The formation of coalitions: interaction strategies in triads

Abstract

Abstract Audio tapes of encounters between a physician, an elderly patient and an accompanying relative are used to describe the formation of coalitions in triadic relationships. A coalition is defined as interaction between two members of a triad who adopt a common strategy in contention with the third member. Preliminary analysis suggests that each medical encounter may contain several coalitions which vary in duration, topic, objectives of members and alignment of members.