Interdependence theory


Interdependence theory is a social exchange theory that states that interpersonal relationships are defined through interpersonal interdependence, which is "the process by which interacting people influence one another's experiences". The most basic principle of the theory is encapsulated in the equation I = ƒ, which says that all interpersonal interactions are a function of the given situation, plus the actions and characteristics of the individuals The Principle of Structure, 2) The Principle of Transformation, 3) The Principle of Interaction, and 4) The Principle of Adaption.

Authors

Interdependence theory was first introduced by Harold Kelley and John Thibaut in 1959 in their book, The Social Psychology of Groups. This book drew inspiration from social exchange theory and game theory, and provided key definitions and concepts instrumental to the development of the interdependence framework. In their second book, Interpersonal Relations: A Theory of Interdependence, the theory was completely formalized in 1978. Harold Kelley continued the development of Interdependence theory in 2003, with the book An Atlas of Interpersonal Situations. This book expanded on the previous work by adding two additional dimensions to the dimensions of interdependence, as well as by analyzing 21 specific situation types.In addition, the work of Kelly and Thibaut built on the work of Kurt Lewin, who first defined interdependence, and stated that "“The essence of a group is not the similarity or dissimilarity of its members, but their interdependence... A change in the state of any subpart changes the state of any other subpart... Every move of one member will, relatively speaking, deeply affect the other members, and the state of the group”.

Four Basic Assumptions of Interdependence Theory

1. The Principle of Structure (The Situation)

All interactions are set within the context of their given situation. In order to best analyze this factor, Interdependence theory presents a taxonomy of situations that includes the six dimensions listed below. A key concept with the Principle of Structure is Affordance, or what the situation affords for the individuals within the interaction.
  1. Degree/Level of dependence. This dimension focuses on the level of reliance that one member of an interaction has on another member of the interaction. This dimension is characterized by the following types of control, a) Actor Control- the impact of individual's behavior on the individual's outcomes, b) Partner Control- the impact of each individual behavior on the outcomes of the other individuals in the interaction, c) Joint Control- the joint impact of each individual's behavior on each individual's outcome. An example of this would be if person A is able to achieve a positive outcome regardless of the actions of person B, then person A is high in Actor Control. If person A is dependent on the actions of person B to determine if he/she achieves a positive outcome, person A is high in Partner Control. If person A and person B are dependent on each other to achieve a positive outcome, they are high in Joint Control.
  2. Mutuality of dependence. This dimension focuses on the level dependence each individual within the interaction has with the other individual within the interaction. As person A become more dependent on person B, person B gains greater control over person A.
  3. Covariation of interest. This dimension analyzes the level of gratification each individual within an interaction receives based on the outcome produced. This dimension could range from completely corresponding levels of gratification to conflicting gratification .. An example of corresponding levels of gratification would be a situation in which person A and person B both simply attempt to achieve outcomes in their own best interests, but in so doing also achieve outcomes in the best interest of the other. An example of conflicting gratification is a situation were all outcomes that are positive to one individual are completely negative to the other individual in the interaction.
  4. Basis of dependence. This dimension focuses on the means of influence that one member of an interaction has on the another member of the interaction. This dimension is characterized by the following types of control, a) Actor Control- the impact of individual's behavior on the individual's outcomes, b) Partner Control- the impact of each individual behavior on the outcomes of the other individuals in the interaction, c) Joint Control- the joint impact of each individual's behavior on each individual's outcome. Examples of means of influence include promises, threats, reliance on social/moral norms, unilateral action, and turn-taking.
  5. Temporal structure. Temporal structure focuses on the effects that timing and sequential process have on situations. Key concepts in this dimension include, 1) Situational Selection, or the "movement from one situation to another, bringing partners to a new situation that differs from the prior situation in terms of behavioral options or outcomes" "The shadow of the future" , or long term strategy of cooperating in anticipation of future reciprocal rewards from the other individual in future interactions.
  6. Information availability. Information availability focuses on the amount of information individuals have concerning the other individual's motives, potential iteration outcomes, and the potential future opportunities any given interaction may bring about. This dimension suggests that misunderstanding is often rooted in low levels of information availability.. An example of this would be if person A has certain information about the goals and motivations of person B, person A's actions will be effected differently than if that information was uncertain.

    2. '''The Principle of Transformation (What People Make of the Situation)'''

Transformation is a psychological process through which individuals consider possible outcomes that result from both their action and the action of others, and weigh these outcomes against possible actions and courses of actions .

3. '''The Principle of Interaction (SABI: I = ƒA, B, S)'''

The Principle of Interaction is used to assess the variable that affect any given iteration. This model states that Interactions are a function of the situation, Person A's motives, traits, and actions, plus Person B's motives, traits, and actions.
There are several factors that individuals bring to the Interaction. They are their consideration of Outcomes, Comparison Level, and Comparison Level for Alternatives.
Adaption refers to the process by where exposure to similar situations gives rise to habitual responses which have been proven to result in positive outcomes. In addition to the type of exposure based condition just described, adaptation can result based on rules of social norms. For example, person A might enter into a situation that is similar to situations he/she has experienced before, based on these previous experiences person A's actions are guided in a way in which to receive the same positive outcomes as the previous situations produced. Similarly, social norms guide individuals toward specific, society approved, actions.

Academic and Practical Applications

Interdependence theory has been used by academics to “analyze group dynamics, power and dependence, social comparison, conflict and cooperation, attribution and self-presentation, trust and distrust, emotions, love and commitment, coordination and communication, risk and self-regulation, performance and motivation, social development, and neuroscientific model of social interaction”.
In addition, the theory provides a practical framework for understanding the underlying psychological factors that motivate other individuals in which you interact, as well as providing a framework for understanding the underlying psychological factors that motivate your own actions when interacting with others.

Complementary/ Related Theories and FrameworksVan Lange, P. M. (2011). A History of Interdependence. ''Handbook of History of Social Psychology.'' Routledge Handbooks Online.