Interpersonal circumplex

The Interpersonal Circumplex is a social science model for personality and emotions. The term was coined by Jerry S. Wiggins (Lit.: Wiggins, 1982) introduced.

The arrangement of variables that are measured with the interpersonal relationships in a circular two -dimensional diagram (hence the term circumplex ) goes to Timothy Leary (Lit.: Leary, 1957) back. Circumplex models have been established in various areas, for example in psychology and emotion in interpersonal Traitforschung. The interpersonal circumplex (IPC ) is considered one of the most researched and elaborated models for the description and measurement of personality.

General Model Description

The behavior in communicative situations can be described via the observation of a third person or by subsequent reflection as a phenomenon. The social and communication skills ( interpersonal skills) can be conceptualized and described in the " circumplex " as a general structural model for feelings (emotions ) and personality. The current situation is the starting point of the considerations of interpersonal relationships. The model also provides evidence that a person's behavior due to the behavior of another person.

The " circumplex " has a circular structure and represented on the circumference similarities and polarities of a relationship. Statistical terms, there is a systematically decreasing or increasing correlation between conceptually similar or contrasting elements ( facets ) of interpersonal behavior. A pair of opposites ever expresses a conflict that can be subliminally sensed, for example, or openly addressed, avoided or processed, rejected or accepted.

The property model of personality

A person with an individual character, a clearly contoured and distinct character and self-confidence is a personality in general usage. From their actions or from their past actions specific properties can be designated to characterize them. Here are the model of personality with the Big Five as a useful guide, which is scientifically recognized.

The example " Maternal behavior to the child " is intended to illustrate the model:

The descriptions are a relevant set of observable behavior between mother and ( private ) child. They are initially hypothesized form the basis of measurements and are arranged according to a factor analysis on the circle so that similar terms are adjacent and opposing opposite to each other. The advantage of this representation arises from the fact that polarities can be taken as inappropriate behavior in interpersonal communication in the view.

Measuring instruments

Various psychometric questionnaires have been developed that are based on the Interpersonal Circumplex model, for example,

• The Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP -D)
• The Interpersonal Adjective Scales (IAS )
• The Inventory of Interpersonal Strengths (IIS )
• The Circumplex Scales of Interpersonal Values ​​( CSIV )