A Nonlinear Dynamic Approach of the Notion of Interaction

Although it is not so obvious reading many of the interactionist works, interactionist theories can be tightly linked with a nonlinear dynamic approach of the psychological and social processes. The mathematical theory of dynamic systems (DST) could offer a more systematic conceptual and methodological outlook over the notion of interaction. From a DST perspective, interaction may be conceived as an interdependent continuous evolution in time of two or more dynamic variables, which are paradoxically simultaneously separated (as independent sources of variation), and undistinguishable, being united in a new, emergent, source of variation. This conception differs from the popular conception of the interaction as a succession of action and reaction. The key notion that, from a dynamic systems perspective, is linked with interaction is that of coupling, which is rarely used in the interactionist works. Future studies should specify the link between the dynamic approach of interaction and action theories.