Handbook of Psychology, Personality and Social Psychology (Vol. 5)

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to begin to forge a new identity for interpersonal theory that recognizes its unique aspects and integrative potential. The authors suggest that the interpersonal perspective can serve as the basis for integrating diverse theoretical approaches to personality. The authors discuss: the interpersonal situation, the intrapsychic, the individual differences approach and the dyadic approach to describing interpersonal behavior, and interpersonal reciprocity and transaction. The authors conclude with suggestions of important areas in need of further theoretical development and empirical research (e.g., mental representation, development, and motivation). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)