Relational Turbulence Theory Research Articles

Interference from a partner and anger arousal: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to examine proposition 2 of relational turbulence theory, that interference from a partner heightens affective arousal toward the partner. The meta-analysis revealed a positive average correlation between interference from a partner and anger toward that partner (k = 15, N = 6114, r = .419 [95% CI: .376, .459]) with a prediction interval ranging from .264 to .553. Upon uncovering heterogeneity, study moderators were examined to explain variability in study effect sizes including (a) dating versus married samples, (b) average length of romantic relationship, (c) percent of female participants in the study, (d) average age of participants, (e) author research teams, (f) before COVID-19 versus during COVID-19 data collections, and (g) discrete anger measurements versus anger subsumed in negative affect measurements. These study moderators were unable to explain heterogeneity in effect sizes. The computed summary effect and prediction interval support the theoretical logic of proposition 2 from relational turbulence theory.

Emerging adult romantic relationship narratives during COVID‐19: Understanding relational challenges and opportunities

AbstractThis cross‐sectional study sought to understand how emerging adult college students currently in relationships experienced and dealt with COVID‐19 stress during a key time for romantic relationship development. Using a relational turbulence theory (RTT) framework, we examined romantic relationship narratives in three different groups of students for indicators of uncertainty (break‐up anxiety [BUA]), interference (conflict and negative emotion), facilitation (support), and coping strategies. Of particular interest was whether these indicators would vary as a function of when the stress of the pandemic was assumed to be more compared to less disruptive to relationships (Group 1 Fall 2020 and Group 2 Spring 2021, off campus/unvaccinated; Group 3 Fall 2021, on campus/vaccinated). As expected, students interviewed during periods when pandemic stress was assumed to be higher showed more break‐up anxiety, increased conflict, and angry word use to describe conflict events. However, contrary to expectations, sad emotions and support did not vary as a function of when students were interviewed. Regardless of when students were interviewed, there were several strategies they used to cope with the stresses of COVID‐19. The most frequent strategies students described were using technology/media to stay connected and taking steps to keep themselves and their families healthy.

Relational Turbulence: A Latent Model Test of Theoretical Propositions

ABSTRACT In this study we simultaneously tested theoretically specified predictions from relational turbulence theory (RTT) using a fully latent structural regression model. A total of 807 college students in dating relationships responded to survey items measuring variables embedded in RTT, including relationship parameters (relational uncertainty and interdependence), biased cognitive appraisals, emotions, relational communication, and relational turbulence. Results from structural equation modeling revealed that RTT predictions were consistent with our data, but a respecified model with less restrictive constraints was a better fit. This less restrictive model allowed relational uncertainty to predict negative affect, and partner interference and facilitation to predict biased cognitive appraisals. Propositions of RTT were sustained.

Moderated Effects of Partner Interdependence on Relational Turbulence

According to relational turbulence theory, interdependent partners exert influence in their romantic relationships through the interference and facilitation of daily routines. Programmatic scholarship consistently reveals that interference is associated positively, whereas facilitation is associated negatively, with relational turbulence in romantic relationships. However, as behavioral manifestations of interdependence that may co-occur, there is a possibility that enough facilitation from a partner might offset the effect of interference on relational turbulence. This study of romantic partners (N = 475) revealed moderated interdependence insofar as the effect of partner interference on relational turbulence was buffered by partner facilitation. This moderated effect further informed a theoretical model predicting the perceived likelihood of marriage. Thus, in relationships where daily routines are disrupted often, balancing facilitation with interference may mitigate chaotic relational states.

The role played by relational turbulence in managing agency problems among value chain partners in the sharing economy: A review of the antecedents, benefits, risks, and boundary conditions

The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed theoretical review based on the “relational turbulence model,” revealing current research gaps and demonstrating its applicability to the management of agency problems among value chain partners by using antecedents, benefits, risks, and boundary conditions. “Relational turbulence theory” proposes a communication perspective on interpersonal relationships that explains how relationship transitions polarize emotions and cognitive assessments, disrupting partner communication in the sharing economy. Relational turbulence theory has recently gained traction in value chain literature in relation to the management of agency problems between partners within the sharing economy context; however, there is a surprising lack of agreement on the antecedents, benefits, risks, and boundary conditions of such relationships. To address this gap, we reviewed 52 peer-reviewed publications published between 2011 and 2021. Furthermore, this paper reveals the current research gaps and future research topics by recommending the application of relational turbulence theory with respect to antecedents, benefits, risks, and boundary conditions in the management of agency problems among value chain partners.

Integrating relational turbulence theory and the theory of resilience and relational load to investigate the relationships of couples with chronic illness

ABSTRACT Chronic illness is both prevalent in U.S. adults and influential in people’s lives and relationships. In this study, we integrate relational turbulence theory with the theory of resilience and relational load to consider associations between perceptions of the relationship, relational maintenance, and two global relationship qualities: resilience and relational load. Results from a cross-sectional online survey of 100 dyads in which at least one partner reported a chronic condition suggest relational turbulence was associated with relational maintenance, which, in turn, was associated with relational load and resilience. Relational maintenance emerged as a mediator in the association between relational turbulence and resilience and relational load in several tests. Communal orientation was positively associated with relational maintenance and indirectly related to resilience and relational load in certain circumstances. We discuss these findings for each theory individually, the value of considering these theories concurrently, and pragmatic advice for couples navigating chronic illness.

Operationalizing relational construal level to test relational turbulence theory: Linking relational turbulence in romantic relationships to interpersonal processes

Drawing upon construal level theory (CLT) and relational turbulence theory (RTT), two studies developed and assessed three operationalizations of relational construal level, defined as how concretely or abstractly people conceptualize their romantic relationship, and evaluated relational construal level as a mediator of the associations between relational turbulence and supportiveness, collaborative planning, and social network engagement using data reported by individuals in romantic relationships. In Study 1 ( N = 405), preference for abstract versus concrete descriptions of relational activities and tendency to make extreme versus neutral judgments about a partner demonstrated desirable measurement properties and negative associations with relational turbulence, as predicted. A third measure indexing the accessibility of relational judgments was associated with neither relational turbulence nor the other measures of relational construal level. Study 2 used a more ethnically diverse sample ( N = 414; Asian: n = 103, Black: n = 105, Hispanic: n = 102, White: n = 104) and identified preference for abstract versus concrete descriptions of relational activities as the most robust operationalization of relational construal level. Specifically, this measure was negatively associated with relational turbulence and mediated the associations between relational turbulence and supportiveness, collaborative planning, and social network engagement, as predicted by RTT.

Interdependence and Affective Processes in Relational Turbulence Theory

Studies guided by relational turbulence theory (RTT) emphasize negative emotions as the affective mechanism responsible for turbulence arising from interfering partners. However, a more complete examination of RTT’s affective mechanisms should study how interference and facilitation indirectly predict turbulence through intensified negative and positive emotions. We report results from 349 individuals after examining interference and facilitation together to estimate indirect effects on turbulence through negative and positive emotions. Results revealed a positive direct effect of interference on turbulence, and a positive indirect effect of interference on turbulence through negative and positive emotions. We observed a negative indirect effect of facilitation on turbulence through positive emotions. RTT processes originating from interference and facilitation were contrasted and found to be equivalent in strength.

코로나19 팬데믹 시기 부부간 소통과 관계 변화: 관계 난기류 이론(Relational Turbulence Theory)을 적용한 설문조사 연구

본 연구는 코로나19 팬데믹 기간에 결혼생활 변화에 대응하기 위한 부부간 소통과 관계 변화를 분석하였다. 이를 위해 관계 난기류 이론(relational turbulence theory) 을 이론적 틀로 사용해서 코로나19가 초래한 관계 과도기에 부부 관계의 불확실성(자 기·배우자·관계 불확실성) 및 배우자의 영향(방해·도움)이 부부간 소통에 어떠한 영 향을 미치는지, 그리고 부부간 소통이 관계 난기류에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 연구하였 다. 전국의 기혼 성인남녀 1,007명을 대상으로 온라인 설문조사를 수행한 결과, 자기 불 확실성은 관계 불확실성에 정적 영향을, 부부간 소통에는 부적 영향을 미쳤다. 배우자 불확실성 역시 관계 불확실성에 정적 효과를 미쳤다. 배우자의 영향 중 도움은 부부간 소통을 증가시키는 효과가 있었으나 방해의 효과는 발견되지 않았다. 부부간 소통은 관 계 난기류에 부적 영향을 미쳤으며, 자기 불확실성과 배우자의 도움이 관계 난기류에 미치는 영향은 직접효과와 부부간 소통에 의해 매개되는 간접효과 모두 나타났다. 본 연구는 관계 난기류 이론을 코로나19 기간 국내 부부 관계에 적용하여 검증한 이론적 의의와 함께, 장기간 지속된 감염병 위기에 대응할 소통 중심의 실천적 방안을 도출하는 함의가 있다.

Relational uncertainty, interdependence and psychological distress during COVID-19: A longitudinal study.

Drawing on the relational turbulence theory, this study explored the associations of self, partner and relationship uncertainty, and partner interference and facilitation with psychological distress symptoms during the COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders. A longitudinal study of 313 individuals was conducted in Israel at three time points, spanning from the first lockdown (April 2020) and through the alleviation of the severe restrictions (June 2020). Multilevel modelling indicated divergent associations between the different sources of relational uncertainty and interdependence and somatization, depression and anxiety. Further analyses pointed to divergent findings regarding how change in self, partner and relationship uncertainty predicted change in somatization, depression and anxiety over the course of the study, depending on whether the three sources of relational uncertainty were analysed separately or simultaneously in the same model. Change in interference from a partner did not predict changes in psychological distress. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Transition into marriage: A test of relational uncertainty, turbulence, dyadic synchrony, and cohabitation in newlyweds

AbstractObjectiveThis study explored the associations among relational uncertainty, relational turbulence, dyadic synchrony, and cohabitation status among newlyweds.BackgroundMarriage is a highly desired institution across racial groups, gender identities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic status. However, divorce rates remain high and marital problems early in the relationship are more predictive of dissolution.MethodsWe developed a preliminary instrument to test dyadic synchrony, an outcome variable within relational turbulence theory (RTT). EFA results suggested a two‐factor measure of dyadic synchrony: conversational comfort and ease and communication coordination and authenticity. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate direct and indirect theoretical associations among relational uncertainty, relational turbulence, and dyadic synchrony. An online survey was administered to a sample of newlyweds (N = 234) through Amazon's MTurk.ResultsResults indicated that relational uncertainty and turbulence, predicted dyadic synchrony; turbulence also mediated these associations. Finally, results indicated no differences between premarital and marital cohabiters' experiences of relational uncertainty, turbulence, and dyadic synchrony.ConclusionThe study results offer theoretical and methodological insights as well as translational implications for newlyweds, family systems, and clinicians.ImplicationsIf couples and their support systems view relational uncertainty and turbulence as a likelihood, this could help normalize their experiences and remove feelings of worry, shame, and guilt. Moreover, clinicians working with partners in premarital counseling or couples therapy could incorporate these findings into treatment such that partners could better adjust expectations, build awareness, and develop conflict resolution and strong communication skills.

A longitudinal investigation of relational turbulence during the transition to college

ABSTRACT As emerging adults transition to college, they must adapt to new circumstances, both academic and personal. For partners involved in a romantic relationship prior to attending college, this transition has important relational implications, including potential fluctuations in relational uncertainty and interdependence. Guided by relational turbulence theory (RTT), we conducted the present study to model growth trajectories of first-semester students’ relationship parameters and experiences of relational turbulence during their transition to college (i.e., during the first eight weeks). Results of latent growth curve modeling revealed that students experienced higher levels of relational uncertainty, interference from a partner, and facilitation from a partner at the very beginning of their first semester in college, but each of these relationship parameters decreased over the first two months of the semester. Additionally, relational turbulence remained stable and did not change throughout the semester but correlated with contemporaneous relationship parameters as RTT predicts.

Relational turbulence processes among avoidant and anxious spouses

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

Relational turbulence and social network engagement during the summer of COVID-19: A repeated measures, dyadic analysis.

Background/Purpose: Relational turbulence theory suggests that changes in and around relationships create the potential for relational turbulence when everyday routines and scripts are upended and communication becomes polarized. In turn, perceptions of a romantic relationship as chaotic or tumultuous can influence a person’s engagement with their social network. Alternately, previous research also suggests that engagement with friends and family has the potential to influence married partner’s relationship quality. Research Design: This study examined these propositions among a sample of married couples (N = 64, 128 individuals) whose daily experiences and relationship dynamics changed during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Results/Conclusions: Based on a 10-week, weekly diary repeated measures design, results suggest that relational turbulence and the valence of social network engagement may be mutually influential, such that (a) relational turbulence may influence the way in which married partners interpret communication with social network members and (b) the valence of communication with social network members may influence experiences of relational turbulence.

Caregivers' Loss of the Dyadic Experience After Their Care Partner's Death

One emerging dyadic concept is the experience of family caregivers when their care partner dies and their dyadic relationship comes to an end. This study qualitatively examined and characterized the loss of the dyadic experience for the caregiver after the death of their care partner. Data was accrued as part of a randomized clinical trial in 29 older hospice caregivers. Iterative thematic analysis focused on dyadic processes before, during and post death. Using two relational parameters from Relational Turbulence Theory resulted in a preliminary characterization of a new concept - dyadic dissolution as a cognitive and affective process whereby a remaining member of a dyad experiences relational uncertainty and partner interference while adapting (or not) to the death of their care partner. Findings suggest that asking several open-ended questions about the dyadic relationship will enable assessment for any continuing impact of relational uncertainty and partner interference on bereaved caregivers.

Caregiving spouses’ experiences of relational uncertainty and partner influence in the prolonged relational transition of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias cause gradual cognitive and communicative decline over a period of several years creating a prolonged transitional period in the lives of people with the disease and their spouse. Relational turbulence theory served as a lens to examine 18 in-depth interviews with caregiving spouses regarding their experiences of relational uncertainty, and interference and facilitation from their partner throughout this prolonged relational transition. Counterintuitively, the experience of relational uncertainty was greatly influenced by the certainties of relational change and termination (death) that shifted the temporal focus of uncertainty to the future. Communicative symptoms and aggressive behavior were a main source of interference. Despite the impairment of the disease, caregiving spouses recognized their partners’ expressions of gratitude, moments of recognition, and simple expressions of love as facilitation.

The role of identity uncertainty in predicting relational turbulence and perceived partner communication for women coping with infertility

Infertility can change the way people see themselves and their relational roles. This study examined how changes to identity following reproductive hardship are associated with identity uncertainty and relationship outcomes. Drawing on relational turbulence theory, we position identity uncertainty as an antecedent condition for relational uncertainty and interdependence processes in the context of infertility and examine these relationship mechanisms as predictors of relational turbulence and perceptions of partner communication during this relationship transition. We surveyed 152 women who have been unsuccessful at conceiving for at least 12 months about their identity and perceptions of their relationship. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Consistent with hypotheses, identity change was positively associated with identity uncertainty, which, in turn, predicted increased relational uncertainty. Relational turbulence was positively predicted by relational uncertainty, but not partner interference or facilitation. Perceptions of a partner’s communication were predicted by relational turbulence and partner facilitation. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Relational turbulence during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal analysis of the reciprocal effects between relationship characteristics and outcomes of relational turbulence

This study offers a longitudinal and dyadic test of relational turbulence theory during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, this study highlights the severity of irritations and the aggressiveness and openness of relational communication as outcomes of relational turbulence that both shape and reflect relationship characteristics during this transition. Romantic dyads ( N = 151) completed four weekly surveys during the pandemic’s early stages. We used multilevel modeling to document between- and within-person effects and evaluate reciprocal effects over time. Results indicated that relational uncertainty and partner interference were positively associated with relational turbulence, whereas partner facilitation was negatively associated with turbulence. Relational turbulence was positively associated with the severity of irritations and the aggressiveness of communication, and negatively associated with the openness of communication, above and beyond the effects of the relationship mechanisms. Over-time analyses showed that relational turbulence, severity of irritations, aggressive communication, and open communication predicted subsequent levels of relationship qualities. These findings showcase the theoretical utility of relational turbulence theory for explaining how relationships are affected by the pandemic and highlight relationship processes to target in helping couples manage their relationship during these stressful times.

Parent–student relational turbulence, support processes, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

In Spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced unexpected transitions for college students and their families. Informed by Relational Turbulence Theory, we examined associations among relational turbulence processes in students’ relationships with parents, social support seeking and reception, and mental health. Seven hundred forty-seven college students living at home with a parent completed an online survey during June 2020. Students’ self uncertainty, interference from parents, and relational turbulence were negatively associated with their support seeking and perceptions of support from parents, whereas facilitation from parents predicted increased support seeking and perceptions of support. In turn, support seeking and perceived support were negatively associated with students’ anxiety, depression, and stress. Finally, support processes mediated the association of turbulence with depression.

Trajectories of relational turbulence and affectionate communication across the post-deployment transition

ABSTRACT Affectionate communication may play a key role in how military couples navigate the transition from deployment to reintegration. Informed by relational turbulence theory, this study considered how the trajectory of relational turbulence experienced by military couples over time predicted their verbal and nonverbal expressions of affection. Online self-report data were gathered from 268 U.S. military couples across eight months beginning at homecoming. Relational turbulence increased over time and affectionate communication decreased over time. Also as predicted, the trajectory of increasing relational turbulence corresponded with greater declines in verbal and nonverbal expressions of affection. These results advance relational turbulence theory, illuminate the trajectory of affectionate communication over time, and inform ways to assist military couples upon reunion after deployment.