Tethering theory to timescale: Advances in measuring interpersonal complementarity and covariation

Abstract

Interpersonal theory suggests interpersonal functioning is healthier when exchanging dominance throughout a conversation (agentic complementarity). However, many research paradigms measure agency across conversations rather than within conversations. This leads to different timescales (minutes vs. seconds) and analyses (between-situation vs. within-situation), complicating how interpersonal complementarity is researched and applied clinically. Interpersonal processes (complementarity, covariation) are examined across different timescales, and a new way to measure within-situation complementarity using EMA data is proposed. Participants across two datasets (n = 186, n = 180) completed 20 social interaction records. New measures of within-situation interpersonal processes were more often and stronger related to measures of psychopathology at baseline and in daily life. I discuss the implications for theory and assessment of interpersonal processes moving forward.