Functional flexibility: A new conception of interpersonal flexibility.

Abstract

Traditional conceptions of interpersonal flexibility emphasize two critical components: (a) a widerange of interpersonal responses and (b) situational appropriateness. Most current measures arebased on standard trait ratings, which cannot address situational adjustment. In place of trait ratings,we suggest the use of capability ratings, that is, self-reports of the ease of performing social behaviorswhen required by the situation. Our proposed index of flexibility, the Functional Flexibility Index(FFI), is the composite of 16 interpersonal capabilities. In Study 1, factor analyses indicated that theFFI is distinct from other widely used flexibility measures. Study 2 supported the validity of the FFTby showing substantial correlations with peer ratings of interpersonal flexibility. In Studies 3 and 4,the FFI outperformed other flexibility measures in predicting adjustment. Another form of interper-sonal variability, situationality, is the tendency to view one's personality as being dependent on thesituation. Situational individuals reported lower self-esteem than nonsituational individuals. Mea-sures of functional flexibility and situationality were found to be orthogonal.