Relational turbulence from the COVID-19 pandemic: Within-subjects mediation by romantic partner interdependence
Goodboy, A. K., Dillow, M. R., Knoster, K. C., & Howard, H. A. (2021). Relational turbulence from the COVID-19 pandemic: Within-subjects mediation by romantic partner interdependence. Journal of Social and Personal Relationship, 38(6), 1800 - 1818.
https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075211000135
Abstract Created by REACH
According to relational turbulence theory, major life transitions such as the COVID-19
pandemic may lead to instability in romantic relationships (i.e., relational turbulence), particularly because
partners’ influence on each other can change during these transitions. Partners can influence each other by
making daily life easier (i.e., facilitation) or harder (i.e., interference). This study examined how the pandemic
has influenced individuals’ negative emotions (e.g., anger, fear, sadness) about their partner, perceived
changes in their partners’ facilitation and interference, and relational turbulence. Civilian college students
(N = 315) were asked to respond to all study measures twice: first, thinking about their relationship before
the pandemic (i.e., January 2020); second, thinking about their relationship during the height of the
pandemic (i.e., April 2020). COVID-19 may be partly related to greater relational turbulence due to less
perceived partner facilitation and more partner interference.
Research summaries convey terminology used by the scientists who authored the original research article; some terminology may not align with the federal government's mandated language for certain constructs.
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