Assessing Interpersonal Schemas: Anticipated Responses of Significant Others

Abstract

This article discusses the development of an instrument for assessing interpersonal schemas called the Interpersonal Schema Questionnaire (ISQ). The ISQ is based on Kiesler's 1982 Interpersonal Circle and appears to be a fairly valid repre sentation of the circumplex ordering of interpersonal behavior. The questionnaire requires individuals to imagine themselves exhibiting certain interpersonal behav iors and then to anticipate how various significant others would respond. Antici pated responses are coded on three indices: Desirability, Affiliation, and Control(the latter two representing the two major axes of the circumplex). The Desirability and Affiliation indices showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability, as well as significant correlations with the Symptom Checklist-90 and the Beck Depression Inventory. The Control index showed lower levels of reliabil ity, but may provide useful information regarding the interpersonal schemas of specific individuals and populations.