A qualitative analysis of power‐based entrainment and interactional synchrony in couples. Issue 3 (26th July 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: DUNBAR, NORAH E.; MEJIA, ROBERT
• Is Part Of: Personal relationships. Volume 20:Issue 3(2013)
• Page Start: 391
• Page End: 405
• Publication Date: 2012-07-26
• Subjects: Interpersonal relations -- Periodicals; 302
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6811.2012.01414.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-4126

Abstract

Abstract: Interpersonal synchrony is a communicative lubricant that is associated with harmonious communication among conversational participants and is believed to be evidence of like‐mindedness and interpersonal solidarity. In this secondary analysis of an existing data set of both power‐equal and power‐unequal couples working through a discussion task, the content and form of their conversations were qualitatively examined for evidence of synchrony and dissynchrony. It was found that power‐equal couples tended toward synchronous communication and their conversations were represented by strategies that appeared either collaborative or competitive but generally respectful and problem oriented. The power‐unequal couples used one‐sided marginalization or withdrawal strategies that were characterized largely by dissynchrony. The theoretical implications for these findings are discussed.