A Longitudinal Test of Relational Turbulence Theory

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
James B. Stein
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Feedback Loop ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Turbulence Theory ◽  
Relational Communication ◽  
Partial Support ◽  
Relational Uncertainty ◽  
Relational Turbulence ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
Uncertainty Relationship

Abstract Relational turbulence theory (RTT) proposes causal relationships across cognitive, emotional and communicative variables. Although many tenets of this theory have been tested individually, there has not yet been a comprehensive, predictive examination of RTT. Using structural equation modelling, this study longitudinally tested several propositions and axioms of RTT. Results are largely in line with many of RTT's predictions. Time 1 relational uncertainty predicted time 2 biased cognitions. Time 1 facilitation from a partner predicted time 2 negative emotions. Negative emotions cross-sectionally related to both the enactment and valence of relational communication episodes. Relational turbulence theory's proposed feedback loop received partial support, such that time 1 communication valence (but not engagement) predicted time 2 partner uncertainty, relationship uncertainty and partner facilitation. Results are discussed in terms of theory expansion and refinement.

The Relational Turbulence Model: A Meta-Analytic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 222-249
Author(s):  
Alan K Goodboy ◽  
San Bolkan ◽  
Liesel L Sharabi ◽  
Scott A Myers ◽  
James P Baker
Keyword(s):  
Random Effects ◽  
Turbulence Model ◽  
Correlation Matrix ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Turbulence Theory ◽  
Relational Turbulence ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
Relational Turbulence Model ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Uncertainty Relationship

Abstract A series of 27 meta-analyses was conducted to synthesize theoretical predictions, to date, of the relational turbulence model (RTM), which has informed relational turbulence theory (RTT). In line with theorized predictions, 12 random-effects meta-analyses (k = 9–15; n = 1,395–5,493) confirmed that RTM variables (i.e., self uncertainty, partner uncertainty, relationship uncertainty, and partner interference), on average, correlated with topic avoidance, depressive symptoms, and relationship satisfaction. An additional 15 random-effects meta-analyses (k = 4–41; n = 930–8,975) were conducted to pool an average correlation matrix among self uncertainty, partner uncertainty, relationship uncertainty, partner interference, partner facilitation, and relational turbulence. This pooled correlation matrix was used to test a meta-analytic structural equation model of the RTM commonly specified in the literature. Global and local fit statistics indicated the meta-analytic data fit the RTM well. Collectively, these results offer empirical and theoretical evidence for the RTM across nearly 2 decades of research and provide insights for future scholarship guided by the axioms and propositions of RTT.

A relational turbulence theory perspective on women’s grief following miscarriage

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 1852-1872 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Tian ◽  
Denise Haunani Solomon
Keyword(s):  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Turbulence Theory ◽  
Relational Uncertainty ◽  
Relational Turbulence ◽  
Relationship Qualities ◽  
Conversational Behaviors ◽  
Grief Responses ◽  
Negative Appraisals ◽  
Mothers Experiences

This study used relational turbulence theory to examine (a) how the relational impact of miscarriage corresponded with bereaved mothers’ grief responses and (b) the association between a partner’s supportive conversational behaviors and relationship qualities. The sample included 193 women who had experienced a miscarriage within the previous year. As predicted, relational uncertainty was positively associated with women’s negative appraisals of miscarriage; facilitation from a partner was positively associated with women’s negative emotions; bereaved mothers’ negative appraisals and negative emotional responses covaried; and a partner’s supportive conversational behaviors were positively associated with facilitation from a partner. Contrary to our predictions, interference from a partner was not associated with more intense negative emotions, and a partner’s supportive conversational behaviors were positively associated with relational uncertainty and interference from a partner. The discussion highlights the relational impact of miscarriage on bereaved mothers’ experiences of grief.

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

2021 ◽  
pp. 026540752110444
Author(s):  
Deborah B. Yoon ◽  
Jennifer A. Theiss
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Turbulence Theory ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Identity Change ◽  
Relational Uncertainty ◽  
Partner Communication ◽  
Relational Turbulence ◽  
Relationship Outcomes ◽  
Practical Implications

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 Uncertainty Within Relational Turbulence Theory: The Bifactor Exploratory Structural Equation Model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan K Goodboy ◽  
San Bolkan ◽  
, Kellie Brisini ◽  
Denise Haunani Solomon
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Model ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Turbulence Theory ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Relational Uncertainty ◽  
Measurement Models ◽  
Relational Turbulence ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

Abstract Relational uncertainty consists of self, partner, and relationship uncertainty, which are core parameters in relational turbulence theory (RTT). Advances in latent variable modeling allow researchers to examine the multidimensional construct as a bifactor model, including a general factor of relational uncertainty and residualized factors of self, partner, and relationship uncertainty. This advance is theoretically consequential because RTT maintains the importance of distinctions among the facets of relational uncertainty, even while empirical evidence demonstrates considerable overlap among them. In two data sets (college sample, N = 513; married sample, N = 354), competing measurement models specified Relational Uncertainty Scale items as a unidimensional confirmatory factor model, 3-factor independent clusters confirmatory factor model, 3-factor exploratory structural equation model (ESEM), bifactor confirmatory factor model, and bifactor-ESEM. The bifactor-ESEM provided the best fit in both samples, and bifactor statistics clarified how variance from the scale is partitioned to yield essential unidimensionality for the general factor of relational uncertainty, controlling for its residualized factors. Tests of a latent predictive model using a bifactor specification of relational uncertainty were consistent with RTT. Implications for testing communication theory using bifactor-ESEM are discussed in light of these findings.

scholarly journals Relational turbulence from the COVID-19 pandemic: Within-subjects mediation by romantic partner interdependence

2021 ◽  
pp. 026540752110001
Author(s):  
Alan K. Goodboy ◽  
Megan R. Dillow ◽  
Kevin C. Knoster ◽  
Heath A. Howard
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Romantic Partner ◽  
Turbulence Theory ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Relational Turbulence ◽  
Within Subjects ◽  
The U.S

Relational turbulence theory posits that external changes to the relational environment compel romantic partners to navigate transitions by establishing new daily routines as interdependent couples. The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented transition fraught with difficult changes that have the potential to be especially disruptive to romantic partners’ daily routines as couples alter their patterns of interdependence and adapt their everyday lives. To study the pandemic’s effect as a relational transition, college students in romantic relationships ( N = 314) completed measures of partner facilitation and interference, negative emotions, and relational turbulence as they recalled what their relationships were like prior to the pandemic (January, 2020) and then reported on their relationships during the peak of the first wave of the pandemic in the U.S. (April, 2020). On average, negative emotions (i.e., anger, fear, sadness) toward interacting with partners and relational turbulence both increased from before to during the pandemic, and partner interference was positively correlated, whereas facilitation was inversely correlated, with negative emotions during the pandemic. Results of a within-subjects mediation model revealed that changes in relational turbulence were explained, in part, by a decrease in partner interdependence due to the pandemic. A direct effect of the pandemic on increases in relational turbulence was also discovered.

Parent–child relationships following spousal/parental death: An application of relational turbulence theory

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica A. Droser
Keyword(s):  
Parental Death ◽  
Turbulence Theory ◽  
Parent Child Relationship ◽  
Relational Uncertainty ◽  
Relational Turbulence ◽  
Relational Functioning ◽  
Child Relationship ◽  
Bereaved Children ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Parent Child

The death of a family member is a difficult experience. Although implications of loss are felt on intra- and interpersonal levels, little is known about how it affects the relational functioning of surviving family members, and in particular the parent–child relationship. Using data collected from 144 bereaved parent–child dyads, this study examined how the divergent experiences of spousally bereaved parents and parentally bereaved children impact the parent–child relationship following spousal/parental death. Drawing from relational turbulence theory (RTT), experiences with relational uncertainty and interference from a partner were explored. Findings indicate that parent–child pairs experience different types of relational uncertainty and interference from a partner and that within-dyad disagreement on these experiences can increase the amount of uncertainty and interference from a partner that an individual faces. This study extends RTT and demonstrates its generalizability to the parent–child relationship.

Identifying and measuring network-based relational uncertainty: Looking outside of the dyadic bubble

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 491-515
Author(s):  
James B. Stein ◽  
Paul A. Mongeau ◽  
Nikki I. Truscelli
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Turbulence Theory ◽  
Relational Uncertainty ◽  
Relational Development ◽  
Relational Turbulence ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Convergent And Divergent Validity ◽  
Open Coding ◽  
Measuring Network ◽  
Dyad Interaction

Previous research has explored both relational uncertainty and the importance of partners’ social networks in the development of close relationships. Combining these concepts would better facilitate our understanding of relational development. Accordingly, this four-study identifies and creates a novel measure for social network-based relational uncertainty experienced by individuals in romantic relationships. Studies 1 and 2 reveal eight distinct categories of network uncertainty via open coding. Studies 3 and 4 use these categories to create a network uncertainty measure (NUM) and compare it to several scales from relational turbulence theory. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis revealed five subscales, which derived from the original eight categories. Tests of convergent and divergent validity validate the NUM as a viable measure to be used in theory expansion as well as studies of network-dyad interaction. Regression analyses first compared the NUM to measures of self, partner, and relationship uncertainty. Results demonstrated strong empirical relationships between these variables, reaffirming conceptual similarities. Moreover, measures of relationship satisfaction intimacy were regressed on the NUM, controlling for relational uncertainty measures. Results demonstrated that the NUM contributes to these outcomes above and beyond self, partner, and relationship uncertainty. Findings are discussed in terms of empirical and conceptual value to the study of romantic relationships.

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

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 315-315
Author(s):  
Harleah Buck
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Turbulence Theory ◽  
Relational Uncertainty ◽  
Dyadic Relationship ◽  
Relational Turbulence ◽  
Affective Process

Abstract 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.

scholarly journals Caregivers’ Loss of the Dyadic Experience after Their Care Partners’ Death

2021 ◽  
pp. 019394592199042
Author(s):  
Harleah G. Buck ◽  
Karen Lyons ◽  
Philip Barrison ◽  
Paula Cairns ◽  
Tina Mason ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Turbulence Theory ◽  
Relational Uncertainty ◽  
Dyadic Relationship ◽  
Relational Turbulence ◽  
Care Partners ◽  
Affective Process

Little is known about 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.

The effects of employee behaviours on customer participation in the service encounter

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 1203-1222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yufei Zhao ◽  
Li Yan ◽  
Hean Tat Keh
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Customer Participation ◽  
Service Encounter ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
Retail Banks ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThere is considerable research examining the consequences and contingency factors of customer participation in the service encounter. In comparison, there is disproportionately less research examining the antecedents of customer participation. This paper aims to propose and test an appraisal-emotive framework of the effects of front-line employees’ in-role and extra-role behaviours on customer participation.Design/methodology/approachA survey on 583 customers of retail banks in China has been conducted to test the framework. Structural equation modelling and dominance analysis have been used for hypotheses testing.FindingsEmployees’ extra-role behaviour (i.e. organisational citizenship behaviour or OCB) has a stronger effect than their in-role behaviour (i.e. role-prescribed behaviour) in inducing customer participation. These effects are mediated by customer emotions. Specifically, the effect of employees’ in-role behaviour on customer participation was mediated by customers’ positive and negative emotions, whereas the effect of employees’ OCB was mediated by customers’ positive emotions but not by their negative emotions.Practical implicationsThe findings reveal that strategic management of employee behaviours can influence customer participation. While organisations often provide training to enhance employees’ in-role behaviour to deliver service performance, they should also recognise and encourage employees’ OCB as a means of increasing customer participation. In particular, employees who display positive emotions tend to evoke positive emotions in customers, which increase customer participation in the service encounter.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the few studies in marketing to examine the differential effects of employees’ in-role and extra-role behaviours on customer participation. Importantly, the findings show that employees’ OCB is not only more effective than employees’ in-role behaviour in influencing customer participation but also these two behaviours have varying effects on customer emotions. These findings are new and contribute to the literatures on customer participation, value co-creation and human resource management.

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