The Science Behind MySocialStyle
We're not just making this up. MySocialStyle is built on 70+ years of psychology research—but explained in a way that actually makes sense.
What's the Research Behind This?
MySocialStyle is based on something called the Interpersonal Circumplex. Don't let the fancy name fool you—it's actually pretty simple.
The 2-Minute Explanation
Back in the 1950s, psychologists noticed something interesting: You can describe how someone interacts with others using just two main factors.
Think of it like a map with two axes—one showing how assertive you are, and one showing how warm you are. Where you land on this map determines your communication style.
The Two Dimensions Explained
Dimension 1: How Assertive You Are
(Scientists call this "Agency" or "Dominance")
High Assertiveness:
Take charge, lead naturally, make quick decisions, speak your mind directly
Low Assertiveness:
Go with the flow, prefer to follow, take time deciding, avoid confrontation
Dimension 2: How Warm You Are
(Scientists call this "Communion" or "Affiliation")
High Warmth:
Friendly and expressive, emotionally open, relationship-focused, empathetic
Low Warmth:
Reserved and private, task-focused, keep emotions controlled, value logic
Here's the key insight:
Your combination of these two traits creates your unique communication style. For example, someone who's high assertiveness + high warmth is a "Connector" (energetic and social), while someone who's high assertiveness + low warmth is a "Director" (focused and efficient).
The Interpersonal Circumplex in Action
This is what psychologists actually use. Each style occupies a unique position based on its blend of assertiveness and warmth.
Hover over or tap a style to learn more
Notice how the styles are arranged? Styles closer together on the circle are more similar, while opposite styles have the biggest differences.
Explore all 8 styles in detail →Why Should You Trust This?
Fair question. Here's what makes this different from random personality quizzes on the internet:
70+ Years of Research
The Interpersonal Circumplex was developed in the 1950s and has been validated in hundreds of peer-reviewed studies. It's not a trendy new theory—it's a proven model used by therapists, researchers, and organizational psychologists worldwide.
Scientifically Validated Questions
We use questions from the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP)—a public-domain collection of personality assessment items that have been scientifically tested and validated. These aren't random questions we made up.
Used in Real Psychology
Therapists use the Interpersonal Circumplex to help clients understand relationship patterns. Companies use it for team building and leadership development. It's not just for fun—it's a real clinical and organizational tool.
Reliable & Consistent
Unlike horoscopes or random quizzes that give different results every time, the Interpersonal Circumplex measures stable traits. Your results should be relatively consistent over time (barring major life changes).
How Is This Different from MBTI or Big Five?
vs. MBTI (Myers-Briggs)
MBTI:
- ✗Puts you in rigid categories (you're either E or I, no in-between)
- ✗Limited scientific validation
- ✗Doesn't focus specifically on how you interact with others
MySocialStyle:
- ✓Measures you on a spectrum (you can be moderately assertive)
- ✓Backed by 70+ years of peer-reviewed research
- ✓Specifically designed to understand interpersonal dynamics
vs. Big Five
Big Five:
- ✓Very scientifically robust
- ✗Measures 5 broad traits (can be overwhelming)
- ✗Less focused on practical relationship advice
MySocialStyle:
- ✓Also scientifically validated
- ✓Focuses on just 2 key dimensions (easier to understand)
- ✓Built specifically for understanding relationships and communication
Bottom line: MySocialStyle is as scientifically valid as the Big Five, more focused on relationships than MBTI, and way more practical than academic personality research. It's the sweet spot between "rigorously researched" and "actually useful."
Want to Learn More?
For Curious Minds
If you want to dig deeper into the academic research, here are some key terms to search:
- • Interpersonal Circumplex (IPC)
- • Interpersonal Theory (Sullivan, Leary)
- • Agency and Communion
- • International Personality Item Pool (IPIP)
For Practical People
If you just want to understand yourself better and improve your relationships:
Ready to Try It Yourself?
Take our free, scientifically-backed assessment and discover your communication style
Start Free Assessment →