Relational Turbulence Model
General Purpose: The relationship turbulence model is a model of relationship development.
Specific Purpose: The relational turbulence model provides a framework for examining how fluctuations of uncertainty and intimacy occur over time during the development of an intimate relationship.
Key terms, concepts, and definitions:
One of the first key concepts in this model is uncertainty, or heightened arousal or feelings about the ability to predict and explain the behaviors or attitudes of a relational partner. Within this model, uncertainty is further categorized into three types, in recognition of the three areas in which individuals can feel uncertain in a relationships:
1.) Self Uncertainty: Self uncertainty emerges from the individual’s own feelings or thoughts about the relationship, recognizing that the individual may have uncertainties or doubts about the present relationship.
2.) Partner Uncertainty: Partner uncertainty emerges from perceptions of the partner’s feelings or thoughts about the relationship, recognizing that the relational partner may feel differently about the relationship.
3.) Relationship Uncertainty: Relationship uncertainty emerges from questions or thoughts about the particular relationship, recognizing that individuals may have doubts about the kind of relationship is the relationship in question, or the expectations for that relationship.
The other key concept in testing the relational turbulence model is the idea of time, or recognizing uncertainty (self, partner, and relationship) and communication as occurring and unfolding over time. The final key concept in the relationship turbulence model is intimacy, or perceptions of closeness.
What does the theory do?
This theory provides an explanation for uncertainty in relation to intimacy outcomes, describing the types of uncertainty felt in developing relationships, and how uncertainty in relation to other factors (e.g., jealousy) can impact perceptions of intimacy and satisfaction with the relationship.
Where can it be applied?
This theory can be applied to the study of relationship development, in order to understand how communication about uncertainty, perceptions of uncertainty, and time impact the intimacy individuals feel about their developing relationships. Relationships studied could be friends, dating partners, or any type of close relationship.
Summary sources:
Solomon, D. H., & Knobloch, L. K. (2001). Relationship uncertainty, partner interference, and
intimacy in dating relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 18, 804–820. doi: 10.1177/0265407501186004
Solomon, D. H., & Knobloch, L. K. (2004). A model of relational turbulence: The role of intimacy,
relational uncertainty, and interference from partners in appraisals of irritations. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 21, 795–816. doi: 10.1177/0265407504047838
Exemplar article:
Theiss, J. A., & Solomon, D. H. (2006). Coupling longitudinal data and multilevel modeling to examine
the antecedents and consequences of jealousy experiences in romantic relationships: A test of the Relational Turbulence Model. Human Communication Research, 32, 469-503. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2958.2006.00284.x
Specific Purpose: The relational turbulence model provides a framework for examining how fluctuations of uncertainty and intimacy occur over time during the development of an intimate relationship.
Key terms, concepts, and definitions:
One of the first key concepts in this model is uncertainty, or heightened arousal or feelings about the ability to predict and explain the behaviors or attitudes of a relational partner. Within this model, uncertainty is further categorized into three types, in recognition of the three areas in which individuals can feel uncertain in a relationships:
1.) Self Uncertainty: Self uncertainty emerges from the individual’s own feelings or thoughts about the relationship, recognizing that the individual may have uncertainties or doubts about the present relationship.
2.) Partner Uncertainty: Partner uncertainty emerges from perceptions of the partner’s feelings or thoughts about the relationship, recognizing that the relational partner may feel differently about the relationship.
3.) Relationship Uncertainty: Relationship uncertainty emerges from questions or thoughts about the particular relationship, recognizing that individuals may have doubts about the kind of relationship is the relationship in question, or the expectations for that relationship.
The other key concept in testing the relational turbulence model is the idea of time, or recognizing uncertainty (self, partner, and relationship) and communication as occurring and unfolding over time. The final key concept in the relationship turbulence model is intimacy, or perceptions of closeness.
What does the theory do?
This theory provides an explanation for uncertainty in relation to intimacy outcomes, describing the types of uncertainty felt in developing relationships, and how uncertainty in relation to other factors (e.g., jealousy) can impact perceptions of intimacy and satisfaction with the relationship.
Where can it be applied?
This theory can be applied to the study of relationship development, in order to understand how communication about uncertainty, perceptions of uncertainty, and time impact the intimacy individuals feel about their developing relationships. Relationships studied could be friends, dating partners, or any type of close relationship.
Summary sources:
Solomon, D. H., & Knobloch, L. K. (2001). Relationship uncertainty, partner interference, and
intimacy in dating relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 18, 804–820. doi: 10.1177/0265407501186004
Solomon, D. H., & Knobloch, L. K. (2004). A model of relational turbulence: The role of intimacy,
relational uncertainty, and interference from partners in appraisals of irritations. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 21, 795–816. doi: 10.1177/0265407504047838
Exemplar article:
Theiss, J. A., & Solomon, D. H. (2006). Coupling longitudinal data and multilevel modeling to examine
the antecedents and consequences of jealousy experiences in romantic relationships: A test of the Relational Turbulence Model. Human Communication Research, 32, 469-503. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2958.2006.00284.x