IPIP Interpersonal Circumplex (AQ-32)

Description

The IPIP Interpersonal Circumplex (AQ-32) is a contemporary psychometric instrument designed to assess interpersonal personality traits based on the Interpersonal Circumplex (IPC) Model, one of the most influential theoretical frameworks for understanding human interpersonal behavior. The questionnaire evaluates how individuals perceive, regulate, and express their behavior in social interactions through two fundamental dimensions of interpersonal functioning: Dominance (Agency) and Warmth (Communion).

The AQ-32 consists of 32 self-report items that measure interpersonal tendencies across a wide range of personal, professional, and social contexts. It provides a comprehensive profile of interpersonal behavior by identifying patterns such as assertiveness, cooperativeness, leadership, empathy, social engagement, emotional closeness, submissiveness, hostility, and interpersonal avoidance.

The instrument is widely used in personality psychology, clinical psychology, counseling, psychiatry, organizational psychology, leadership research, and social sciences. It assists researchers and practitioners in understanding interpersonal functioning, evaluating relationship dynamics, identifying maladaptive interpersonal patterns, and supporting psychological assessment, intervention planning, and professional development.

Analysis and Use of Data

Data obtained from the IPIP Interpersonal Circumplex (AQ-32) are analyzed by calculating scores that represent the two principal dimensions of the interpersonal circumplex: Dominance and Warmth. The interaction between these dimensions provides a multidimensional profile of interpersonal behavior and facilitates the identification of characteristic interpersonal styles.

The questionnaire can be used to investigate relationships between interpersonal traits and numerous psychological, behavioral, and organizational variables, including:

  • personality traits (Big Five),
  • emotional intelligence,
  • resilience,
  • psychological well-being,
  • job satisfaction,
  • leadership effectiveness,
  • organizational commitment,
  • teamwork,
  • social support,
  • interpersonal competence,
  • stress,
  • anxiety,
  • depression,
  • personality disorders, and
  • quality of life.

Psychometric evaluation typically includes assessments of internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha, as well as examinations of construct validity through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Depending on the research objectives, statistical techniques such as correlation analysis, multiple linear regression, independent-samples t-tests, ANOVA, MANOVA, mediation and moderation analyses, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) may be employed to explore the relationships between interpersonal characteristics and relevant psychological or organizational outcomes.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the IPIP Interpersonal Circumplex (AQ-32) is to provide a reliable and valid assessment of interpersonal behavior and personality characteristics that influence how individuals interact with others across diverse social environments.

The instrument enables researchers and clinicians to identify interpersonal strengths and difficulties, evaluate communication and relationship patterns, and better understand behavioral tendencies associated with cooperation, conflict resolution, leadership, empathy, and social adaptation. It is also valuable for clinical assessment, counseling, organizational development, leadership training, coaching, and research examining interpersonal functioning and personality.

Scoring

The AQ-32 is typically scored using a 5-point Likert scale, where respondents indicate their level of agreement with each statement (e.g., 1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree).

Individual item scores are summed according to the questionnaire’s scoring protocol to generate overall and, where applicable, dimension-specific scores reflecting interpersonal functioning. Higher or lower scores represent varying levels of dominance, warmth, assertiveness, cooperation, interpersonal closeness, and social influence. Interpretation of the results should always follow the theoretical framework of the Interpersonal Circumplex Model and the scoring guidelines provided by the original developers of the instrument.

References

Clark, L. A., & Watson, D. (1999). General and Specific Factors of Personality and Their Relation to Psychopathology. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 108(2), 134–149.

Fisher, R. A., & Fisher, S. D. (2012). Using the Interpersonal Circumplex to Predict Outcomes of Personality Disorders. Journal of Personality Assessment, 94(1), 45–55.

John, O. P., & Srivastava, S. (1999). The Big Five Trait Taxonomy: History, Measurement, and Theoretical Perspectives. In Handbook of Personality: Theory and Research (2nd ed.).

Markey, P. M., & Markey, C. N. (2007). The Role of Interpersonal Style in the Formation and Maintenance of Romantic Relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 24(5), 683–699.

Wiggins, J. S. (1979). The Interpersonal Circle: A Proposed Taxonomy for Personality Diagnosis. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 10(4), 425–436.