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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

RBDT: A Computerized Task System based in Transposition for the Continuous Analysis of Relational Behavior Dynamics in Humans

RBDT: A Computerized Task System based in Transposition for the Continuous Analysis of Relational Behavior Dynamics in Humans

Published on: July 17, 2021

Toward relational empowerment.

Brian D Christens¹

¹School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1300 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA. bchristens@wisc.edu

American Journal of Community Psychology

|November 19, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study proposes adding a relational component to psychological empowerment (PE). Including relationships enhances understanding of PE and community practice effectiveness.

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Community Psychology
Sociology

Background:

Psychological empowerment (PE) is traditionally viewed with emotional, behavioral, and cognitive components.
Empowerment processes are often contingent on interpersonal relationships.
Power is theorized to develop and be exercised within relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

To argue for expanding the conception of psychological empowerment by incorporating a relational component.
To enhance the understanding of psychological empowerment and the effectiveness of community practice.
To integrate relational aspects into the nomological network of psychological empowerment.

Main Methods:

Reviewing existing research on empowerment for relational content.
Synthesizing insights from community research concepts (social capital, sense of community, social networks, social support, citizen participation).
Proposing a revised nomological network for psychological empowerment.

Main Results:

A relational component is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of psychological empowerment.
Interpersonal relationships significantly influence empowerment processes.
Integrating relational elements strengthens the theoretical framework of psychological empowerment.

Conclusions:

A relational component should be integrated into the definition and study of psychological empowerment.
This expanded view can improve the application and effectiveness of empowerment-oriented community interventions.
The proposed nomological network offers a more complete model of psychological empowerment.