Toward Development and Measurement of the Interpersonal Power Construct

Conflict management in adult sibling relationships: Differences in interpersonal power, sibling influence, and conflict tactic use among sibling types

“…A key determinant of conflict in sibling relationships, as in all relationships, is often an unequal distribution of power (Bedford et al, 2000). Interpersonal power is conceptualized as multidimensional in nature, stemming from an individual's perceived ability to regulate the rewards and costs of a close other and often includes perceptions of the individual's credibility and competence (Garrison & Pate, 1977). Perceptions of a close other's powerparticularly, perceptions that the other is more powerful -are frequently identified as causes of conflict and negative affect in close relationships (Keltner, Gruenfeld, & Anderson, 1993).…”

“…Positive assessments of power include the perception that an individual is powerful, has a great deal of influence over one's life, is credible and competent, and is a leader (Garrison & Pate, 1977). The perception of positive personal power has been related to such constructive outcomes as positive affect (Keltner et al, 2003) and improved problem-solving as well as increased relational satisfaction in adolescent romantic couples (Bentley, Galliher, & Ferguson, 2007).…”

“…Conversely, when an individual perceives another as lacking in some aspects of power (i.e., little to no sanction to reward/punish, perceptions of little to no competence, etc. ), the individual evaluates the other as having negative personal power (Garrison & Pate, 1977). Negative personal power is associated with negative outcomes such as increased feelings of potential threat and punishment resulting in negative affect toward the relationship.…”

“…Interpersonal power The Measure of Interpersonal Power (Garrison & Pate, 1977) is a 12-item multidimensional scale measuring the participants' perception of their siblings' power in their relationship. This instrument asks participants to indicate on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 7 = strongly agree) their level of agreement with 6 statements regarding the sibling's positive personal power (e.g., "I find my sibling to be a very persuasive person"), 4 statements referencing negative personal power (e.g., "My sibling is unable to make decisions and initiate action"), and 2 items related to reward power (e.g., "My sibling is able to reward others").…”

“…This instrument asks participants to indicate on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 7 = strongly agree) their level of agreement with 6 statements regarding the sibling's positive personal power (e.g., "I find my sibling to be a very persuasive person"), 4 statements referencing negative personal power (e.g., "My sibling is unable to make decisions and initiate action"), and 2 items related to reward power (e.g., "My sibling is able to reward others"). Due to concerns regarding the instability of the scale (Garrison & Pate, 1977), the original authors recommended additional testing of the measure. As such, a first-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, AMOS 22) was used to examine the three-dimensional nature of interpersonal power.…”