The indirect effect of relational turbulence on received emotional support through dyadic synchrony

ABSTRACT

Using a latent variable mediation model, we tested proposition 7 of relational turbulence theory (RTT) predicting that individuals in romantic relationships experiencing more relational turbulence would receive less emotional support from their partner because of a disruption to dyadic synchrony. A sample of 319 dating partners reported on their current relational turbulence, comfort and ease in communicating with their romantic partner, and emotional support received from their partner. Results of a structural regression model revealed a negative direct effect of relational turbulence on received emotional support and a negative indirect effect through dyadic synchrony as a mediator. Our study provided evidence of a theoretical process consistent with proposition 7 of RTT.

KEYWORDS:

• Relational turbulence theory
• dyadic synchrony
• emotional support
• supportive communication

Disclosure statement

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

Notes

1. We included length of relationship (in months) as a covariate in our model, but relationship length was not a significant predictor of dyadic synchrony (B = .001, p = .281) holding turbulence constant, or of received emotional support (B = −.002, p = .246) holding turbulence and dyadic synchrony constant. Thus, relationship length was not retained as a covariate in the model.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Rebekah M. Chiasson

Rebekah M. Chiasson is an Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at Sam Houston State University.

Alan K. Goodboy

Alan K. Goodboy is a Professor and Peggy Rardin McConnell Research Chair of Communication Studies at West Virginia University.

Megan R. Dillow

Megan R. Dillow is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at West Virginia University.