Interpersonal Orientation and Self-Presentational Style

Abstract

The relation between Horney's interpersonal orientations (compliant, aggressive, detached) and self-presentational style was investigated. Male and female subjects completed a measure of interpersonal orientation, worked on a series of tasks in four-person groups, then completed a self-presentational questionnaire they believed would be shown to the other group members. Analysis showed that subjects' interpersonal orientations were directly reflected in the nature of the social images subjects projected to the other group members. It is concluded that individuals may utilize tactical self-presentations as a means of establishing particular relationships with others that are congruent with their preferred modes of dealing with the social world.