Content and Relational Implications of Children-In-Law's Relational Uncertainty Within the In-Law Dyad During the Transition to Extended Family

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to examine children-in-law's experiences of relational uncertainty and satisfaction during the transition to marriage. In Study 1, responses revealed children-in-law's (N = 154) myriad concerns revolving around three, broad themes of relational uncertainty: dyadic uncertainty, family system uncertainty, and individual uncertainty. Based on these results, we constructed scales of children-in-law's uncertainty for use in Study 2 (N = 204). Bivariate correlations revealed negative associations between children-in-law's uncertainty and relationship satisfaction within both the in-law and marital dyads. Collectively, these findings extend theoretical understanding of the role of relational uncertainty and social network influence during a crucial family transition.

Keywords:

• In-Laws
• Marriage
• Relational Uncertainty
• Relationship Satisfaction

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sylvia L. Mikucki-Enyart

Sylvia L. Mikucki-Enyart (Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2012) is an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

John P. Caughlin

John P. Caughlin (Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin, 1997) is a professor and associate department head at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Christine E. Rittenour

Christine E. Rittenour (Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2009) is an assistant professor at West Virginia University.