Psychology

Cognitive Theory and Interpersonal Circumplex Model explaining cognitive and interpersonal patterns of personality disorders (PD) are well established in personality literature. The main objective of the study is to investigate the representations of personality beliefs defined by cognitive theory on the interpersonal circumplex space and to integrate these two models.  Analyses were conducted with 962 adults of a community sample (302 men, 660 women) after the participants who are on psychiatric treatment or psychotropic medication are excluded. Personality Beliefs Questionnaire and Inventory of Interpersonal Problems were provided to the participants through the internet and they were given personal feedback at the end of the study. To represent personality disorder beliefs on the interpersonal circumplex, similar statistical procedures were followed in accordance with the previous studies. According to the placement on the interpersonal circumplex space, Schizoid, Antisocial and Narcissistic personality beliefs were represented on the hostile-dominance, Borderline and Avoidant PD beliefs were represented on the cold-submissive, Dependent personality beliefs was represented on the warm-submissive, and Histrionic personality beliefs was represented on warm-dominant quadrant. Besides, Paranoid and Passive-Aggressive personality beliefs were placed close to hostile-cold, and Obsessive-Compulsive personality beliefs was placed on the dominant-controlling vector. Findings are both consistent with DSM criteria of thought patterns and previous results obtained from studies with PD diagnosed patients. Interpersonal and cognitive patterns of personality psychopathology are well represented by interpersonal circumplex model and cognitive theory. Moreover, present study supports the crucial role of the cognitive distortions in PD.

Objective Considering the lack of an instrument that measures individuals’ interpersonal difficulties in Turkish, a short version of The Inventory of Interpersonal Problems Circumplex Scales (IIP-32) was aimed to be adapted to Turkish culture, and psychometric properties of the scale were examined.
Method: 1298 adult participants from normal population (411 females and 887 males) between ages of 18 and 68 were participated to the study. In order to establish reliability and validity of the Turkish version of IIP; internal consistency, test-retest reliability, split half reliability coefficients, concurrent and criterion validity studies were conducted. Reading the validity analyses, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Brief Symptom Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Basic Personality Traits Inventory were used.
Results: The results of the study indicated good internal consistency, test-re-test and split-half reliability coefficients of the IIP. Moreover, findings supported concurrent and criterion validity of the inventory, in addition to the two factor structures consistent with the original inventory.
Conclusion: Psychometric properties of IIP seem to be acceptable, therefore it can be utilized for research and clinical purposes in Turkey.

Background. In Turkey, university education is highly valued, and is considered a key to success and happiness in life. The gatekeeper for a university education is a central entrance exam. The entire process is lengthy, hard, and anxiety-provoking. Objective. Our study aimed to investigate the factors associated with test anxiety related to the university entrance exam. The effects of the perceived attitudes of the student's mother and father on his or her test anxiety are examined separately, and beyond the effect of other risk factors. Design. The participants were 102 high school students and recent graduates between the ages of 14 and 19. Data was collected just before a test anxiety workshop, which was designed as part of an open day activity in a private, non-profit university. The workshop featured an interactive presentation about general anxiety, test anxiety, and coping strategies, which was followed by a progressive relaxation exercise. Results. It was found that having a lower GPA score, being female, and having an increased level of neuroticism, as well as an increased level of perceived paternal acceptance and paternal control, were associated with higher levels of test anxiety. Conclusion. The university entrance exam preparation period in Turkey is quite stressful for the students and creates an economic strain for their families. Considering that fathers are usually the financial authority figure within the households, paternal attitudes might predominantly affect the test anxiety level experienced by the student. In addition to paternal control, paternal acceptance might also be a source of stress since it, like control, includes "expectations" for the student's success.