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Complementarity of interpersonal behaviors in dyadic interactions
Patrick M Markey1, David C Funder, Daniel J Ozer
1Department of Psychology, Villanova University, PA 19085, USA.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|June 11, 2004
Summary
Social interactions often involve complementary behaviors, where one person's actions invite specific responses from another. This study observed real social interactions, confirming a circular pattern of behavior and supporting key interpersonal theories.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Interpersonal Dynamics
Background:
- Interpersonal theory posits that social interactions elicit complementary behaviors.
- Previous research on behavioral complementarity yielded inconsistent results due to methodological limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate behavioral complementarity in naturalistic social interactions.
- To test the interpersonal circumplex model and specific hypotheses regarding control and affiliation dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Observational ratings of 158 participants' behaviors during three different dyadic social situations.
- Utilized randomization tests to analyze hypothesized order relations in observed interactions.
Main Results:
- Observed behaviors during social interactions followed a circular pattern consistent with the interpersonal circumplex.
- Findings supported Leary's (1957) dimensional orientation and Carson's (1969) propositions on dominance-submission and friendliness-friendliness dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral complementarity is evident in real social interactions.
- The interpersonal circumplex model effectively describes interaction patterns, particularly concerning control and affiliation.