschaft an.

A. Allgemein ist diese Person eher nicht wenig stark sehr stark
1. entspannt, locker 1 2 3 4
2. angespannt, vorsichtig 1 2 3 4
3. von nachgebender, sich hineingebender Haltung (verweilend) 1 2 3 4
4. von kämpferischer Haltung (immer weiter wollend) 1 2 3 4
5. kontrolliert (G) 1 2 3 4
6. spontan (E) 1 2 3 4

B. Die Bedürfnisse dieser Person äußern sich in den folgenden Körperrhythmen (die folgenden Merkmale
mögen ein wenig fremdartig erscheinen, versuchen Sie dennoch jeweils eine Aussage zu treffen).
Die Person ist bevorzugt
7. selbstberuhigend wiegend 1 2 3 4
8. trennend kurz, abgehackt 1 2 3 4
9. spielerisch kokett 1 2 3 4
10. gepresst haltend 1 2 3 4
11. driftend umhertreibend 1 2 3 4
12. ungeduldig gehetzt 1 2 3 4
13. schwingend wiegend, tragend 1 2 3 4
14. prozessorientiert, hervorbringend 1 2 3 4
15. freudig hüpfend 1 2 3 4
16. kämpferisch stechend 1 2 3 4

C. Man könnte der Person folgende Attribute hinsichtlich ihres Temperamentes geben:
17. gleichförmig, ausgeglichen 1 2 3 4
18. sich anpassend, wechselhaft 1 2 3 4
19. Mensch von hoher Intensität 1 2 3 4
20. Mensch von niedriger Intensität 1 2 3 4
21. sich abrupt verändernd 1 2 3 4
22. sich graduell verändernd 1 2 3 4
23. gelähmt, wächsern, träge, leer (neutral) 1 2 3 4

D. Die Person setzt folgende Abwehrmechanismen ein, um unerwünschten Impulsen entgegenzuwirken

(z.B. wenn die Person sich angegriffen, behindert oder in die Ecke gedrängt fühlt):
24. Trennt Gefühle von rationalem Denken, Isolation (bahnend) 1 2 3 4
25. Vermeidet die Auseinandersetzung mit dem Thema,
windet sich heraus (flexibel) 1 2 3 4
26. Wird angestrengt, verbissen oder getrieben, hektisch, jähzornig,
vehement 1 2 3 4
27. Tut das Gegenteil von dem, was der Impuls impliziert
(z.B. ist sanft, wenn wütend) 1 2 3 4
28. Benutzt Fluchtmechanismen (Flucht nach hinten (=weglaufen)
oder nach vom (=in die Gefahr rennen); plötzlich) 1 2 3 4
29. Schiebt Handlungen zeitlich auf (Verzögerungstaktiken; zögernd) 1 2 3 4

E. Im alltäglichen Umgang mit ihrer raum-zeitlichen Umwelt benutzt die Person eher (denken Sie daran,
dass sich dies auf Ihre Bewegungsqualitäten bezieht):
30. fokussierte Aufmerksamkeit, auf eine Sache konzentriert (direkt) 1 2 3 4
31. geteilte Aufmerksamkeit, auf viele Dinge gleichzeitig achtend
(indirekt) 1 2 3 4
32. bestimmt, kraftvoll (stark) 1 2 3 4
33. taktvoll, mit Feingefühl (leicht) 1 2 3 4
34. entschlossen, eindeutig (schnell, beschleunigend) 1 2 3 4
35. bedächtig, gemächlich (langsam, verlangsamend) 1 2 3 4

F. Generell ist die Person eher:

36. offen, fühlt sich wohl 1 2 3 4
37. verschlossen, fühlt sich unwohl 1 2 3 4

und eher eine Kombination aus:

38. omnipotent und großzügig 1 2 3 4
39. zurückgezogen und geizig 1 2 3 4
40. überlegen und stolz 1 2 3 4
41. unterlegen und beschämt 1 2 3 4
42. befriedigt, zufrieden, gesättigt 1 2 3 4
43. leer, hungrig, zurückgewiesen 1 2 3 4
44. formlos, strukturlos, neutral 1 2 3 4

G. ihrer Umwelt, Personen und Dingen gegenüber ist die Person eher:
45. neugierig, sich annähernd (angezogen) 1 2 3 4
46. abweisend, sich zurückziehend (zurückweichend) 1 2 3 4

H. Wie versuchen die Person den Raum zwischen sich und anderen Menschen in ihrer Umgebung zu
überbrücken? Wie baut die Person Kontakt zu anderen Menschen auf?
47. Vermeidet Ablenkung, schließt Anderes aus (gerichtet blickend,
fokussiert) 1 2 3 4
48. Schließt andere ein (umherblickend; abgelenkt, multi-fokussiert) 1 2 3 4
49. Provoziert und wertet ab (hinabblickend) 1 2 3 4
50. Sucht Führung und versucht zu gefallen (hinaufblickend) 1 2 3 4
51. Schützt sich und erinnert sich (rückblickend) 1 2 3 4
52. Experimentiert und initiiert Schritt für Schritt (nach vorn blickend)1 2 3 4

J. Wie setzt sich die Person bevorzugt mit Menschen in ihrer Umgebung (oder Objekten in ihrer Umwelt)
auseinander
53. Bevorzugt dyadische Beziehungen, mit einzelnen
Menschen oder Objekten (einschließend) 1 2 3 4
54. Bevorzugt eine Vielzahl von Beziehungen, Gruppen
oder mehrere Objekten (sich ausweitend) 1 2 3 4
55. Bevorzugt es, Menschen zu konfrontieren und
sie zur Zusammenarbeit zu veranlassen (herabsteigend) 1 2 3 4
56. Bevorzugt es, Menschen mit ihren Ideen und
Bestrebungen zu konfrontieren (hinaufsteigend) 1 2 3 4
57. Ihre Handlungen gründen auf vergangenen Erfahrungen
und Reflexionen (sich zurückziehend) 1 2 3 4
58. Ihre Handlungen gründen auf der Gegenwart und schrittweiser
Antizipation der Zukunft (sich nach vorne bewegend) 1 2 3 4

die Stärken dieser Person sind:

59. Mitteilen und Beobachten (Kommunikation und Investigation) 1 2 3 4
60. Verstehen und Erklären (Präsentation) 1 2 3 4
61. Handeln und Entscheiden (Operationen und Denkprozesse) 1 2 3 4

K. Körperhaltung und Gestik. Wenn die Person sich für etwas interessiert, ist sie eher:
62. voll und ganz dabei, begeistert engagiert und involviert 1 2 3 4
63. reserviert, überlegt, kritisch 1 2 3 4
64. Die Person ist differenziert 1 2 3 4
65. Die Person ist ein/e gute/r Vorgesetzte/r 1 2 3 4
Box 2: KMP-Fragebogen, German version, 65 Items.

The German version of the KMP-questionnaire employs a 4-point scale instead of

the original 5-point scale, in order to prevent tendencies to undecided answers.
 For experimental designs as well as pre- and posttest evaluation designs the
following affect questionnaire has been further developed from basic categories of the
KMP-questionnaire:
relaxed 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 tense
loaden, fighting 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 joyful, excited
(aimless) drifting 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 impatient, driven
comfortable 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 uncomfortable
indulging 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 distancing
holding on, retentive 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 playful, coy
yielding 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 fighting
letting go 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 nervous
open 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 closed
resenting 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 taking in
approaching, curious 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 avoiding, refraining f.
inclined toward 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 disinclined
peaceful 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 aggressive
Box 3: English version of the brief KMP-based affect questionnaire (13 Items)

entspannt 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 angespannt
geladen, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 freudig, erregt
kämpferisch
(dahin) treibend 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ungeduldig,
gehetzt
fühle mich wohl 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 fühle mich unwohl
sich hingebend 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 sich abgrenzend
zurückhaltend, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 spielerisch,
festhaltend kokett
nachgiebig 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ankämpfend
sich treiben 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 nervös
lassend
offen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 verschlossen
zurückweisend 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 aufnehmend
sich nähernd 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 abweisend, sich
neugierig, zurückziehend
zugeneigt 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 abgeneigt
friedlich 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 aggressiv
Box 4: German version of the brief KMP-based affect questionnaire (13 Items)

The brief KMP-based affect questionnaire does theoretically contain the

dimensions of movement quality (Items in standard writing) and movement shape
(Items in italics). The German version has been factor analyzed in the context of
several studies (e.g., Günther, 2006). Results have been inconclusive regarding its
factor structure: some data revealed a general factor, other data the two-dimensional
structure of movement qualities vs. movement shapes we expected.
 Future Research
Two questionnaire formats of the KMP have been developed, described and
psychometric properties were discussed. More studies using the KMP-questionnaires
can yield a clearer picture on their factor structure and other psychometric qualities.
They further can render useful data for the validation of the KMP and KMP-theory as
well as basic principles from other movement analysis assessment instruments.

REFERENCES
Bräuninger, I. & Züger, B. (2007). Filmbasierte Bewegungsanalyse zur Behandlungsevaluation von Tanz- und
Bewegungstherapie. In S. C. Koch & S. Bender (Eds.), Movement Analysis. The Legacy of Laban,
Bartenieff, Lamb and Kestenberg. Berlin: Logos.
Günther, N. (2006). Rhythmus geht unter die Haut – Auswirkungen runder und eckiger Bewegungsrhythmen auf
Affekt, Kognition und Verhalten. Unpublished Diploma Thesis: University of Heidelberg.
Kestenberg Amighi, J., Loman, S., Lewis, P., & Sossin, K. M. (1999). The Meaning of Movement: Development
and clinical perspectives of the Kestenberg Movement Profile. New York, NY: Brunner-Routledge.
Koch, S. C. (1999). The Kestenberg Movement Profile. Reliability of Novice Raters. Stuttgart: Ibidem.
Koch, S. C. (2007). Basic principles of movement analysis. Steps toward validation of the KMP. In S. C. Koch
& S. Bender (Eds.), Movement Analysis. The Legacy of Laban, Bartenieff, Lamb and Kestenberg. Berlin:
Logos.