Functional flexibility: A new conception of interpersonal flexibility.

Paulhus, Delroy L.; Martin, Carol L.

doi:10.1037/0022-3514.55.1.88

Cited by 223Personality Traits and PsychologyPsychological Testing and AssessmentSocial Skills and Education

Functional flexibility: A new conception of interpersonal flexibility.

Paulhus, Delroy L., Martin, Carol L.·1988·Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

DOI 10.1037/0022-3514.55.1.88

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Abstract

Traditional conceptions of interpersonal flexibility emphasize two critical components: (a) a widerange of interpersonal responses and (b) situational appropriateness. Most current measures arebased on standard trait ratings, which cannot address situational adjustment. In place of trait ratings,we suggest the use of capability ratings, that is, self-reports of the ease of performing social behaviorswhen required by the situation. Our proposed index of flexibility, the Functional Flexibility Index(FFI), is the composite of 16 interpersonal capabilities. In Study 1, factor analyses indicated that theFFI is distinct from other widely used flexibility measures. Study 2 supported the validity of the FFTby showing substantial correlations with peer ratings of interpersonal flexibility. In Studies 3 and 4,the FFI outperformed other flexibility measures in predicting adjustment. Another form of interper-sonal variability, situationality, is the tendency to view one's personality as being dependent on thesituation. Situational individuals reported lower self-esteem than nonsituational individuals. Mea-sures of functional flexibility and situationality were found to be orthogonal.

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Interpersonal flexibility, a personality trait capturing the ability to alter behavior in different social situations and flexibly use a variety of behaviors, heightens leaders' behavioral flexibility.
“Another characteristic that heightens leaders' behavioral flexibility is their interpersonal flexibility, a personality trait that captures the ability to alter behavior in different social situations and to flexibly use a variety of behaviors in different situations”
From Leading diversity: Towards a theory of functional leadership in diverse teams. (2020) · cites this paper as Paulhus & Martin, 1988

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On Deconstructing and Reconstructing Masculinity–Femininity
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“It is important to note that situational variations in strategy deployment may reflect active adjustment to the changing environment, but they may also reflect random coping or dysfunctional personality, such as overdependence and indecisiveness (Paulhus & Martin, 1988 ).”
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“Of note, one may hold multiple overlapping self-concepts (e.g., public and private selves; see Baumeister, 2012) and multi-faceted self-concepts (e.g., situationally contingent or flexible aspects of the self; see Paulhus & Martin, 1988).”
Background
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“By extension, it is possible that the key factor in depression is not the absolute level of a trait but the degree of variability or uncertainty associated with desirable and undesirable personality traits (also see Baumgardner, 1990; Paulhus and Martin, 1988).”
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“We used the 16-item Functional Flexibility Index (FFI; Paulhus & Martin, 1988 ) as a second measure of authenticity.”
Method
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“In different relationships there are likely to be different demands and social norms, and it would seem important to display a certain degree of flexibility in the way one attempts to regulate a relationship partner’s emotions (the functional flexibility argument; Paulhus and Martin, 1988).”
Background
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Method
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“One alternative to the ESM/diary approach is to directly ask respondents to retrospectively report variability over time (Bem & Allen, 1974; Chaplin & Goldberg, 1985; Fleisher, Woehr, Edwards, & Cullen, 2011; Paulhus & Martin, 1988).”
The role of response styles in the assessment of intraindividual personality variability
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When Ethnic Identities Vary
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“Although there has been little research on coping adaptability, flexibility and adaptability in other domains are related to reduced anxiety and depression ( Fresco, Williams, & Nugent, 2006 ), higher quality of life ( Cheng, 2003 ), and improved adjustment and self-esteem ( Paulhus & Martin, 1988 ).”
Background
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Who is Flexible and Adaptive in Everyday Life?
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Predicting unpredictability: Do measures of interpersonal rigidity/flexibility and distress predict intraindividual variability in social perceptions and behavior?
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Authors: Paulhus, D. L., & Martin, C. L.
Affiliations: University of British Columbia (CA)
ORCID: Paulhus, Delroy L.
Martin, Carol L.
Venue: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 1988-07
Volume: 55
Issue: 1
Pages: 88-101
ISSN: 0022-3514 (ISSN-L)
1939-1315
DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.55.1.88
OpenAlex: W2006407819
Cited by: 223
References: 60
Citations by year: 2026: 6 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 13
FWCI: 8.75
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Traits and Psychology
Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Psychological Testing and Assessment
Social Sciences › Education › Social Skills and Education
Keywords: interpersonal flexibility, functional flexibility, situationality, self-esteem, peer ratings, personality adjustment

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Functional flexibility: A new conception of interpersonal flexibility.

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