A Relational Turbulence Model of Sexual Communication in Couples With Depression

2020 ◽  
pp. 009365022095822
Author(s):  
Amy L. Delaney

Couples coping with depression are prone to unique and pervasive sexual intimacy challenges and experience troubles communicating effectively. Successful sexual communication improves sexual and relationship satisfaction, making communication particularly important for couples facing sexual difficulties. In this study, the relational turbulence model serves as a framework to examine associations between sexual communication and both sexual and relationship satisfaction in couples ( N = 106) in which one or both partners live with depression. Results of a cross-sectional survey suggest sexual communication mediates relationships between both relational uncertainty and interference from a partner with sexual/relationship satisfaction. Results illuminate functions of communication about sex as couples navigate sexual and relational effects of depression.


2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia L. Mikucki-Enyart ◽  
John P. Caughlin

This study focuses on the transition to extended family that occurs as marriage creates in-law relationships along with the spousal unit. Specifically, it utilizes both the relational turbulence model and the multiple goals perspective to examine variations in communication avoidance and satisfaction with one’s in-law relationship. Our model proposes that key mechanisms of relational turbulence (i.e., relational uncertainty and interference from partners) are associated with in-law’s communicative goals (such as managing uncertainty, fostering a positive in-law identity, and maintaining family relationships), which in turn are associated with topic avoidance. In addition, we hypothesized that relational uncertainty, interference from partners, and the use of topic avoidance would be associated with dissatisfaction in nascent in-law bonds. A cross-sectional analysis of data from 203 children-in-law revealed that in addition to direct associations among relational uncertainty, interference from partners, topic avoidance, and satisfaction, children-in-law’s uncertainty management goals mediated a portion of the association between the mechanisms of turbulence and topic avoidance. These findings are consistent with our proposed model, suggesting important implications for our understanding of the transition to extended family, as well as our understanding of relational turbulence and multiple goals in in-law relationships.



2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 3075-3097
Author(s):  
Amy L. Delaney

Using the relational turbulence model, I test a model in which relational uncertainty and interference from a partner mediate the relationship between depressive symptoms and sexual intimacy challenges for couples with depression. Couples in whom one or both partners were clinically diagnosed with depression completed an online survey of closed-ended items. Results suggest depressive symptoms associate with relational uncertainty, and men’s depressive symptoms predict both their own and their partner’s interference from a partner. Interference from a partner emerged as a mediator for sexual intimacy challenges. The findings highlight partner interference as a mechanism of upheaval for couples with depression, and the results stand to help practitioners identify and mitigate sexual intimacy challenges.





2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 222-249
Author(s):  
Alan K Goodboy ◽  
San Bolkan ◽  
Liesel L Sharabi ◽  
Scott A Myers ◽  
James P Baker

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.



2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Holzapfel ◽  
Ashley K. Randall ◽  
Chun Tao ◽  
Masumi Iida

Intercultural couples - partners from two different countries - may face increased levels of stress within their relationship (internal stress). Although internal stress is negatively associated with relationship satisfaction, communication of such stress can help foster partners’ coping behaviors. Specifically, partners can engage in positive dyadic coping (DC) to help lower stress levels and improve relationship satisfaction. Despite the wealth of research on DC, examination of the associations of stress communication and DC in intercultural couples has been limited. To address this gap in the literature, this study used a sample of 73 self-identified heterosexual intercultural couples to examine their perceptions of internal stress, and associations between DC and relationship satisfaction. Cross-sectional survey data revealed negative main effects for both individuals’ own and their partner’s perceptions of internal stress on relationship satisfaction, and positive main effects for all forms of positive DC with relationship satisfaction. Stress communication by oneself moderated the association between partner’s perceived internal stress and one’s own relationship satisfaction, such that relationship satisfaction was higher when partners reported more engagement in stress communication at lower levels of internal stress. However, there were no significant main association between negative DC and relationship satisfaction, or significant moderations for any type of DC. Implications for relationship researchers and mental health professionals working with intercultural couples are discussed.



2007 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
LEANNE K. KNOBLOCH ◽  
LAURA E. MILLER ◽  
KATY E. CARPENTER


2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 542-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne K. Knobloch ◽  
Lynne M. Knobloch-Fedders ◽  
Jeremy B. Yorgason ◽  
Aaron T. Ebata ◽  
Patricia C. McGlaughlin


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