Symmetrical and Complementary Relationships as Feedback Cycles

An example diagram of a complementary relationship as an amplifying feedback cycle

Symmetrical and complementary relationships both form self-reinforcing feedback cycles, organising another aspect of human functioning.

Some therapists use the concepts of symmetrical and complementary relationships to understand interpersonal dynamics. (Bateson, 1972, p. 323; Nichols, 2008, p. 30).

Complementary relationships

Complementary relationships exist between two entities that differ, complementing and reinforcing each other’s roles, and increasing their interdependence.

An example is in a relationship where one person uses a skill more, gaining experience and confidence, while the other loses skill and confidence, such as in cooking and driving.

An example diagram of a complementary relationship as an amplifying feedback cycle

In this amplifying feedback cycle:

  • Alex cooks more, gaining skills & confidence, which tends to result in
  • Bill cooking less, decreasing his skills and confidence, which tends to result in
  • Alex cooking more, with Bill becoming increasingly dependent on Alex for cooking.

The evolution of humans and their gut microbes provides another example of a complementary relationship. See the link to my page on evolution.

Symmetrical relationships

Symmetrical relationships occur between two similar entities that mirror one another’s behaviour.

For example, when two people, Alex and Bill, both react to anger with anger, meaning that the slightest friction between them can escalate.

Alex gets more angry.Bill gets angrier.

In this amplifying feedback cycle:

  • Alex’s anger tends to
  • increase Bill’s anger, which tends
  • increase Alex’s anger.

Countries can exhibit the same symmetrical dynamic. During the Cold War, the USA and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) both built enormous stockpiles of nuclear weapons.

The USA builds more nuclear weapons.The USSR builds more nuclear weapons.

 
There is another example of a symmetrical relationship in my evolution page: the evolution of abilities in both predators and prey.

Wind Up

Symmetrical and complementary relationships both form self-reinforcing feedback cycles, organising another aspect of human functioning.

First loaded: 30 Dec 2025