Brief Description

The General Interaction Questionnaire aims to measure the quality and frequency of an individual’s social and interpersonal contacts in various contexts, such as family, friends, colleagues, and the broader community. It assesses the ability to participate in social situations, the reciprocity of relationships, and the level of emotional connection.

Purpose

The aim of the questionnaire is the systematic recording and analysis of how an individual interacts with their social environment, in order to identify strengths and potential areas of difficulty. It can be used in clinical, research, or educational settings to study social functioning and evaluate interventions designed to improve social inclusion.

Scoring Method

Evaluation is carried out using a five-point Likert scale, where 1 corresponds to “Not at all” and 5 to “Very much.” Participants are asked to respond to statements describing typical social situations, indicating their degree of agreement or frequency. Higher scores indicate better or more frequent social interaction.

Validity

The validity of the questionnaire was ensured through a review of the international literature and adaptation to a culturally appropriate context. It was assessed by experts in social psychology and psychometrics, and a pilot application was conducted to identify and correct ambiguities in the questions.

Reliability

Reliability was tested through statistical analysis using the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient, with a value above 0.85, indicating high internal consistency. Test–retest reliability checks were also conducted, showing stability of results over different time points.

Data Analysis and Use

Quantitative analysis includes calculating means, standard deviations, and correlations with other variables. Qualitative analysis of open-ended questions can reveal patterns and themes not captured numerically. The results are used to design individualized interventions, monitor progress, and support decision-making to enhance social participation.

References

Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310–357.
Antonucci, T. C., & Akiyama, H. (1987). Social networks in adult life and a preliminary examination of the convoy model. Journal of Gerontology, 42(5), 519–527.
Cronbach, L. J. (1951). Coefficient alpha and the internal structure of tests. Psychometrika, 16(3), 297–334.