Leary Interpersonal Relationship Test

Method Description

This technique was developed by T. Leary (1954) and is intended to study the subject’s ideas about himself and the ideal «I», as well as to study relationships in small groups. With its help, the predominant type of relationship to people in self-esteem and mutual evaluation is revealed. In this case, two factors are distinguished: “dominance-submission” and “friendliness-aggressiveness (hostility)”.

It is these factors that determine the overall impression of a person in the processes of interpersonal perception.

Depending on the relevant indicators, a number of orientations are distinguished — types of attitude towards others. Conclusions are drawn about the severity of the type, about the degree of adaptability of behavior — the degree of correspondence (discrepancy) between the goals and the results achieved in the process of activity. A very large non-adaptive behavior (highlighted in red when presenting the results) may indicate neurotic deviations, disharmony in decision-making, or be the result of some extreme situations.

The technique can be used both for self-assessment and for assessing the observed behavior of people (“from outside”). In the latter case, the subject answers the questions as if for another person, based on his idea of ​​him. Summing up the results of such testing of different members of the group (for example, the labor collective), one can draw up a generalized «representative» portrait of any of its members, for example, the leader. And draw conclusions about the attitude of other members of the group towards him.

Theoretical basis

The technique was created by T. Leary, G. Leforge, R. Sazek in 1954 and is intended to study the subject’s ideas about himself and the ideal «I», as well as to study relationships in small groups. With the help of this technique, the predominant type of attitude towards people in self-esteem and mutual evaluation is revealed.

In the study of interpersonal relationships, two factors are most often distinguished: dominance-submission and friendliness-aggressiveness. It is these factors that determine the overall impression of a person in the processes of interpersonal perception. They are named by M. Argyle among the main components in the analysis of the style of interpersonal behavior and in content can be correlated with two of the three main axes of the semantic differential of Ch. Osgood: evaluation and strength. In a long-term study conducted by American psychologists under the guidance of B. Bales, the behavior of a group member is assessed by two variables, the analysis of which is carried out in a three-dimensional space formed by three axes: dominance-submission, friendliness-aggressiveness, emotionality-analyticity.

To represent the main social orientations, T. Leary developed a conditional scheme in the form of a circle divided into sectors. In this circle, four orientations are indicated along the horizontal and vertical axes: dominance-submission, friendliness-hostility. In turn, these sectors are divided into eight — according to more private relations. For an even more subtle description, the circle is divided into 16 sectors, but more often octants are used, oriented in a certain way relative to the two main axes.

T. Leary’s scheme is based on the assumption that the closer the test results are to the center of the circle, the stronger the relationship between these two variables. The sum of scores for each orientation translates into an index dominated by the vertical (dominance-submission) and horizontal (friendliness-hostility) axes. The distance of the obtained indicators from the center of the circle indicates the adaptability or extremeness of interpersonal behavior.

The questionnaire contains 128 value judgments, of which 8 items are formed in each of the 16 types of relationships, ordered by ascending intensity. The methodology is designed in such a way that judgments aimed at clarifying any type of relationship are not arranged in a row, but in a special way: they are grouped by 4 and repeated through an equal number of definitions. During processing, the number of relationships of each type is counted.

T. Leary suggested using the technique to assess the observed behavior of people, i.e. behavior in the assessment of others («from the outside»), for self-esteem, assessment of loved ones, for describing the ideal «I». In accordance with these levels of diagnostics, the instruction for the answer changes. Different areas of diagnostics allow you to determine the type of personality, as well as compare data on individual aspects. For example, “social “I”, “real “I”, “my partners”, etc.

The procedure for conducting

Instructions

“You will be presented with judgments concerning the character of a person, his relationship with other people. Read each judgment carefully and evaluate whether it corresponds to your idea of ​​yourself.

Put on the answer sheet the sign «+» against the numbers of those definitions that correspond to your idea of ​​yourself, and the sign «-» against the numbers of those statements that do not correspond to your idea of ​​yourself. Try to be sincere. If you are not completely sure, do not put the “+” sign.

After evaluating your real «I», read all the judgments again and mark those that correspond to your idea of ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbhow you, in your opinion, should ideally be.

If it is necessary to assess the personality of someone else, then an additional instruction is given: “In the same way as in the first two options, evaluate the personality of your boss (colleague, subordinate): 1. “My boss, as he really is «; 2. «My ideal boss»).

The methodology can be presented to the respondent either as a list (alphabetically or randomly) or on separate cards. He is invited to indicate those statements that correspond to his idea of ​​himself, refer to another person or his ideal.

Processing Results

At the first stage of data processing, scores are calculated for each octant using the key to the questionnaire.

Key

1. Authoritarian: 1 – 4, 33 – 36, 65 – 68, 97 – 100.
2. Selfish: 5 – 8, 37 – 40, 69 – 72, 101 – 104.
3. Aggressive: 9 – 12, 41 – 44, 73 – 76, 105 – 108.
4. Suspicious: 13 – 16, 45 – 48, 77 – 80, 109 – 112.
5. Slave: 17 – 20, 49 – 52, 81 – 84, 113 – 116.
6. Dependent: 21 – 24, 53 – 56, 85 – 88, 117 – 120.
7. Friendly: 25 – 28, 57 – 60, 89 – 92, 121 – 124.
8. Altruistic: 29 – 32, 61 – 64, 93 – 96, 125 – 128.

At the second stage, the points obtained are transferred to the diagram, while the distance from the center of the circle corresponds to the number of points for this octant (the minimum value is 0, the maximum is 16). The ends of such vectors are connected and form a profile that reflects the idea of ​​the personality of a given person. The outlined space is shaded. For each representation, a separate diagram is constructed, on which it is characterized by the severity of the features of each octant.

Psychogram

At the third stage, using formulas, indicators are determined for the two main parameters «Dominance» and «Friendliness»:

Dominance = (I — V) + 0,7 x (VIII + II — IV — VI)

Friendliness = (VII – III) + 0,7 (VIII – II – IV + VI)

Thus, the scoring system for 16 interpersonal variables turns into two digital indices that characterize the representation of the subject according to the indicated parameters.

As a result, an analysis of the personal profile is carried out — the types of attitude towards others are determined.

Interpretation of results

Scoring is carried out separately for each assessed person. An indicator of a violation of relations with a certain person is the difference between the person’s ideas about him and his desired image as a communication partner.

The maximum level score is 16 points, but it is divided into four degrees of attitude:

The positive value of the result obtained by the «dominance» formula indicates a person’s expressed desire for leadership in communication, for dominance. A negative value indicates a tendency towards submission, denial of responsibility and a leadership position.

A positive result according to the «friendliness» formula is an indicator of the individual’s desire to establish friendly relations and cooperation with others. A negative result indicates the manifestation of an aggressively competitive position that impedes cooperation and successful joint activities. Quantitative results are indicators of the degree of expression of these characteristics.

The most shaded octants on the profile correspond to the prevailing style of interpersonal relations of this individual. Characteristics that do not go beyond 8 points are characteristic of harmonious personalities. Indicators exceeding 8 points indicate an accentuation of the properties revealed by this octant. Scores reaching the level of 14-16 indicate the difficulties of social adaptation. Low scores for all octants (0-3 points) may be the result of the subject’s secretiveness and lack of frankness. If there are no octants shaded above 4 points in the psychogram, then the data are doubtful in terms of their reliability: the diagnostic situation did not favor frankness.

The first four types of interpersonal relationships (octants 1-4) are characterized by a tendency towards leadership and dominance, independence of opinion, readiness to defend one’s own point of view in a conflict. The other four octants (5-8) reflect the predominance of conformal attitudes, self-doubt, susceptibility to the opinions of others, and a tendency to compromise.

In general, the interpretation of the data should focus on the predominance of some indicators over others and, to a lesser extent, on absolute values. Normally, there are usually no significant discrepancies between the «I» actual and ideal. Moderate discrepancy can be seen as a necessary condition for self-improvement.

Dissatisfaction with oneself is more often observed in people with low self-esteem (5,6,7 oktants), as well as in people who are in a situation of protracted conflict (4 oktants). The predominance of octants 1 and 5 at the same time is characteristic of people with the problem of painful pride, authoritarianism, 4 and 8 — the conflict between the desire for recognition by the group and hostility, i.e. the problem of suppressed hostility, 3 and 7 — the struggle of motives of self-affirmation and affiliation, 2 and 6 — the problem of independence-subordination that arises in a difficult service or other situation that forces one to obey despite internal protest.

Personalities who have dominant, aggressive and independent behavior traits are much less likely to show dissatisfaction with their character and interpersonal relationships, however, they may also have a tendency to improve their style of interpersonal interaction with the environment. At the same time, the increase in the indicators of one or another octant will determine the direction in which the individual moves independently for the purpose of self-improvement, the degree of awareness of existing problems, the availability of intrapersonal resources.

Types of interpersonal relationships

I. Authoritarian

13 — 16 — dictatorial, imperious, despotic character, a type of strong personality that leads in all types of group activities. He instructs everyone, teaches, strives to rely on his own opinion in everything, does not know how to accept the advice of others. Surrounding note this authoritativeness, but recognize it.

9 — 12 — dominant, energetic, competent, authoritative leader, successful in business, likes to give advice, demands respect. 0-8 — a self-confident person, but not necessarily a leader, stubborn and persistent.

II. Selfish

13 — 16 — strives to be above everyone, but at the same time aloof from everyone, narcissistic, prudent, independent, selfish. Difficulties shifts to others, he treats them somewhat aloof, boastful, self-satisfied, arrogant.

0 — 12 — selfish traits, self-orientation, a tendency to compete.

III. Aggressive

13 — 16 — tough and hostile towards others, harsh, tough, aggressiveness can reach antisocial behavior.

9 — 12 — demanding, straightforward, frank, strict and sharp in assessing others, implacable, inclined to blame others for everything, mocking, ironic, irritable.

0 — 8 — stubborn, stubborn, persistent and energetic.

IV. Suspicious

13 — 16 — alienated in relation to a hostile and evil world, suspicious, touchy, prone to doubt everything, vindictive, constantly complaining about everyone, dissatisfied with everything (schizoid type of character).

9 — 12 — critical, uncommunicative, has difficulty in interpersonal contacts due to self-doubt, suspicion and fear of a bad attitude, closed, skeptical, disappointed in people, secretive, shows his negativism in verbal aggression.

0 — 8 — critical in relation to all social phenomena and people around.

V. Subordinate

13 — 16 — submissive, prone to self-abasement, weak-willed, inclined to yield to everyone and in everything, always puts himself in last place and condemns himself, ascribes blame to himself, passive, seeks to find support in someone stronger.

9 — 12 — shy, meek, easily embarrassed, inclined to obey a stronger one without regard to the situation.

0 — 8 — modest, timid, compliant, emotionally restrained, able to obey, has no opinion of his own, obediently and honestly performs his duties.

VI. Dependent

13 — 16 — sharply insecure, has obsessive fears, fears, worries for any reason, therefore dependent on others, on the opinions of others. 9-12 — obedient, timid, helpless, does not know how to show resistance, sincerely believes that others are always right.

0 — 8 — conformal, gentle, expecting help and advice, trusting, prone to admiration by others, polite.

VII. Friendly

9 — 16 — friendly and amiable with everyone, focused on acceptance and social approval, strives to satisfy the requirements of everyone, «be good» for everyone regardless of the situation, strives for the goals of microgroups, has developed mechanisms for repression and suppression, emotionally labile (hysterical type of character ).

0 — 8 — prone to cooperation, cooperation, flexible and compromise in solving problems and in conflict situations, strives to be in agreement with the opinions of others, consciously conforming, follows conventions, rules and principles of «good form» in relations with people, an initiative enthusiast in achievement of the goals of the group, seeks to help, feel in the center of attention, deserve recognition and love, sociable, shows warmth and friendliness in relationships.

VIII. Altruistic

9 — 16 — hyper-responsible, always sacrifices his interests, strives to help and compassionate to everyone, obsessive in his help and too active in relation to others, takes responsibility for others (there can only be an external «mask» that hides the opposite type of personality ).

0 — 8 — responsible in relation to people, delicate, soft, kind, emotional attitude towards people shows compassion, sympathy, care, affection, knows how to cheer up and calm others, disinterested and sympathetic.

The first four types of interpersonal relationships — 1, 2, 3 and 4 — are characterized by the predominance of non-conformal tendencies and a tendency to disjunctive (conflict) manifestations (3, 4), greater independence of opinion, persistence in defending one’s own point of view, a tendency to leadership and dominance (1 , 2).

The other four octants — 5, 6, 7, 8 — represent the opposite picture: the predominance of conformal attitudes, congruence in contacts with others (7, 8), self-doubt, susceptibility to the opinions of others, a tendency to compromise (5, 6).

Questionnaire text

Instruction: You are offered a list of characteristics. You should carefully read each one and decide if it matches your idea of ​​yourself. If it matches, then mark it in the protocol with a cross, if it doesn’t match, don’t put anything. If you are not completely sure, do not put a cross. Try to be sincere.

1. Others think favorably of him
2. Makes an impression on others
3. Able to command
4. Able to stand his ground
5. Has a sense of dignity
6. Independent
7. Able to take care of himself
8. May show indifference
9. Capable of being harsh
10. Strict but fair
11. Can be sincere
12. Critical of others
13. Likes to cry
14. Often sad
15. Capable of distrusting
16. Often disappointed
17. Able to be self-critical
18. Able to admit you’re wrong
19. willingly obeys
20. Compliant
21. Grateful
22. Admiring, imitating
23. Good
24. Seeking approval
25. Capable of cooperation, mutual assistance
26. Strives to get along with others
27. Friendly, benevolent
28. Attentive, affectionate
29. Delicate
30. Encouraging
31. Responsive to calls for help
32. Selfless
33. Capable of being admired
34. Is respected by others
35. Possesses leadership talent
36. Likes responsibility
37. Confident
38. Confident, assertive
39. Busy, practical
40. Likes to compete
41. Resistant and tenacious where needed
42. Relentless but impartial
43. Irritable
44. open, straight
45. Can’t stand to be commanded
46. Skeptic
47. He’s hard to impress
48. Touchy, scrupulous
49. Easily embarrassed
50. Unconfident
51. Compliant
52. Modest
53. Often seeks help from others
54. Very respectful of authorities
55. Willingly accepts advice
56. Trusting and eager to please others
57. Always kind in getting around
58. Values ​​the opinions of others
59. Sociable, accommodating
60. kindhearted
61. Kind, reassuring
62. Gentle, soft-hearted
63. Likes to take care of others
64. Selfless, generous
65. Likes to give advice
66. Gives the impression of a significant person
67. commanding imperative
68. overbearing
69. Boastful
70. Arrogant and self-satisfied
71. Thinks only of himself
72. cunning, prudent
73. Intolerant of the mistakes of others
74. self-serving
75. Frank
76. Often unfriendly
77. Embittered
78. Complainant
79. Jealous
80. Long remembers his grievances
81. self-flagellated
82. Shy
83. Non-Initiative
84. Gentle
85. Dependent, dependent
86. Likes to obey
87. Lets others make decisions
88. Easily gets into trouble
89. Easily influenced by friends
90. Ready to trust anyone
91. Benevolent to all without discrimination
92. sympathizes with everyone
93. Forgives everything
94. Overflowing with sympathy
95. Generous, tolerant of shortcomings
96. Seeks to patronize
97. Striving for success
98. Expect admiration from everyone
99. Manages others
100. despotic
101. Snob, judges people only by rank and wealth
102. Conceited
103. Selfish
104. Cold, callous
105. sarcastic, mocking
106. Evil, cruel
107. Often angry
108. Insensitive, indifferent
109. Vindictive
110. Infused with the spirit of contradiction
111. Stubborn
112. distrustful, suspicious
113. Timid
114. bashful
115. Excessive willingness to obey
116. Spineless
117. Almost never speaks to anyone
118. Intrusive
119. Likes to be taken care of
120. overly trusting
121. Strives to find the location of each
122. Agrees with everyone
123. Always friendly
124. loves everyone
125. Too condescending to others
126. Tries to comfort everyone
127. Caring for others to the detriment of oneself
128. Spoils people with excessive kindness

Literature

1. Pugachev V.P. Tests, business games, trainings in personnel management. M., 2003. Working book of a practical psychologist. M., 2002.
2. Sobchik L.N. Methods of psychological diagnostics. Issue. 3. Diagnosis of interpersonal relationships. Modified variant of interpersonal diagnostics by T. Leary. Method. Management. M., 1990.