A Relational Turbulence Model of Sexual Communication in Couples With Depression

Abstract

Couples coping with depression are prone to unique and pervasive sexual intimacy challenges and experience troubles communicating effectively. Successful sexual communication improves sexual and relationship satisfaction, making communication particularly important for couples facing sexual difficulties. In this study, the relational turbulence model serves as a framework to examine associations between sexual communication and both sexual and relationship satisfaction in couples ( N = 106) in which one or both partners live with depression. Results of a cross-sectional survey suggest sexual communication mediates relationships between both relational uncertainty and interference from a partner with sexual/relationship satisfaction. Results illuminate functions of communication about sex as couples navigate sexual and relational effects of depression.

The effects of discrimination and psychological distress on U.S. Latino/a young adults’ relational uncertainty and relationship instability.

“…These studies advance the broad research on relational uncertainty and relationship instability by acknowledging contextual factors at play in each phenomenon. Having drawn conclusions through studies of primarily white samples (see Delaney, 2021), the relational uncertainty literature leaves room to explore doubts and concerns in marginalized groups. Although prior research acknowledged interpersonal and intrapersonal processes influencing relational turbulence, our study emphasizes the important role of other sociocontextual factors in the process.…”

Dyadic processes of relational turbulence theory

“…Relational turbulence scholarship features numerous theoretical tests that are not limited to studying just one partner in an interdependent relationship; rather, ample research has favored dyadic investigations which probe the perspectives of both partners (e.g., Delaney, 2021; Delaney & Sharabi, 2020; King & La Valley, 2019; Knobloch & Theiss, 2010, 2011; Knobloch et al, 2019; McLaren & Solomon, 2014; Theiss & Estlein, 2014; Theiss, 2011; Theiss & Knobloch, 2009). Most of these dyadic studies (e.g., Knobloch et al, 2016) examine how spouses impact their own (i.e., actor effect) and their partner's (i.e., partner effect) turmoil, among other theoretically relevant constructs in this literature, by employing the actor‐partner interdependence model (APIM; Kenny, 1996).…”