The two-dimensional model of the power behavioural system: styles of activation and social comunication

Abstract

The power behavioral system is involved in the regulation of competitive behaviors aimed at the acquisition of power to ensure survival. In line with the principles of classification of the attachment system, the two-dimensional model of the power system conceives hyperactivation and deactivation as the two behavioral dimensions characterizing the system. By combining the different levels of the two dimensions on orthogonal axes, it is possible to define four activation styles. Among these, of particular clinical interest is a “problematic” activation style characterized by of high levels of both dimensions. Here, the predictions of the two-dimensional model of the power system were tested, by verifying the possibility of distinguishing four activation styles, characterized by different levels of hyperactivation and deactivation. For this purpose, a sample of 328 university students underwent self-report scales measuring the hyperactivation dimension, by evaluating aggressiveness, and the deactivation dimension, by evaluating social distress. The sample was divided into four activation styles, combining groups with high and low levels of the two dimensions. Results of multinomial logistic regression models on the four activation styles showed that the probability of belonging to each of them increased or decreased depending on levels of assertiveness and aggression in social relations. These findings provide support to the predictions of the two-dimensional model of the power system demonstrating the existence of a problematic activation style characterized by high levels of both hyperactivation and deactivation.

doi: 10.53240/2023topic4.042.002