Relational turbulence processes among avoidant and anxious spouses

Abstract

ABSTRACT Relational turbulence theory (RTT) articulates processes that explain why spouses evaluate their marriages as chaotic. Specifically, RTT predicts that relational uncertainty biases cognitive appraisals about the marriage and that partner interference with daily routines heightens negative emotions toward the spouse, both of which, culminate in relational turbulence. Our study confirmed these theoretical processes in marriage. However, by integrating attachment theory predictions into RTT to further inform these processes, we demonstrated that RTT’s mechanisms were not the same for all spouses as they were dependent upon individuals’ attachment dimensions. Results of a latent profile analysis with distal outcomes indicated that RTT’s relationship parameters differed among spouses’ attachment styles, and results of conditional process models revealed that spouses who were higher in both attachment avoidance and anxiety experienced the most relational turbulence through theorized processes. Because RTT’s relationship parameters and processes differed by spouses’ attachment, our results speak to the importance of considering the moderation of RTT’s mechanistic pathways with particular emphasis on partners who vary in relationship security and interpersonal vulnerabilities