Chapter 5: Dynamic Systems Analysis Of Affective Processes In Dyadic Interactions Using Differential Equations

Dyadic interactions involve the interrelations of two interdependent units in a system (e.g., teacher-student, husband-wife) as the system unfolds over time. To model dyadic interactions accurately, techniques are needed that can capture such interrelations and their time sequence. Differential equation models (DEMs) are one such technique. DEMs are powerful tools to examine change that occurs in a continuous fashion. Although DEMs are the common language in most scientific disciplines, their use in the social and behavioral sciences is not as widespread. In this chapter we apply differential equations to model the affect dynamics of individuals in couples. The chapter is organized as follows. First, we describe dyadic interactions and approaches typically used to model such interactions. Second, we provide a brief overview of DEMs and indicate some of the advantages of this technique. Third, we fit a number of systems of DEMs to empirical time-series data from couples. We finish the chapter with a summary of results and a discussion of implications for future research.