Prospects for the assessment of normal and abnormal interpersonal behavior

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Personality Assessment

Background:

• The Interpersonal Adjective Scales (IAS) and Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP) are key instruments in interpersonal assessment.
• They represent a continuation of the interpersonal circumplex tradition.
• The IIP distinguishes between psychiatric symptoms and life problems, linking them to the interpersonal circumplex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce clinicians to the IAS and IIP as valuable assessment tools.
• To highlight their potential for supplementing traditional diagnostic methods.
• To emphasize their utility in assessing personality, both normal and disordered.

Main Methods:

• Review of the theoretical underpinnings and methodological approaches of the IAS and IIP.
• Discussion of their relationship to the interpersonal circumplex model.
• Exploration of their application in clinical settings.

Main Results:

• The IAS demonstrates a strong integration of theory and method for personality assessment.
• The IIP provides a framework for understanding interpersonal difficulties.
• Both instruments are positioned for increased clinical adoption.

Conclusions:

• The IAS and IIP are promising additions to psychodiagnostic batteries.
• Clinicians are encouraged to consider these instruments for a more comprehensive interpersonal assessment.
• Their widespread use is anticipated in future clinical practice.