Table 2.

Descriptions of Maladaptive Interpersonal Traits in the Interpersonal Circumplex

Interpersonal style	Description
Domineering	Tendency to control, manipulate, be aggressive toward, or try to change others
Vindictive	Tendency toward distrust and suspicion of others; an inability to care about the needs and happiness of others
Cold	Tendency to have difficulty expressing affection toward or feeling love for others; an inability to be generous to, get along with, or forgive others
Socially Avoidant	Tendency to feel anxious and embarrassed with others; difficulty expressing feelings and socializing with others
Nonassertive	Tendency to have difficulty expressing needs, acting authoritatively, or being firm and assertive with others
Exploitable	Tendency to have difficulty feeling and expressing anger to others; gullible and easily taken advantage of by others
Overly Nurturant	Tendency to try to please others; overly generous to, trusting of, caring toward, and permissive of others
Intrusive	Tendency toward inappropriate self-disclosure and attention-seeking; difficulty being alone