Description


The Inventory of Interpersonal Situations (IIS) is a psychological assessment tool designed to evaluate individuals’ behaviors and experiences in social interactions. It focuses on how people respond in various social situations, including their actions, feelings, and thoughts. The IIS is often used in clinical and research settings to understand social functioning, particularly in individuals with social anxiety or other social difficulties.
Structure of the IIS
The IIS typically includes a list of interpersonal situations or scenarios that people might encounter in their daily lives. These situations are designed to reflect a range of social contexts, such as:

  1. Making Requests: Asking others for favors or assistance.
  2. Expressing Opinions: Sharing one’s thoughts or feelings with others.
  3. Refusing Requests: Saying no to others when asked for something.
  4. Making Compliments: Offering praise or positive feedback to others.
  5. Receiving Compliments: Responding when others praise or compliment you.
    Participants rate their level of comfort or anxiety in each situation, as well as their likelihood of engaging in certain behaviors. These ratings help to identify patterns of social behavior and areas where an individual may struggle.
    Purpose and Applications
    The IIS is used for various purposes:
    • Clinical Assessment: Helps clinicians understand the social difficulties of clients, particularly those with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or other conditions where social interactions are challenging.
    • Research: Used in studies examining social behavior, interpersonal relationships, and the effects of interventions on social functioning.
    • Treatment Planning: Assists in identifying specific social situations where an individual may need targeted interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or social skills training.
    Scoring and Interpretation
    The IIS provides scores that reflect the frequency and discomfort experienced in different interpersonal situations. Higher scores in certain areas may indicate social avoidance or anxiety, while lower scores might suggest confidence and ease in social interactions.
    The IIS is a valuable tool for gaining insights into social behavior and improving interpersonal functioning through targeted interventions and therapies.