Social Red Flag Test

The study of how human beings interact with one another has long been central to personality and clinical psychology. To systematically capture the specific difficulties people encounter in social contexts, Leonard M. Horowitz, Lynn E. Alden, Jerry S. Wiggins, and Aaron L. Pincus published the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-64) in 2000. Built upon interpersonal circumplex theory, the IIP-64 was designed to map relational problems along two primary dimensions: agency, which spans dominance versus submission, and communion, which spans warmth versus coldness. By organizing social interactions into a continuous geometric circle, the instrument provides a structured framework for identifying whether a person's primary relational struggles involve asserting themselves, setting boundaries, maintaining warmth, or managing emotional distance.

This assessment profiles eight distinct interpersonal styles derived from the circumplex structure. Bossy reflects a tendency to control, fight, or impose one's will on others. Spiteful describes a self-centered or suspicious stance, making trust and empathy challenging. Distant captures emotional distance, detachment, and difficulty expressing affection or commitment. Inhibited involves feeling anxious or uncomfortable in group settings and struggling to initiate contact. Passive reflects difficulty expressing needs, saying no, or standing up for oneself. People-Pleasing describes a tendency to avoid conflict, struggle with firm authority, and yield excessively to others. Overgiving involves taking on too much responsibility for others' well-being while neglecting personal needs. Intrusive describes difficulty respecting boundaries, spending time alone, or keeping matters private.

Psychological research using the IIP-64 demonstrates that interpersonal difficulties rarely reflect a total absence of social skills; rather, they usually represent exaggerated or inflexible behavioral strategies. For instance, individuals high in self-sacrifice or accommodation often maintain warm relationships, yet experience significant internal distress and burnout due to unexpressed needs and poor boundary enforcement. Conversely, those who lean toward coldness or domineering tendencies may experience less internal distress about pleasing others, but frequently encounter interpersonal conflict, social friction, and isolated support networks. Understanding where your primary relational challenges lie provides valuable insight into recurring communication patterns, conflict triggers, and personal boundary dynamics across personal, social, and professional relationships.

The comparison markers displayed alongside your results represent estimated population averages adapted from published research samples using the IIP-64, rather than validated percentile norms for this specific web assessment. Because different populations exhibit varying baseline scores depending on demographic and contextual factors, these reference markers are provided as a broad point of orientation. They are meant to help you contextualize your relative scores across the eight facets rather than provide an absolute ranking or definitive benchmark of your interpersonal functioning.

It is important to remember that interpersonal styles are dynamic rather than fixed traits. A person may exhibit nonassertive tendencies in certain hierarchical work environments while demonstrating intrusive or self-sacrificing patterns in close family settings. Recognizing your predominant relational tendencies allows you to identify areas where your typical responses serve you well and areas where alternative communication strategies might foster healthier, more balanced connections with others.

This assessment is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool and cannot diagnose any psychological disorder or personality dysfunction. This test is based on the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-64) and is not affiliated with Horowitz, Alden, Wiggins, Pincus, or their respective academic institutions. If you are experiencing persistent interpersonal distress or relationship challenges that impact your emotional well-being, consulting a qualified mental health professional can offer personalized guidance and support.

References

• Horowitz, L. M., Rosenberg, S. E., Baer, B. A., Ureño, G., & Villaseñor, V. S. (1988). Inventory of interpersonal problems: Psychometric properties and clinical applications. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 56(6), 885-892.
• Horowitz, L. M., Alden, L. E., Wiggins, J. S., & Pincus, A. L. (2000). IIP-64/IIP-32 professional manual. The Psychological Corporation.