Interpersonal Relations Questionnaire (IRQ)

M. Joubert

The basic premise underlying the construction of the Interpersonal Relations Questionnaire (IRQ) was that satisfactory adjustment during early adolescence can be regarded as the dynamic process that enables the adolescent to overcome his maturation problems through effective inter- and intra-personal relations.

The general aim of the IRQ is to make possible a reliable and valid evaluation of the personal, family, social and formal relations of 12- to 15-year-old learners on the basis of 12 components of adjustment.

The components are: Self-confidence; Self-esteem; Self-control; Nervousness; Health; Family influences; Personal freedom;Sociability A (general); Sociability T (with the opposite sex); Sociability D (with the same sex); Moral sense and Formal relations.

The questionnaire also includes a Lie Scale that gives an indication of the reliability of the testee’s responses.

The IRQ can be administered either in a group or as an individual test. It is an aid in the school guidance situation with regard to Grade 7, 8 and 9 learners.

The complete questionnaire is answered on a four-point scale (always, often, seldom, never) on an answer sheet. If only a general indication of the testee’s adjustment is needed, an abridged questionnaire involving five components can be administered.

Norms

The IRQ was standardised for White learners in Grades 7 to 9 (boys and girls separately) in schools from the erstwhile provincial education departments.