Toward Relational Empowerment

Psychological empowerment has been theorized as a construct with emotional, behavioral and cognitive components. Yet, many
studies have stressed that empowerment processes are contingent on interpersonal relationships. Moreover, theory suggests
that power is developed and exercised through relationships. This article makes the case that expanding our conceptions of
psychological empowerment through the addition of a relational component can enhance our understanding of psychological empowerment
and the effectiveness of empowerment-oriented community practice. Previous research on empowerment is reviewed for relational
content, and additional insights into the relational context of empowerment processes are marshaled from other concepts in
community research including social capital, sense of community, social networks, social support, and citizen participation.
A new iteration of the nomological network for psychological empowerment is presented, including the elements of a relational
component.