FIRO-B is a self-report instrument that gives information about how individuals like to deal with interpersonal relationships.   The results are not judgmental as there are no intrinsically good or bad profiles - it is just that some patterns (for how one interacts with others) fit particular situations better than other patterns do.   As FIRO-B focuses on behaviour it is subject to change if one changes one's behaviour.

The FIRO-B measures interpersonal needs in the following three areas:

•  the need for inclusion relates to forming new relationships and associating with people, and determines the extent of contact and prominence that a person seeks,

•  the need for control relates to decision-making, influence and persuasion between people, and determines the extent of power or dominance that a person seeks, and

•  the need for affection relates to emotional ties and warm connections between people, and determines the extent of closeness that a person seeks.

For each of the three interpersonal needs, FIRO-B also provides a measure of how much each need is expressed or wanted by you:  

•  the extent to which you will initiate the behaviour is the expressed dimension of the need, and

•  the extent to which you prefer to be the recipient of those behaviours is known as the wanted dimension of the need.

In other words, it measures how you typically behave towards other people and the behaviours you want back from them.

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Individual scores

The individual scale scores vary between 0 and 9 and indicate two aspects of behaviour:

•  the frequency with which the behaviours associated with that scale are likely to be expressed or wanted, and

•  the degree to which the individual is likely to be selective about who those behaviours are shown to or wanted from.

In addition, there are two broad approaches to interpreting FIRO-B scores:

•  interpersonal (comparisons with other people), and

•  intrapersonal (comparison within your FIRO-B profile).

When considering the intrapersonal interpretation, the interaction between expressed and wanted scores is important.   People usually judge others on the basis of the behaviours that are shown, ie others' expressed behaviour.   When there are differences between what is expressed and wanted, this can lead to feelings of confusion and tension, either in the individual him/herself or in those with whom s/he interacts.

The following two other factors are also worthy of consideration:

•  preferences versus rigidities: ie a preference for how you prefer to operate or the extent to which the behaviours represent an inflexible and set style that is difficult for the individual to adapt or modify.   It is possible to be flexible in some areas and rigid in others.   They represent the ends of a continuum.

•  enhancing self-awareness : whatever one's self-concept, increasing self-awareness will help to decrease the distortion of the individual's perceptions and behaviours and lessen the need for defence mechanisms.  

The questionnaire is most useful for your development when you are candid and open when completing it.   People typically take about 15 minutes to complete the FIRO-B.   However, there is no time limit and you will be able to take as much time as you need.

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