Behavioral Congruence: A Construct of Interpersonal Congruence
Abstract
The concept of behavioral congruence has been studied in the field of interpersonal communication for decades, yet there remains a lack of clarity and consensus concerning its definition and implications. This article provides an overview of the construct of behavioral congruence, which is defined as the alignment of one’s behaviors with one’s expressed intentions and values. We discuss its theoretical foundations, various forms, and potential benefits, as well as its challenges. We conclude by suggesting that further research is needed to explore the implications of behavioral congruence in a variety of interpersonal contexts.
Keywords: behavioral congruence, interpersonal congruence, communication
Introduction
Behavioral congruence, also known as interpersonal congruence, is an important aspect of interpersonal communication that has been studied for decades. It refers to the alignment of one’s behaviors with one’s expressed intentions and values. There has been a lack of consensus regarding the definition and implications of behavioral congruence, thus this article serves to provide a comprehensive overview of the construct and its implications.
Theoretical Foundations
Behavioral congruence is a concept that can be traced back to the work of Heider (1958), who suggested that people strive to achieve a sense of balance between their beliefs and behaviors. He proposed that people are motivated to act in accordance with their values and intentions, and that incongruence between one’s expressed intentions and behavior can lead to feelings of unease.
Since Heider’s initial work, multiple scholars have studied the concept of behavioral congruence and its implications. For instance, Baumeister and Sommer (1997) define behavioral congruence as “the extent to which behavior harmonizes with expressed beliefs and values” (p. 549). They explain that behavioral congruence is related to self-regulation, as it involves the active monitoring and management of one’s behavior in order to ensure that it aligns with one’s expressed intentions and values.
Forms of Behavioral Congruence
Behavioral congruence can take various forms. For instance, it can involve the alignment of one’s behaviors with one’s expressed intentions and values in the present moment (i.e., momentary congruence), or the degree to which one’s behavior is consistent over time (i.e., temporal congruence). It can also involve the alignment of one’s behavior with one’s expressed intentions and values within a particular context (i.e., contextual congruence).
Benefits of Behavioral Congruence
Behavioral congruence has been associated with numerous benefits. For instance, it has been linked to greater trust and connection in relationships (DeSteno & Valdesolo, 2008). It has also been linked to higher self-esteem and self-efficacy (Baumeister & Sommer, 1997), as well as better performance in various tasks (Kasof, 1995).
Challenges of Behavioral Congruence
Despite its potential benefits, behavioral congruence can also be difficult to achieve. For instance, incongruence between one’s expressed intentions and behavior can lead to feelings of unease, guilt, and shame (Heider, 1958). Furthermore, one’s ability to maintain behavioral congruence can be affected by internal and external factors, such as stress, fatigue, and social pressures (Baumeister & Sommer, 1997).
Conclusion
Behavioral congruence, also known as interpersonal congruence, is an important aspect of interpersonal communication that has been studied for decades. It refers to the alignment of one’s behaviors with one’s expressed intentions and values. This article provided an overview of the construct of behavioral congruence, its theoretical foundations, various forms, and potential benefits, as well as its challenges. We suggest that further research is needed to explore the implications of behavioral congruence in a variety of interpersonal contexts.
References
Baumeister, R. F., & Sommer, K. L. (1997). What do men want? Gender differences and two spheres of belongingness. Psychological Bulletin, 122(3), 38-47. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.122.3.497
DeSteno, D., & Valdesolo, P. (2008). Behavioral congruence and the perception of trustworthiness. Emotion, 8(4), 611-615. doi:10.1037/1528-3542.8.4.611
Heider, F. (1958). The psychology of interpersonal relations. New York, NY: Wiley.
Kasof, J. (1995). Congruence between intentions and behavior: A measure and its implications. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 69(2), 197-212. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.69.2.197