Circumplex Scales of Interpersonal Efficacy (CSIE)

Abstract

The Circumplex Scales of Interpersonal Efficacy (CSIE) is a specialized 32-item psychological inventory developed by Kenneth D. Locke. Its primary function is to measure an individual’s perceived Self-efficacy—or confidence—in performing a wide range of interpersonal behaviors. The scale is theoretically grounded in the integration of interpersonal theory and social-cognitive theory, utilizing the established structure of the interpersonal circumplex to organize efficacy expectancies and subjective values. The CSIE is designed to efficiently assess interpersonal competence, predict specific behaviors, and gauge satisfaction experienced during unscripted dyadic interactions.

Keywords

Circumplex Scales of Interpersonal Efficacy, CSIE, Interpersonal Circumplex, Self-efficacy, Efficacy Expectancies, Social-Cognitive Theory, Dyadic Interactions, Interpersonal Assessment, Personality.

Authors

Kenneth D. Locke

Purpose

The core purpose of the CSIE is to provide a standardized, efficient measure of an individual’s perceived competence regarding interpersonal action. It specifically addresses how confident a person feels about successfully executing various social behaviors that span the full range of the interpersonal sphere, as defined by the circumplex model.

By mapping these self-efficacy beliefs onto the structure of the interpersonal circumplex, the CSIE complements existing measures of interpersonal traits and problems. This integration allows researchers and clinicians to better predict behavioral outcomes, understand motivational dynamics, and analyze the satisfaction derived from social engagements, particularly within spontaneous, one-on-one (dyadic) encounters.

Construct

The CSIE measures Interpersonal Efficacy, which is defined as an individual’s confidence in their ability to exert control over their social behaviors and interactions. The scale is structurally based on a synthesis of two major psychological frameworks: interpersonal theory and social-cognitive theory.

The instrument’s structure derives from the two-dimensional Interpersonal Circumplex, which organizes interpersonal phenomena along the axes of Agency (Dominance/Control) and Communion (Affiliation/Love). The CSIE assesses how efficacy expectancies (beliefs about one’s capacity to perform specific acts) align with these circumplex dimensions, providing a granular view of an individual’s perceived social competence across different interpersonal roles (e.g., dominant, submissive, friendly, or hostile).

Validity

The CSIE demonstrates robust psychometric properties, including evidence for its validity. The scale’s structure aligns theoretically with the established model it utilizes, confirming that the eight underlying subscales are positioned correctly around the circumplex space.

Crucially, the CSIE exhibits convergent validity, showing significant correlation with other established measures of related interpersonal constructs, such such as interpersonal values and interpersonal problems. This confirms that the CSIE is indeed measuring the construct of interpersonal efficacy as intended, and that high scores relate inversely to measures of social difficulty or distress.

Reliability

Reliability analyses performed during the development of the CSIE indicated adequate internal consistency across the eight 4-item scales. The internal reliability confirms that the items within each specific subscale (representing a segment of the circumplex) consistently measure the same aspect of interpersonal confidence.

The initial psychometric development, detailed by Locke and Sadler (2007), provides the full empirical basis for the scale’s reliability, confirming its utility as a stable and consistent measure of self-efficacy beliefs across the circumplex space.

Factor Analysis

The primary structural validation for this instrument involves demonstrating its circumplex structure. The CSIE is explicitly designed such that its 32 items organize themselves into eight distinct 4-item scales that map onto the two-dimensional space defined by the Agency and Communion axes.

The successful demonstration of this circumplex structure confirms that the scale captures the continuous and cyclical nature of interpersonal styles, positioning the eight scales (which include dimensions like assured, hostile, agreeable, and submissive) at equal angular spacing around the central origin, as predicted by the underlying theoretical model.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report inventory/Psychological Scale

Format: 32 items, utilizing an 11-point (0 to 10) Likert-type rating scale to assess confidence levels.

Language Available: English (Primary publication language)

Population Group: General population, typically used in adult and student samples for personality and social psychology research.

Age Group: Adolescents and Adults

Population Details: Developed and validated primarily on samples relevant to personality and social psychology studies (e.g., college students or community members).

Test Methodology: Respondents rate their confidence in their ability to perform specific interpersonal behaviors (e.g., “I can be assertive”) on a scale ranging from 0 (“I am not at all confident that…”) to 10 (“I am absolutely confident that…”).

Keywords

Psychological assessment, Interpersonal competence, Personality, Social psychology, Self-efficacy, Interpersonal values, Interpersonal circumplex, Dyadic interactions.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: N/A

Affiliation Email addresses: N/A

Correspondence Address: N/A

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The Circumplex Scales of Interpersonal Efficacy (CSIE) was introduced in its primary psychometric form in 2007. Specific information regarding current licensing fees or formal permissions for use is not provided in the original source, though academic scales are often made available by the author for non-commercial research purposes upon request. Users should consult the author, Kenneth D. Locke, for permission and usage guidelines.

Reference’s

The development and validation of the CSIE are primarily documented in the following academic publications:

• Locke, K.D. (2011). Circumplex measures of interpersonal constructs. In L. M. Horowitz & S. Strack (Eds.), Handbook of Interpersonal Psychology (pp. 313-324). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
• Locke, K.D. & Sadler, P. (2007). Self-efficacy, values, and complementarity in dyadic interactions: Integrating interpersonal and social-cognitive theory. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 33, 94-109.

Items of the Circumplex Scales of Interpersonal Efficacy (CSIE)

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

For each of the following behaviors, rate how sure you are that you can act that way with other people. Use the following rating scale:

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

• I am not at all confident that…
• I am mildly confident that…
• I am moderately confident that…
• I am very confident that…
• I am absolutely confident that…

Sample Item:
When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can express myself clearly.

If you are absolutely confident that you can express yourself clearly, you would circle 10. If you feel not at all confident, you will circle 0. If you feel moderately confident that you can express yourself clearly, you will circle 5, and so on.

• 01. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can express myself openly.
• 02. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can be tough
• 03. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can follow the rules
• 04. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can be assertive
• 05. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can hide my thoughts and feelings
• 06. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can fit in
• 07. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can keep the upper hand
• 08. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can avoid getting into arguments
• 09. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can smooth over any difficulties
• 10. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can be cold and unfriendly when I want to
• 11. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can get along with them
• 12. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can speak up when I have something to say
• 13. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can be submissive
• 14. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can understand their feelings
• 15. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can win any arguments or competitions
• 16. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can be a follower
• 17. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can get them to listen to what I have to say
• 18. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can get them to leave me alone
• 19. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can be nice
• 20. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can take charge
• 21. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can disappear into the background when I want
• 22. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can soothe hurt feelings
• 23. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can be aggressive if I need to
• 24. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can avoid making them angry
• 25. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can be a leader
• 26. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can be cruel when the situation calls for it
• 27. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can be giving
• 28. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can be forceful
• 29. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can be quiet
• 30. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can be helpful
• 31. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can tell them when I am annoyed
• 32. When I am with others, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …I can let others take charge