Message Preferences: An Approach to the Assessment of Interpersonal Standards

Abstract

Summary On the basis of a cybernetic model of behavior control, hypothetical messages are proposed as a means of assessing interpersonal standards applicable to the subject's different relationships. Twelve groups of boys aged 10-13 years rated a set of 63 messages which were attributed to one of four sources: Mother, Best Friend, Policeman, or Boys Club Staff Member. Seven messages were highly acceptable, and six were unacceptable under all conditions. Seven other messages were consistently more acceptable from Mother than from Best Friend. Results were discussed in terms of their implications for the assessment of conflicts in interpersonal situations.