Relational Turbulence Theory

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.

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The Relational Turbulence Model: A Meta-Analytic Review

Human Communication Research ◽

10.1093/hcr/hqaa002 ◽

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.

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Partner Influence, Emotion, and Relational Outcomes: A Test of Relational Turbulence Theory in Early Dating Relationships

Southern Communication Journal ◽

10.1080/1041794x.2019.1639212 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 84 (5) ◽

pp. 287-300 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Mary E. King ◽

Angela G. La Valley

Keyword(s):

Turbulence Theory ◽

Dating Relationships ◽

Relational Turbulence ◽

Partner Influence ◽

Relational Outcomes

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

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships ◽

10.1177/0265407520910792 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 37 (6) ◽

pp. 1852-1872 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

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

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships ◽

10.1177/02654075211000135 ◽

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.

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Applying Relational Turbulence Theory to Adult Caregiving Relationships

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gnz090 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Leanne K Knobloch ◽

Linda O Nichols ◽

Jennifer Martindale-Adams

Keyword(s):

Turbulence Theory ◽

Relational Turbulence

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

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships ◽

10.1177/02654075211041658 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 026540752110416

Author(s):

Timothy R. Worley ◽

Madison Mucci-Ferris

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

College Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Turbulence Theory ◽

Perceived Support ◽

Negatively Associated ◽

Relational Turbulence ◽

Social Support Seeking ◽

Support Seeking ◽

Anxiety Depression

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.

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

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships ◽

10.1177/02654075211044493 ◽

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.

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