The purpose of the study was to investigate the proposition that subjects under stress will, in their behavioral interaction with significant persons, recapitulate the behaviors learned by the subject within the family constellation. The counseling interview was the model used to investigate the relationship between family learned behavior and non-family interaction. The general design of the study consisted of selecting a sample of (N=16) male and (N=23) female subjects and studying their initial interviews and a sample of later interviews selected by a critical incident method. The interactions of subjects were scored according to the interpersonal rating method of Freedman, LaForge, Leary, and others. The central hypotheses of the study were strongly supported. Over time and under conditions of stress, the subjects' behaviors converged on intra-familial behavior with parents. In addition, reciprocal behaviors of the subjects in interaction were found to be predictable events. The subject-counselor interactions were in accord with previous research and resembled the subject-parent interaction with some notable exceptions. The results were discussed and recommendations for continuing research into personality development and counseling behavior were outlined. (Author)