Video-Based Interpersonal Behavioral Evaluation (VIBE): A Novel Method for the Assessment of Interpersonal Judgment

One barrier to fully understanding and treating the interpersonal difficulties associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders is a current lack of suitable methodology, which aligns with contemporary interpersonal theory and offers a comprehensive assessment of interpersonal judgment. Specifically, no standardized behavioral interpersonal assessment exists that assesses the accuracy and biases of both interpersonal perceptions and anticipated reactions in a dyadic interaction. The present study presents the development and initial validation of a novel methodology, the Video-based Interpersonal Behavioral Evaluation (VIBE), which (a) utilizes a dynamic (i.e., video-based) behavioral assessment method, (b) assesses the accuracy and biases of both interpersonal perceptions and anticipated reactions, and (c) aligns with interpersonal theory and the structure of the interpersonal circumplex. The VIBE is anticipated to better direct research efforts investigating the interpersonal judgments of individuals with a variety of clinical presentations and ultimately aid in the development of more specifically targeted treatment interventions.