The Social Approval Scale (Soziale Extraversion - SE) in the Giessen Test reflects the perception of the degree of openness toward others, the intensity of the need for approval, and the significance of social contacts. At its core lies the concept of the level of involvement in social relationships and the importance of feedback from the environment. The nature of interpersonal interaction is evaluated – from social flexibility and the need for acceptance to detachment and self-sufficiency.
The scale covers two poles reflecting social activity and withdrawal.
Social activity and openness imply the ability to easily establish and maintain contacts, confidence in being accepted and respected by others, readiness for cooperation, and participation in group interactions. In this case, the perception of a person is often associated with a pursuit of positive evaluations and high social activity.
Social withdrawal and detachment are characterized by restraint in self-expression and avoidance of open contacts. Such perception includes a tendency toward self-isolation, doubts about one’s own social significance, and possibly a feeling that the person is not taken seriously or is being rejected.
Interpretation of results
To ensure a standardized interpretation of the Giessen Test results, primary (raw) scores are converted into T-scores. This linear transformation process brings the distribution of scores for each scale to a unified metric system characterized by a mean (M) of 50 and a standard deviation (SD) of 10. This allows for a normative comparison of individual indicators with a reference sample and unifies the interpretation of the intensity of various personality characteristics, thereby facilitating inter-scale comparison and clinical assessment of the personality profile.
Low values
Form a perception of reduced significance of social ties. Perception may include detachment, restraint in expressing feelings, criticality toward the opinions of others, and a preference for autonomy. Connection with others is perceived as supplementary rather than necessary. At the same time, an emphasis on independence, self-determination, and internal control is possible.
Average values
Reflect a balanced perception of social inclusion. There is a readiness for cooperation, moderate sensitivity to evaluation, and the ability to maintain interpersonal contacts without excessive dependence on the opinions of others. Both interaction with others and the preservation of personal boundaries are important. Perception is balanced: social feedback is significant but does not dominate.
High values
Indicate a pronounced orientation toward social approval, emphasizing sensitivity to the emotional atmosphere, a desire to be accepted, benevolence, and meeting expectations. This can form an image of a flexible, warm, and responsive person. However, with highly pronounced social orientation, a perception of dependence on external opinion, difficulty in asserting one's own interests, and increased suggestibility is possible.