The Interpersonal Transaction Scales-8 (ITS-8): A Circumplex-Based, Behaviorally Anchored Instrument Based on the CLOIT-R.

Using the Checklist of Interpersonal Transactions-Revised (CLOIT-R; Kiesler, 2004) as a basis, a new behaviorally anchored instrument was developed with a graded-response scale, simplified item wording, substantially fewer items, and improved consistency with the interpersonal circumplex. In a community sample (Study 1), the graded response format with simplified items showed improved octant-scale reliabilities, as well as circular structure and convergent validity comparable to the CLOIT-R. Items that performed consistently across community and undergraduate samples (Study 2) were then selected to produce an inventory with half as many items as the CLOIT-R, but with good octant-scale reliabilities and excellent circular structure.

How Is Sexual Communication Different from Nonsexual Communication? A Moment-by-Moment Analysis of Discussions Between Romantic Partners.

Our goal was to investigate whether systematic differences exist in how couples discuss sexual versus nonsexual conflicts in their relationships and to explore the nature of these differences. We compared sexual and nonsexual conflict discussions on two key dimensions of interpersonal behavior: warmth and dominance. Past theoretical work suggests that there are unique barriers to sexual communication that lead partners to perceive such communication as being more threatening to the relationship and to the self (Metts & Cupach, 1989).

How do depressive symptoms in husbands and wives relate to the interpersonal dynamics of marital interactions?

We investigated how depressive symptoms in husbands and wives may affect patterns of interpersonal behavior during marital conflict discussions. Using the Continuous Assessment of Interpersonal Dynamics (CAID) approach, observers rated moment-to-moment levels of dominance and affiliation for each partner, from which dynamic indices were derived, including the slopes for each partner and the degree of rhythmic entrainment between partners. Results supported predictions that the wife's depressive symptoms would be related to alterations in the dynamics of dominance, whereas the husband's depressive symptoms would be related to alterations in the dynamics of affiliation.

A Lot Can Happen in a Few Minutes: Examining Dynamic Patterns Within an Interaction to Illuminate the Interpersonal Nature of Personality Disorders.

Although problematic interpersonal tendencies have often been characterized as a traitlike excess of a particular interpersonal style, the interpersonal nature of personality disorders may have more to do with patterns of variability in interpersonal behavior and the relation of this variability to the varying behavior of interaction partners. Indeed, problematic interpersonal tendencies may often be evident as patterns within even one interaction. A useful methodology for examining moment-to-moment patterns within the course of an interaction is the computer joystick technique.