Topic Avoidance about Deployment upon Reunion: Applying the Relational Turbulence Model

ABSTRACT

This study uses the logic of the relational turbulence model to examine the reluctance of military couples to talk about their deployment experiences during reunion. A total of 235 individuals (117 returning service members, 118 at-home partners) completed an online survey within 6 months of homecoming. People experiencing more relational uncertainty and interference from a partner upon reunion reported more topic avoidance about deployment. Relational uncertainty and interference from a partner were especially strong predictors of topic avoidance about deployment for individuals who were highly satisfied with their relationship. The findings have implications for both theory and practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Communication
• deployment
• interference from a partner
• military couples
• postdeployment transition
• reintegration
• relational uncertainty
• relationship satisfaction
• reunion
• topic avoidance

Acknowledgments

Data collection procedures were approved by the institutional review boards of the University of Illinois and Rutgers University. The authors are grateful to Jennifer Bert, Emmelyn Joy, Amy Lindgren, Kimberly Pusateri, and Larissa Tosi.