PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF INTERPERSONAL PERCEPTION: ANALYSIS OF DISPOSITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND MANIPULATIVE TENDENCIES

Abstract

Purpose. Drawing on the Five-Factor Model of personality (P. Costa, R. McCrae), the concept of Machiavellianism (R. Christie, F. Geis), and theories of social perception (F. Heider and others), this study aims to explore the psychological determinants of interpersonal perception, specifically the relationships between dispositional traits, neurotic states, and manipulative tendencies. Methods. Theoretical analysis of literature; psychodiagnostic assessment using the following methods: NEO PI-R (Five-Factor Model), KON-2006 Clinical Questionnaire for Neurotic States, and Mach-IV (R. Christie, F. Geis); statistical procedures including Pearson’s correlation and Student’s t-test. Sample: 52 individuals aged 18–45. Results.Interpersonal perception was found to be shaped by a complex interplay of personality characteristics. A high level of manipulative tendencies (Machiavellianism) was significantly associated with low Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, as well as with elevated anxiety and demonstrative-hysterical reactions (r ≈ –0.43; r ≈ –0.51; r ≈ 0.55; r ≈ 0.73; p < 0.01). Other core traits (Extraversion, Openness, Neuroticism) showed no significant association with manipulativeness. An unexpected positive correlation between Extraversion and neurotic depression (p < 0.05) was observed, possibly reflecting the presence of perfectionism in extraverted individuals within the sample. Conclusions. Dispositional traits, emotional instability, and manipulative orientation jointly influence social perception. Low Agreeableness and Conscientiousness combined with high anxiety increase the likelihood of employing destructive manipulative strategies in communication. The findings enrich the psychological understanding of manipulative personality profiles. A psycho-correctional program was developed to optimize interpersonal perception; further research should assess its effectiveness and explore additional influencing factors (e.g., empathy, value orientations). Future studies should also examine the role of empathy and emotional intelligence in mitigating perception distortions, as well as cultural and situational moderators affecting the process of «person perceives person».