Dyadic Power Theory, Touch, and Counseling Psychology

A Response to Smith, Vogel, Madon, and Edwards (2011)

Bibliographic Data

ID8915136
AuthorsNorah E Dunbar (0000-0002-3912-3169, University of Oklahoma, corresponding author), Gordon Abra (University of Oklahoma)
Year2012
Volume40
Issue7
Pages1085-1093
Publication date2012-09-26
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Counseling Psychologist (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0011-0000 • E-ISSN: 1552-3861
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0011000012456883
OpenAlexW2131303678
LanguageEN
References cited16

Smith, Vogel, Madon, and Edwards’ (2011) recent article tested dyadic power theory (DPT) by examining the use of touch as a compliance-gaining tactic in the conflicts of married couples. In this response, we raise a methodological issue about the touch behaviors examined by Smith et al. and also pose a theoretical critique that their test of DPT violates an important scope condition of the theory. They did not examine differences between power-equal and power-unequal dyads, but instead they state that topic selection provides an actor with legitimate authority (and thus greater perceived power) and therefore the actor would touch their partner more to influence the partner. In contrast, DPT predicts that actors will use control attempts such as touch more when they are equal in power than when they are unequal. We believe DPT is relevant to touch in marital conflicts and provide a preliminary statement of that idea

Compliance (psychology · Epistemology · Power (physics · Scope (computer science · Statement (logic · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies · Psychology · Psychology of Social Influence · Social Psychology

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