A Nonlinear Dynamic Approach of the Notion of Interaction.
Integrative psychological & behavioral science September 1, 2023 Lucia-Elisabeta Faiciuc
Interactionist theories can be closely connected to a nonlinear dynamic approach of psychological and social processes. The mathematical theory of dynamic systems (DST) offers a systematic conceptual and methodological framework for understanding interaction. From a DST perspective, interaction is conceived as an interdependent continuous evolution over time of two or more dynamic variables, which are paradoxically both separated as independent sources of variation and indistinguishable as a new emergent source of variation. This contrasts with the popular view of interaction as a sequence of action and reaction. The key notion of coupling, rarely used in interactionist work, is central to this dynamic systems view. Future studies should specify the link between the dynamic approach of interaction and action theories.