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

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 verba...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Communication monographs 2022-04, Vol.89 (2), p.189-210
Main Authors: Knobloch, Leanne K., Knobloch-Fedders, Lynne M., Yorgason, Jeremy B., Wehrman, Erin C., Kale Monk, J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Affectionate communication
Armed forces
Communication
deployment
military couples
Military deployment
reintegration after deployment
relational turbulence
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0363-7751
1479-5787
DOI:10.1080/03637751.2021.1963792