Interdependence Theory

Definition

Interdependence theory describes the structural properties that characterize interactions and the implications of such structure for human psychology. Whereas most psychological theories focus on the individual, suggesting that people behave as they do because of their unique experiences or cognitions or personalities, interdependence theory regards the relationships between people as important as the people themselves. Thus, the theory represents a much-needed model of the nature and implications of interdependence; it is a truly social psychological theory.

Background and History

Harold Kelley and John Thibaut developed interdependence theory over the course of 4 decades, beginning in the 1950s. Its initial formulation was contemporaneous with early social exchange and game theories, with which it shares some postulates. The theory analyzes interdependence structure, identifying crucial properties of interactions and relationships, as well as interdependence processes, explaining how structure influences motivation and behavior.

Interdependence Structure

Interdependence theory presents a formal analysis of the abstract properties of social situations. Rather than examining concrete social elements such as “professor teaches student” or “man seduces woman,” the theory identifies abstract elements such as “dependence is mutual” or “partners' interests conflict.” Why emphasize abstract properties? Although two situations may differ in concrete ways, they may share abstract properties that cause people to think, feel, and behave in predictable ways.

The basic unit of experience is an interaction: Each of two or more people can enact any of two or more behaviors. As a result, each person experiences good versus poor outcomes, consequences that are more versus less satisfying or pleasurable. All social situations can be described in terms of six structural dimensions. Given that most situations are defined by their properties with respect to two or more structural properties, these dimensions are the building blocks of interdependence structure.

Level of dependence describes the degree to which an individual's outcomes are influenced by another's actions. John is more dependent on Mary to the extent that through her actions, Mary can cause John to experience good versus poor outcomes. He is independent when her actions do not influence his well-being. Thus, John's dependence on Mary is the converse of her power over him—when John is more dependent, Mary is more powerful.

Mutuality of dependence describes the degree to which people are equally dependent. Mutual dependence exists when Mary is as dependent on John as he is on her. Unilateral dependence involves vulnerability on the part of one person, in that the less dependent person may behave as he or she wishes without concern for the other's well-being. Mutuality constitutes balance of power, yielding fewer opportunities for exploitation and more congenial interaction.

Basis of dependence describes whether dependence rests on partner control, where John's outcomes are governed by Mary's unilateral actions, versus joint control, where John's outcomes are governed by John's and Mary's joint actions. Partner control is absolute and externally controlled, in that John's outcomes are entirely governed by Mary's behavior. Joint control is contingent, in that John's outcomes rest on coordination with Mary (e.g., if he can predict her [Page 489]actions, he can modify his behavior and achieve good outcomes).

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