Interpersonal circumplex octant, control, and affiliation scales for the NEO-PI-R

The Five Factor Model (FFM) traits of agreeableness and extraversion are rotational equivalents of the interpersonal circumplex (IPC) dimensions of affiliation and control. Given that the NEO-PI-R is a widely used measure of the FFM, availability of IPC dimension scales within this inventory could facilitate integration of FFM and interpersonal perspectives. In a study of 301 married couples, we evaluated an IPC scoring system for the NEO-PI-R (Wiggins & Trobst, 1998) comprising 6-item octant scales and composites representing control and affiliation. The octant scales demonstrated expected circular structure. Octant and dimension scales demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity, in analyses of self-report and spouse-rating versions of this IPC measure and the Impact Message Inventory. Further, extraversion corresponded to friendly dominance in the IPC and agreeableness to submissive friendliness.