Firo-B Interpersonal Compatibility: a Suggested Modification

Abstract

The Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation Behavior (FIRO-B) scale is a measure of three discrete interpersonal behav iors: inclusion, control and affection. A mathematical schema has been developed by Schutz (1966) which affords the opportunity to compare the individual FIRO-B results of a dyad and determine their global interpersonal compatibility. Examination of the com ponent algorithms which yield this global compatibility score sug gest an inconsistent use of absolute values and real numbers. The net result being that certain configurations of FIRO-B scores lead to an inaccurate estimation of dyadic compatibility. A modification of Schutz's original mathematical schema is presented in an attempt to ameliorate this inconsistency.

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