Relational turbulence and the post-deployment transition: Self, partner, and relationship focused turbulence
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Theiss, J. A., & Knobloch, L. K. (2014). Relational turbulence and the post-deployment transition: Self, partner, and relationship focused turbulence. Communication Research, 41(1), 27–51. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093650211429285
Abstract Created by REACH:
Researchers examined how the relational turbulence model applied to post-deployment couple reunions. They used relational uncertainty (uncertainty about the relationship) and partner interference (a behavior of one partner that interrupts the other’s routine or pursuit of a goal) to predict three markers of possible relationship distress: (a) relational maintenance, (b) partner responsiveness, (c) and turmoil appraisals. An online survey was used to collect data Service members and their partners. Findings suggest that the model is relevant for explaining the communication experiences of military couples during the post-deployment transition, and that relational uncertainty and partner interference explained unique variance in relationships distress markers beyond the effect of reported relationship satisfaction.
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Air Force
Army
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Spouse of service member or veteran
Guard/Reserve member
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Empirical Study
Quantitative Study
Authors:
Theiss, Jennifer A., Knobloch, Leanne K.
Abstract:
This study applied the relational turbulence model to the communication of U.S. service members and at-home partners following the return from a tour of duty by evaluating three turbulence markers: (a) relational maintenance, (b) partner responsiveness, and(c) turmoil appraisals. Participants were 235 individuals (128 service members, 107at-home partners) who completed an online questionnaire within 6 months following reunion. Relational uncertainty and interference from partners predicted turbulence markers, and they partially mediated the association between relationship satisfaction and turbulence markers. Results suggest that the relational turbulence model is useful for illuminating the experiences of military couples during the post-deployment transition. Findings also point to turbulence markers that may be salient during a variety of relationship transitions.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
SAGE Publications
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Department of Communication, Rutgers University, JAT
Department of Communication, University of Illinois, LKL
Keywords:
relational turbulence, partner responsiveness, relationship satisfaction, military personnel, return from duty
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary