Trajectories of Relational Turbulence and Affectionate Communication Across the Post-Deployment Transition

Authors

Leanne K. Knobloch, University of Illinois - Urbana-ChampaignFollow
Lynne M. Knobloch-Fedders, Marquette UniversityFollow
Jeremy B. Yorgason, Brigham Young UniversityFollow
Erin C. Wehrman, Missouri State University
J. Kale Monk, University of Missouri

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2022

Publisher

Taylor & Francis (Routledge)

Source Publication

Communication Monographs

Source ISSN

0363-7751

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1080/03637751.2021.1963792

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.

Comments

Accepted version. Communication Monographs, Vol. 89, No. 2 (2022): 189-210. DOI. © 2022 Taylor & Francis (Routledge). Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Knobloch, Leanne K.; Knobloch-Fedders, Lynne M.; Yorgason, Jeremy B.; Wehrman, Erin C.; and Monk, J. Kale, "Trajectories of Relational Turbulence and Affectionate Communication Across the Post-Deployment Transition" (2022). Psychology Faculty Research and Publications. 551.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/psych_fac/551