Relational Turbulence Theory: Understanding Family Communication during Times of Change

Leanne K. Knobloch; Denise Haunani Solomon; Jennifer A. Theiss; Rachel M. McLaren

doi:10.4324/9781003614173-26

Book chapter

Relational Turbulence Theory: Understanding Family Communication during Times of Change

Leanne K. Knobloch, Leanne K. Knobloch, Denise Haunani Solomon, Denise Haunani Solomon, Jennifer A. Theiss, Jennifer A. Theiss, Rachel M. McLaren and Rachel M. McLaren

Engaging Theories in Family Communication, pp.304-317

Routledge, Third edition

2027

DOI: 10.4324/9781003614173-26

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Abstract

Relational turbulence theory seeks to explain how people communicate when circumstances change within relationships. The theory proposes that transitions in relationships have the potential to incite relational uncertainty and interrupt interdependence, which can heighten people's cognitive, emotional, and communicative reactivity to specific episodes that occur within their relationship. According to the theory, people's repeated exposures to polarizing incidents can crystallize into a sense of the relationship as turbulent, which in turn, can govern everyday outcomes. This chapter (a) traces the intellectual history of relational turbulence theory, (b) describes the theory's logic, (c) summarizes illustrative research on parenting, the COVID-19 pandemic, and caregiving, (d) weighs the theory's strengths and limitations, and (e) offers recommendations for future work.

facilitation from a partner

interdependence

relational uncertainty

interference from a partner

dyadic synchrony

relational turbulence

transitions

caregiving

cognitive construal level

parenting

Details

Title: Subtitle: Relational Turbulence Theory: Understanding Family Communication during Times of Change
Creators: Leanne K. Knobloch - University of Wisconsin–Madison
Leanne K. Knobloch - University of Wisconsin–Madison
Denise Haunani Solomon
Denise Haunani Solomon
Jennifer A. Theiss - University of Wisconsin–Madison
Jennifer A. Theiss - University of Wisconsin–Madison
Rachel M. McLaren - University of Iowa
Rachel M. McLaren - Pennsylvania State University
Contributors: Elizabeth A. Suter (Editor)
Kory Floyd (Editor)
Elizabeth A. Hintz (Editor)
Dawn O. Braithwaite (Editor)
Resource Type: Book chapter
Publication Details: Engaging Theories in Family Communication, pp.304-317
Edition: Third edition
DOI: 10.4324/9781003614173-26
Publisher: Routledge; New York, NY
Alternative title: Relational Turbulence Theory
Language: English
Date published: 2027
Academic Unit: Communication Studies
Record Identifier: 9985176755002771

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