Operationalizing relational turbulence theory: Measurement and construct validation

Abstract

This study assessed measures operationalizing concepts in relational turbulence theory (Solomon, Knobloch, Theiss, & McLaren, 2016). Studies of relational turbulence in marriage have used measures developed in research on dating couples; therefore, one goal was evaluating these variables in a general population sample of married individuals (N = 1,469). A second goal addressed problems in measures of relational uncertainty by assessing alternative scales. Third, associations between relational turbulence theory variables and measures of cognitive, emotional, and communicative phenomena were estimated. Fourth, the distinctiveness of relational turbulence measures relative to measures of other relational qualities was assessed. The conclusions advance new, Likert relational uncertainty scales and highlight the validity of relational turbulence constructs as distinctive predictors of cognitions, emotions, and communication.

A relational turbulence theory perspective on women’s grief following miscarriage

“…Finally, we note the indistinctiveness of facets of relational uncertainty observed in this study. Substantial evidence suggests that the three measures of relational uncertainty are distinct constructs (e.g., Knobloch et al, 2007; Solomon & Brisini, 2017). In addition, self uncertainty and partner uncertainty share variance with relationship uncertainty, but the correlation between them decreases when the variance they share with relationship uncertainty is partialed (Knobloch & Solomon, 1999).…”

“…Relational uncertainty. Solomon and Brisini's (2017) revised measure of relational uncertainty was used to measure self, partner, and relationship uncertainty, and responses were recorded on a 6-point Likert-type scale (1 ¼ strongly disagree, 6 ¼ strongly agree). Participants were asked to think about their relationship with their spouse or partner in the past month.…”

Spousal interference and relational turbulence during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Married participants completed an anonymous survey during April 2020 including measures of interference from partners, relational turbulence, and negative emotions that were operationalized using scales developed by previous research. Interference from spouses was measured by the Interference from a Partner Scale (Solomon & Brisini, 2017). This instrument (M = 2.48, SD = 1.24) prompts respondents to indicate their level of agreement (on a scale from 1 [strongly disagree] to 6 [strongly agree]) with five statements describing the extent to which their partners interfere with their daily goals (e.g., "My spouse interferes with the plans that I make").…”

Transitions in marriage

“…We used Solomon and Brisini’s (2016) operationalization of relational uncertainty, which was adapted from Knobloch and Solomon’s (1999) original measure. The measure presents one of three stems: “I sometimes wonder,” “I sometimes question,” or “I sometimes am unsure,” followed by statements that capture different sources of relational uncertainty, and participants report their agreement or disagreement with each statement (1 = strongly disagree ; 6 = strongly agree ).…”

“…Each item was assigned to its respective latent construct and latent constructs were allowed to covary. Error terms for reverse-coded items within the relational turbulence scale were also allowed to covary (per Solomon & Brisini, 2016). To address model fit, we consulted the modification indices and removed problematic scale items.…”