| dc.description.abstract | Interpersonal theory states that in our interactions with others, we seek information
that validates our self-concepts. Thus, we emit behaviors which elicit
complementary responses from others. Individuals with psychopathology are
believed to manifest greater interpersonal rigidity, which is characterized by an
inflexible interpersonal style. As a result, they are hypothesized to exert a stronger
pull for complementary responses from others. In the present study, participants
and a significant other of their choosing each completed three versions of the
Revised Interpersonal Adjective Scales (lAS-R; Wiggins, Trapnell, & Phillips,
1988), for Self- in-General, for Self-with-Other, and Other-with-Self, They also
completed the short form of the Personality Assessment Inventory and a measure of
positive regard for self and other. The following hypotheses were examined: (1)
psychological disturbance will be associated with interpersonal rigidity, (2) the
partners of individuals with rigid interpersonal styles will experience a greater pull
for complementary responding, and (3) greater rigidity will be related to lower
positive regard for self and other. Some forms of psychological disturbance were
related to rigidity in specific behavior types and there was partial support for the
relation between rigidity and lower positive regard. However, the results for
complementary responding were inconsistent. | |
