A longitudinal test of relational turbulence theory and serial arguments in romantic relationships

Abstract

Relational turbulence theory (RTT) suggests that people perceive their romantic relationships as turbulent when they experience interactions that manifest the deleterious effects of relational uncertainty and altered patterns of interdependence. RTT also positions communication in these episodes as associated with subsequent relational uncertainty and qualities of interdependence. Using three-wave panel data collected at three-week intervals, this study evaluates (a) how communication in serial argument episodes predict relationship parameters (i.e., relational uncertainty and qualities of interdependence), (b) how relationship parameters predict serial argument occurrence, directness, and valence, and (c) whether over time variability in qualities of serial argument communication predict subsequent relational turbulence. Results indicated limited support for reciprocal, between-wave associations between relationship qualities and serial argument communication; however, over time variability in the valence of serial argument communication was associated with higher levels of relational turbulence after 6 weeks. Implications for RTT and research on serial arguments are discussed.