Trajectories of relational turbulence and affectionate communication across the post-deployment transition

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

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.

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