Validated Interpersonal Confidence Questıonnaire to Measure the Impact of Improvisation Training

Theatre-based improvisation includes a model of constructive communication, which has been applied to
education, and in fields requiring interpersonal competencies. Here, we present a validation study of the
Interpersonal Confidence Questionnaire (ICQ) developed to measure self-reported interpersonal
confidence, that is, beliefs regarding one’s capability related to effective social interactions. Confirmatory
factor analysis (n = 208) confirmed the 18-item measurement model of ICQ as satisfactory, with six factors
contributing to interpersonal confidence: performance confidence, flexibility, listening skills, tolerance of
failure, collaboration motivation, and presence. The questionnaire showed discriminatory power,
acceptable composite reliability, and strong test–retest reliability. The immediate and long-term impact of
six improvisation interventions (n = 161) were measured using ICQ. Improvisation interventions resulted
in improvements to interpersonal confidence, performance confidence, and tolerance of failure relative to
controls, and an improved performance confidence persisted over time. This study provides initial evidence
on the validity and reliability of the 18-item, 6-factor ICQ as a self-report measurement of interpersonal
confidence, which may increase following improvisation training.

Keywords: Improvisation, interpersonal confidence, performance confidence, tolerance of failure, questionnaire validation