Trajectories of relational turbulence and affectionate communication across the post-deployment transition
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Knobloch-Fedders, L. M., Yorgason, J. B., Wehrman, E. C., & Monk, J. K. (2022). Trajectories of relational turbulence and affectionate communication across the post-deployment transition. Communication Monographs, 89(2), 189-210. https://doi.org/10.1080/03637751.2021.1963792
Abstract Created by REACH:
Postdeployment reintegration can be challenging for military couples as they navigate a “new normal” and can result in relational turbulence (i.e., the belief that their couple relationship is unstable). To examine whether relational turbulence corresponded to difficulties in expressing affectionate communication during the reintegration phase (considering both verbal and nonverbal affection, such as expressing words of gratitude or sharing a hug, respectively), changes in verbal and nonverbal affection and relational turbulence were examined at homecoming (i.e., 1 week after reunion) and then monthly over a total of 8 months with a sample of 268 military couples. Couples also reported on combat exposure during deployment and depressive symptoms. Although couples experienced an initial phase of closeness at homecoming, their reports of relational turbulence generally increased over time, while affectionate communication (both verbal and nonverbal) decreased over time.
Focus:
Couples
Branch of Service:
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Air Force
Coast Guard
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Guard/Reserve member
Spouse of service member or veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Longitudinal Study
Authors:
Knobloch, Leanne K., Knobloch-Fedders, Lynne M., Yorgason, Jeremy B., Wehrman, Erin C., Kale Monk, J.
Abstract:
Affectionate communication may play a key role in how military couples navigate the transition from deployment to reintegration. Informed by relational turbulence theory, this study considered how the trajectory of relational turbulence experienced by military couples over time predicted their verbal and nonverbal expressions of affection. Online self-report data were gathered from 268 U.S. military couples across eight months beginning at homecoming. Relational turbulence increased over time and affectionate communication decreased over time. Also as predicted, the trajectory of increasing relational turbulence corresponded with greater declines in verbal and nonverbal expressions of affection. These results advance relational turbulence theory, illuminate the trajectory of affectionate communication over time, and inform ways to assist military couples upon reunion after deployment.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Taylor & Francis
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Department of Communication, University of Illinois, LKK
Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, Marquette University, LMKF
School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, JBY
Department of Communication, Missouri State University, ECW
Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri, JKM
Keywords:
affectionate communication, deployment, military couples, reintegration after deployment, relational turbulence
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: