Interpersonal Decentering and Interpersonal Problems: Testing the Multi-Method Utility of Person-Situation...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Cognition
• Personality Psychology

Background:

• Mature interpersonal decentering involves reflective thought about relationships.
• Previous studies show higher decentering with romantic Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) cards (HRC) versus nonromantic cards (NRC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the criterion validity of decentering scores from HRC versus NRC.
• To examine the relationship between decentering maturity/deficits and interpersonal problems using the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems circumplex (IIP-C).
• To assess the impact of romantic versus nonromantic story content on decentering.

Main Methods:

• A multi-method study correlating IIP-C scores with decentering maturity and deficits.
• Comparison of correlations between IIP-C scores and decentering from HRC versus NRC.
• Analysis of decentering scores from stories with romantic versus nonromantic content.

Main Results:

• Decentering deficits were associated with domineering/vindictive interpersonal problems.
• Mature decentering correlated with nonassertive/exploitable problems.
• Men with exploitable problems showed more mature decentering; women's results varied by card type (HRC: socially avoidant, NRC: exploitable).
• Results for romantic versus nonromantic story content were inconclusive.

Conclusions:

• Decentering maturity and deficits are differentially related to specific interpersonal problem types.
• Card and story content may influence decentering, with implications for clinical use of TAT cards.
• Findings suggest clinicians can use card selection to understand interpersonal dynamics.