Leary Interpersonal Test

2024 Author: Harry Day | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:43

This technique was developed by Timothy Leary (1954) and is designed 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 prevailing type of attitude towards people in self-esteem and mutual esteem is revealed. In this case, two factors stand out: "dominance-submission" and "friendliness-aggressiveness (hostility)".

It is these factors that determine the general 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 made about the severity of the type, the degree of adaptation of behavior - the degree of conformity (inconsistency) between the goals and the results achieved in the process of activity.

A very large maladaptive behavior (in the presentation of the results is highlighted in red) may indicate neurotic deviations, disharmony in the field of decision-making, or be the result of any extreme situations.

The technique can be used both for self-assessment and for assessing the observed behavior of people ("from the outside"). In the latter case, the subject answers questions as if for another person, based on his idea of him.

Summarizing the results of such testing of different members of the group (for example, the work collective), it is possible to draw up a generalized "representative" portrait of any of its members, for example, a 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 designed to study the subject's ideas about himself and the ideal "I", and also for studying relationships in small groups. With the help of this technique, the prevailing type of attitude towards people in self-esteem and mutual esteem is revealed.

In the study of interpersonal relations, two factors are most often distinguished: dominance-submission and friendliness-aggressiveness. It is these factors that determine the general impression of a person in the processes of interpersonal perception.

They are named by M. Argyll among the main components in the analysis of the style of interpersonal behavior and, in terms of content, can be correlated with two of the three main axes of the semantic differential of C. Osgood: score and strength.

In a long-term study conducted by American psychologists under the leadership 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 along the horizontal and vertical axes four orientations are indicated: dominance-submission, friendliness-hostility. In turn, these sectors are divided into eight - corresponding to more private relationships. 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 subject's results are to the center of the circle, the stronger the relationship between these two variables. The sum of the points of each orientation is translated into an index where the vertical (dominance-submission) and horizontal (friendliness-hostility) axes dominate. 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 16 items are formed in each of the 8 types of relationships, sorted by ascending intensity. The technique is structured 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 after an equal number of definitions. During processing, the number of relations of each type is counted.

T. Leary suggested using the methodology to assess the observed behavior of people, i.e. behavior in evaluating others ("from the outside"), for self-esteem, evaluating loved ones, for describing the ideal "I". In accordance with these diagnostic levels, the instruction for the answer changes. Different directions of diagnostics make it possible to determine the type of personality, as well as to compare data on certain aspects. For example, "social" I "," real "I" "," my partners ", etc.

Procedure for

Instructions

You will be presented with judgments concerning the character of a person, his relationships with people around him. Carefully read each judgment and assess whether it corresponds to your idea of yourself.

Put a "+" sign on the answer sheet against the numbers of those definitions that correspond to your idea of yourself, and a "-" 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", re-read all the judgments and mark those of them that correspond to your idea of what you, in your opinion, should be ideally."

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, give an assessment of the personality of your boss (co-worker, subordinate: 1." My boss, as he really is "; 2." My ideal boss ").

The technique can be presented to the respondent either as a list (alphabetically or in random order) or on separate cards. He is asked to indicate those statements that correspond to his idea of himself, refer to another person or his ideal.

Processing of results

At the first stage of data processing, points 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. Subordinate: 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 received points 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 built, 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 two main parameters "Dominance" and "Friendliness":

Domination = (I - V) + 0.7 x (VIII + II - IV - VI)

Friendliness = (VII - III) + 0.7 x (VIII - II - IV + VI)

Thus, the scoring system for 16 interpersonal variables turns into two digital indices that characterize the subject's presentation in terms of 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

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

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

The positive value of the result obtained by the "dominance" formula indicates a person's pronounced striving for leadership in communication, for domination. A negative value indicates a tendency towards submission, denial of responsibility, and a leadership position.

A positive result according to the formula "friendliness" is an indicator of a person'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 severity of these characteristics.

The most shaded octants on the profile correspond to the prevailing style of interpersonal relations of the given individual. Characteristics that do not go beyond 8 points are characteristic of harmonious individuals. Indicators exceeding 8 points indicate the accentuation of the properties revealed by this octant.

Points reaching the level of 14-16 indicate the difficulties of social adaptation. Low indices for all octants (0-3 points) may be the result of the subject's secrecy and lack of candor. 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 dispose to frankness.

The first four types of interpersonal relations (octants 1-4) are characterized by a tendency towards leadership and domination, independence of opinion, and a willingness to defend their own point of view in a conflict. The other four octants (5-8) - reflect the predominance of conformal attitudes, self-doubt, compliance with the opinion of others, a tendency to compromise.

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

Dissatisfaction with oneself is more often observed in persons with low self-esteem (5, 6, 7 octants), as well as in persons in a situation of protracted conflict (4 octants). The prevalence of both 1 and 5 octant is characteristic of persons with a 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 between the motives of self-affirmation and affiliation, 2 and 6 - the problem of independence-obedience, arising in a difficult official or other situation, forcing obedience in spite of internal protest.

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

Types of interpersonal relationships

I. Authoritarian

13 - 16 - dictatorial, domineering, 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. The surrounding people note this authority, but recognize it.

9 - 12 - dominant, energetic, competent, authoritative leader, successful in business, loves to give advice, demands respect for himself. 0-8 is a confident person, but not necessarily a leader, tenacious and persistent.

II. Selfish

13 - 16 - strives to be above everyone, but at the same time aloof from everyone, narcissistic, calculating, independent, selfish. He shifts difficulties to others, he himself treats them somewhat aloof, boastful, self-righteous, arrogant.

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

III. Aggressive

13 - 16 - tough and hostile towards others, harsh, tough, aggressiveness can reach asocial behavior.

9 - 12 - demanding, straightforward, frank, strict and harsh in assessing others, irreconcilable, 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, inclined to doubt everything, vindictive, constantly complaining about everyone, dissatisfied with everything (schizoid type of character).

9 - 12 - critical, uncommunicative, experiencing difficulties in interpersonal contacts due to self-doubt, suspicion and fear of a bad attitude, withdrawn, skeptical, disappointed in people, secretive, manifests its negativism in verbal aggression.

0 - 8 - critical of all social phenomena and people around them.

V. Subordinate

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

9 - 12 - Shy, meek, easily embarrassed, inclined to obey the stronger without considering the situation.

0 - 8 - modest, timid, compliant, emotionally restrained, able to obey, does not have his own opinion, obediently and honestly performs his duties.

Vi. Dependent

13 - 16 - sharply insecure, has obsessive fears, apprehensions, worries about any reason, therefore, depends on others, on someone else's opinion. 9-12 - obedient, fearful, helpless, does not know how to show resistance, sincerely believes that others are always right.

0 - 8 - conformable, gentle, expects help and advice, trusting, inclined to admiration of others, polite.

Vii. Friendly

9 - 16 - friendly and helpful with everyone, focused on acceptance and social approval, seeks to satisfy the requirements of everyone, "be good" for everyone without regard to the situation, strives for the goals of microgroups, has developed mechanisms of repression and suppression, emotionally labile (hysterical type of character).

0 - 8 - inclined to cooperation, cooperation, flexible and compromise in solving problems and in conflict situations, strives to be in agreement with the opinions of others, consciously conform, follows the conventions, rules and principles of "good taste" in relations with people, proactive enthusiast in achieving the goals of the group, seeks to help, feel in the center of attention, earn recognition and love, sociable, shows warmth and friendliness in relationships.

VIII. Altruistic

9 - 16 - hyperresponsible, always sacrifices his own interests, seeks to help and sympathize with 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 a personality of the opposite type).

0 - 8 - Responsible in relation to people, delicate, gentle, kind, emotional attitude towards people manifests in compassion, sympathy, care, affection, knows how to cheer up and calm those around, 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 towards leadership and domination (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, compliance with the opinion of others, a tendency to compromise (5, 6).

Questionnaire text

Instruction: You are presented with a list of characteristics. You should carefully read each and decide if it matches your self-image. If it matches, then mark it in the protocol with a cross, if it does not match, do not put anything. If you are not completely sure, do not put a cross. Try to be sincere.

1. Others think favorably of him.
2. Impressing others
3. Knows how to dispose, order
4. Knows how to insist on his own
5. Has a sense of dignity
6. Independent
7. Able to take care of himself
8. May be indifferent
9. Capable of being harsh
10. Strict but fair
11. May be sincere
12. Critical of others
13. Loves to cry
14. Often sad
15. Able to show distrust
16. Often disappointed
17. Able to be critical of himself
18. Able to admit that he is wrong
19. Willingly obeys
20. Compliant
21. Grateful
22. Admiring, prone to imitation
23. Good
24. Seeker of approval
25. Capable of cooperation, mutual assistance
26. Seeks 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 admiration
34. Respected by others
35. Has a talent for leadership
36. Loves responsibility
37. Self-assured
38. Self-confident, assertive
39. Busy, practical
40. Likes to compete
41. Persistent and tenacious where necessary
42. Relentless but impartial
43. Irritable
44. Open, straightforward
45. Can't stand to be commanded
46. Skeptical
47. It's hard to impress him
48. Touchy, scrupulous
49. Easily embarrassed
50. Unconfident
51. Compliant
52. Modest
53. Often uses the help of others
54. Very respectful of authorities
55. Readily accepts advice
56. Trusting and striving to please others
57. Always kind in handling
58. Treasures the opinion of others
59. Sociable, easygoing
60. Kindhearted
61. Kind, confidence-inspiring
62. Gentle, kindhearted
63. Likes to take care of others
64. Unselfish, generous
65. Likes to give advice
66. Appears to be a significant person
67. Overbearing imperative
68. Imperious
69. Boastful
70. Arrogant and self-righteous
71. Thinks only of himself
72. Sly, calculating
73. Intolerant of the mistakes of others
74. Selfish
75. Frank
76. Often unfriendly
77. Embittered
78. Complainant
79. Jealous
80. Long remembers his grievances
81. Self-flagellating
82. Shy
83. Lack of initiative
84. Gentle
85. Dependent, dependent
86. Loves to obey
87. Allows others to make decisions
88. Easily gets screwed up
89. Easily influenced by friends
90. Ready to trust anyone
91. Disposed towards everyone indiscriminately
92. Sympathizes with everyone
93. Forgives everything
94. Overflowing with excessive sympathy
95. Generous, tolerant of shortcomings
96. Seeks to patronize
97. Strives for success
98. Expects admiration from everyone
99. Disposes of others
100. Despotic
101. Snob, judges people only by rank and wealth
102. Conceited
103. Selfish
104. Cold, callous
105. Sarcastic, mocking
106. Angry, cruel
107. Often angry
108. Insensitive, indifferent
109. Vindictive
110. Permeated with a spirit of contradiction
111. Stubborn
112. Distrustful, suspicious
113. Timid
114. Shy
115. Differs in excessive readiness to obey
116. Spineless
117. Almost never minds anyone
118. Intrusive
119. Likes to be taken care of
120. Overly trusting
121. Seeks to find everyone's location
122. Agrees with everyone
123. Always friendly
124. Loves everyone
125. Too forgiving to others
126. Tries to comfort everyone
127. Caring for others at the expense of himself
128. Spoils people with excessive kindness