A Comparative Examination of Reasons for and Uses of Uncertainty and Topic Avoidance in First and Remarriage Relationships

Abstract

This study comparatively examined patterns of uncertainty and topic avoidance within marriage relationships focusing on both individuals in first marriages and remarriages. Ninety-nine participants in first marriages and 76 participants in remarriages completed a survey measuring uncertainty and topic avoidance in their marriages. Analysis revealed people in remarriages have higher uncertainty than those in first marriages, but engage in topic avoidance at similar levels to those in first marriages. Uncertainty was a significant predictor of topic avoidance for those in both first marriages and remarriages. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Keywords:

• first marriage
• remarriage
• topic avoidance
• uncertainty management

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Jordan Soliz for his assistance on the article.