Description of the Questionnaire

The PROQ3 is the short and revised version of the PROQ2, designed to assess negative types of interpersonal relationships. It includes forty-eight items, which are divided into eight subscales, with six questions per subscale. Responses are given on a four-point frequency scale ranging from “never” to “always.” Completion and analysis of the questionnaire can be carried out either manually or through specialized software.

Data Analysis and Use

The questionnaire allows the assessment of negative interpersonal tendencies in various populations, both clinical and non-clinical. It has been used in research as well as in clinical practice to map interpersonal difficulties. Samples have been studied from the general population in England, the Netherlands, Norway, and Greece, as well as from outpatients. Analyses have confirmed satisfactory validity, with significant correlations observed with related scales, and reliable internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.70 in most subscales.

Aim

The purpose of the PROQ3 is the brief assessment of negative interpersonal relationship types that an individual demonstrates in their interactions with others. It is a tool that contributes to the diagnosis and understanding of interpersonal dysfunctions, facilitating the identification of patterns that affect a person’s behavior and relationships.

Scoring

Scoring is based on the sum of responses for each of the eight subscales. Scores range from six to fifteen per subscale, while the overall score ranges from forty-eight to one hundred and twenty. Higher scores indicate greater intensity of negative interpersonal characteristics. Analysis can be performed manually, but also with the help of specialized software that allows automated data processing.

References

Birtchnell, J. (1996). How humans relate: A new interpersonal theory. East Sussex: Psychology Press.
Birtchnell, J., Hammond, S., Horn, E., De Jong, C., & Kalaitzakis, A. E. (2005). The structure of the Person’s Relating to Others Questionnaire (PROQ3). Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy.