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Interdependence Theory

Interdependence Theory is one of the few extant theories to provide a comprehensive analysis of interpersonal phenomena. The theory analyzes interdependence structure, describing the character of the interpersonal world by identifying crucial properties of interactions and relationships. The theory also analyzes interdependence processes, explaining how structure influences emotion, cognition, motivation, and behavior. Harold Kelley and John Thibaut developed interdependence theory over the course of four decades, beginning in the 1950s. Its initial formulation was contemporaneous with early social exchange and game theories, with which it shares some postulates. This entry reviews key concepts and principles of the theory.

Interdependence Structure

Interdependence Theory presents a formal analysis of the abstract properties of social situations. Rather than examining concrete social elements such as “professor threatens student” or “woman argues with man,” the theory identifies abstract elements such as “dependence is nonmutual” or “partners' interests conflict.” Hence, the theory allows scientists to understand situations that might differ in their superficial character, but that share crucial abstract properties. These abstract features of a situation constitute its “interpersonal reality”—a reality that causes people to think, feel, and behave in predictable ways.

The basic unit of interpersonal experience is an interaction: Each of two or more people can enact any of two or more behaviors. As a result of their choices, each person experiences good versus poor outcomes—consequences that are more versus less satisfying or pleasurable. The outcome of an interaction is satisfying to the extent that it gratifies (vs. frustrates) the individual's important needs, such as companionship, belongingness, and exploration.

Interdependence Theory analyzes the ways in which people affect their own and each other's outcomes, describing social situations in terms of six structural dimensions (see below). Most situations are defined by two or more dimensions, such that the key dimensions of interdependence are the building blocks of structure. Specific structural patterns are meaningful in that they activate specific sorts of goals and motives, influence cognition and emotion, and thereby shape behavior. As such, situations also determine what people can learn about and communicate to one another. The concept of affordance describes the implications of a specific situation for specific types of cognition, emotion, and motivation, identifying that which a situation makes possible or may activate in interaction partners.

Dimensions of Interdependence Structure

Level of dependence describes the degree to which an individual's outcomes are influenced by the partner's actions. John is more dependent when Mary—through her actions—can cause John to experience good versus poor outcomes. He is independent when her actions do not affect his well-being. Dependence is the converse of partner power—when John is dependent on Mary, Mary holds power over John. Although dependence causes people to persist in relationships, it also makes people vulnerable and exposes them to possible exploitation. Therefore, dependence affords people's thoughts and motives about trusting and depending on others versus remaining independent of others.

Mutuality of dependence describes the degree to which partners are equally dependent. Mutual dependence exists when Mary is as dependent on John as he is on her. Unilateral dependence exists when Mary is more dependent on John than John is on her, such that John holds greater power than Mary. Mutual dependence constitutes balance of power and tends to yield more stable and secure interaction. Situations with unilateral dependence entail risk, in that unilaterally powerful partners may behave as they wish without concern for others' well-being—unilaterally dependent partners are vulnerable to possible exploitation or abandonment. Thus, situations with unilateral dependence afford thoughts and motives about vulnerability (for the more dependent partner) and responsibility (for the less dependent partner) and give the less dependent partner the opportunity to behave in a generous or heroic manner.

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