Integrating relational turbulence theory and the theory of resilience and relational load to investigate the relationships of couples with chronic illness

ABSTRACT

Chronic illness is both prevalent in U.S. adults and influential in people’s lives and relationships. In this study, we integrate relational turbulence theory with the theory of resilience and relational load to consider associations between perceptions of the relationship, relational maintenance, and two global relationship qualities: resilience and relational load. Results from a cross-sectional online survey of 100 dyads in which at least one partner reported a chronic condition suggest relational turbulence was associated with relational maintenance, which, in turn, was associated with relational load and resilience. Relational maintenance emerged as a mediator in the association between relational turbulence and resilience and relational load in several tests. Communal orientation was positively associated with relational maintenance and indirectly related to resilience and relational load in certain circumstances. We discuss these findings for each theory individually, the value of considering these theories concurrently, and pragmatic advice for couples navigating chronic illness.

KEYWORDS:

• Chronic illness
• relational maintenance
• relational turbulence
• relational load
• resilience

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kelly G. McAninch

Kelly G. McAninch (Ph.D., University of Illinois, ORCid: 0000-0001-9874-6465) is an Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Kentucky. Her program of research seeks to illuminate how individuals manage conversations about difficult topics.

Erin D. Basinger

Erin D. Basinger (Ph.D., University of Illinois, ORCid: 0000-0003-3877-1858) is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her research focuses on interpersonal processes, including conflict, social support, and coping, as they occur in the health contexts.

Amy L. Delaney

Amy L. Delaney (Ph.D., University of Illinois) is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Carle Health. Her work centers on improving equity in health care experiences and outcomes.

Erin C. Wehrman

Erin C. Wehrman (Ph.D., University of Illinois, ORCid: 0000-0002-0510-7021) is an Assistant Professor at Missouri State University. Her research focuses on interpersonal and family communication during periods of stress or crisis.