The Role of Relationship Parameters in Emotion Experiences During Interactions Between Romantic Partners: Testing Relational Turbulence Theory in a Dyadic,Lab Study
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2026
The Role of Relationship Parameters in Emotion Experiences During Interactions Between Romantic Partners: Testing Relational Turbulence Theory in a Dyadic,Lab Study
Relational turbulence theory explains the mechanisms whereby relationship parameters influence partners’ emotion, cognition, and communication during specific episodes. Using dyadic, collaborative interactions, this study tested three understudied claims proposed by the theory to shed light on the antecedents and consequences of emotion during everyday conversations between romantic partners. Seventy-one couples completed a pre-test survey that included measures of relationship parameters, were video-taped participating in two planning discussions (randomly ordered), and completed post-tests after each discussion. The conversations were then evaluated for communication engagement and valence by outside observers. Results point to relationship uncertainty as a predictor of emotion during communication and add nuance to our understanding of how happiness and annoyance associate with communicative valence and engagement during everyday interactions.
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