Functional Interdependence Theory: An Evolutionary Account of Social Situations

Abstract

Social interactions are characterized by distinct forms of interdependence, each of which has unique effects on how behavior unfolds within the interaction. Despite this, little is known about the psychological mechanisms that allow people to detect and respond to the nature of interdependence in any given interaction. We propose that interdependence theory provides clues regarding the structure of interdependence in the human ancestral past. In turn, evolutionary psychology offers a framework for understanding the types of information processing mechanisms that could have been shaped under these recurring conditions. We synthesize and extend these two perspectives to introduce a new theory: functional interdependence theory (FIT). FIT can generate testable hypotheses about the function and structure of the psychological mechanisms for inferring interdependence. This new perspective offers insight into how people initiate and maintain cooperative relationships, select social partners and allies, and identify opportunities to signal social motives.

Revising Working Models Across Time: Relationship Situations That Enhance Attachment Security

“…Diagnostic situations convey information about one's own and/or a partner's willingness to do significant things for each other and their relationship (Beck & Clark, 2009;Holmes & Rempel, 1989;Murray & Holmes, 2009;Simpson, 2007). Consciously or unconsciously, partners scan each other's behavior for what it reveals about each other's true underlying motives and goals (Balliet, Tybur, & Van Lange, 2016;cf. Carlston & Skowronski, 1994;Kelley, 1983;Kelley et al, 2003).…”

Interdependence: A Concept Analysis

“…Several theories have adapted the concept of interdependence todescribe a mutual relationship. Balliet, Tybur, and Van Lange [3] tailored the interdependence theory to relate social interactions and their unique effects on behaviors that are appliedin said interactions. Rodriguez, Neighbors, and Knee [4] used a model of interdependence to describe a relationship between marital distress and problematic alcohol use.…”

“…Balliet, Tybur, and Van Lange [3]authored "Functional Interdependence Theory: An Evolutionary Account of Social Situations. " Rodriquez, Neighbors, and Knee [4] wrote "Problematic alcohol use and marital distress: An Interdependence Theory Perspective. "…”

Navigating Interdependent Social Situations

“…However, in real life, individuals rarely possess objective knowledge regarding the consequences of their own and others' behavior (Balliet, Tybur, & Van Lange, 2016;Halevy & Katz, 2013;Messick, 1999). As such, they have to infer this information based on past experience, environmental cues, and/or a partner's characteristics (Balliet et al, 2016).…”

“…Importantly, there are considerable benefits to individuals who are able to infer their interdependence with others in a situation, such as an enhanced ability to predict and/or influence others' behavior (Balliet et al, 2016). For example, understanding that a situation contains a conflict of interests (a type of interdependence) can be useful in predicting others' behavior in that situation and then responding in a way that results in desirable outcomes.…”