Dynamics of Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Perception

Abstract

The hypothesis that people assess both others and themselves in terms of an ‘ideal’ image, has lent a new dimension to theories of inter- and intra-personal perception. Investigation of these theories has led to the development, at Wingrove Cottage Community Clinic, of a test aimed at elucidating the role of the ‘ideal’, both for greater theoretical understanding of this concept and for its obvious utility in clinical applications. Using standard personality questionnaires, (Cattell's 16 Personality Factors Test(I6PF) and Edward's Personal Preferences Questionnaire (EPPQ)), both patients and nonpatients were presented with an eleven point scale between the standard descriptions of these factors. They were asked to rate:- (i) themselves, (ii) their ideal self, and either (iii) (a) Wingrove Receptionist, or (b) their spouse. In addition, each subject completed the full form of these scales, in order to establish an ‘actual’ personality profile. The results of these studies, comparing the four profiles obtained, provide strong evidence for the existence of an internalized, socially constructed and cognitively-prejudicing ‘ideal’ personality profile which significantly influences both the interpersonal relationships and self esteem of patients. The findings obtained afforded a powerful basis for subsequent discussion and analysis between patient, therapist and .spouse, through which prejudices were revealed and cognivitely/affectively unlearned.

Development of a Partner Synchrony Inventory for Couple Therapy

“…The further convergence through the use of factoring gave a succinct therapeutic tool to be used in Partner Therapy. The results also correlated with the works of Kahans & Crafti (1985) in which there were discrepancies between partner's self, their ideal, and their remake perceptions.…”

“…Wingrove attempted to address the problems and limitations of selfreporting in the EPPS (Braginsky, Braginsky, & Ring, 1969) through the redevelopment of the EPPS to rate not only the self but also the ideal self and rating of the partner (Kahans & Crafti, 1985). This development hoped to demonstrate accurate correlation of self and interpersonal perceptions relating to the personality.…”

“…This development hoped to demonstrate accurate correlation of self and interpersonal perceptions relating to the personality. (Kahans & Crafti, 1985). This was achieved by comparing profiles of clients seeing themselves, their ideal self, their partner perception and their image of their reconstructed partner.…”

“…Each of the variables was scored on a Likerttype rating scale in which subjects were asked to assess themselves; their ideal self; how they saw their partner and how they would like to remake him or her. Kahans & Crafti (1985) postulated that the cognitive process of recognizing the self and other's personality is affected by internal, unconscious attitudes. They believed that selfesteem could be measured by a correlation between a client's selfperception and ideal self; suggesting that the higher the self-esteem, the closer the correlation between the two.…”