Interpersonal Dominance in Relational Conflict A View from.pdf

Dunbar, Norah E., Bippus, Amy M., Young, Stacy L. (2008). Interpersonal dominance in relational conflict: a view from dyadic power theo ry. Interpersona 2(1) , 1-33. Interpersonal Dominance in Relational Conflict: A View from Dyadic Power Theory 1 Norah E. Dunbar , Amy M. Bippus Stacy L. Young California State University Long Beach – Department of Communication Studies Abstract This investigation uses dyadic power theory (Dunbar, 2004; Dunbar Burgoon, 2005a; Rollins Bahr, 1976) to offer competing hypotheses examining the relationship between power and dominance in close relationships. Forty-seven couples engaged in a conversation while being videotaped; the tapes were coded by third-party observers for dominance. Participants rated themselves to be the most dominant when they were equal to their partners in power, followed by those who perceived they were more powerful relative to their partners. Men and women had different perceptions of power and dominance in their relationships. Men’s perceptions of power were not related to their behavioral dominance whereas when women saw themselves as more powerful, they viewed their partners as more dominant. Keywords: power; dominance; close relationships; conflict. Interpersonal Dominance in Relational Conflict: A View from Dyadic Power Theory Conflict is an unavoidable part of interpersonal relationships, with both positive and negative consequences for relationships in the long- and short-term. Conflict can strengthen the relationship and enhance relationship satisfac