Relational uncertainty and cortisol responses to hurtful and supportive messages from a dating partner

Abstract

This paper evaluates theoretical claims linking relational uncertainty about a relationship partner to experiences of stress during interactions with that partner. Two observational studies were conducted to evaluate the association between relational uncertainty and salivary cortisol in the context of hurtful and supportive interactions. In Study 1, participants (N = 89) engaged in a conversation about core traits or values with a partner, who was trained to be hurtful. In Study 2, participants (N = 89) received supportive messages after completing a series of stressful tasks and receiving negative performance feedback. As predicted, partner uncertainty was associated with greater cortisol reactivity to the hurtful interaction in Study 1. Contrary to expectations, Study 1 results also indicated that self uncertainty was associated with less cortisol reactivity, when self, partner, and relationship uncertainty were tested in the same model. Study 2 revealed that relational uncertainty dampened cortisol reactions to performing poorly on tasks while the partner observed. As predicted, Study 2 also found that partner uncertainty was associated with less cortisol recovery after the supportive interaction, but neither self nor relationship uncertainty was associated with rate of cortisol change during the recovery period.

Parents‐in‐law's topic avoidance: Understanding the role of interaction goals and relational characteristics

“…However, research using the combined approach has documented divergent patterns of results for self uncertainty when controlling for partner and relationship uncertainty in the same model. Thus, to address these concerns, conducting and reporting results of both analytical strategies is suggested (Priem & Solomon, ; Solomon et al, ).…”

“You Need to Stop Talking About This!”: Verbal Rumination and the Costs of Social Support

“…The disconfirming messages may exacerbate their beliefs that they are the source of the problem, increasing their anxiety and dissatisfaction with the relationship. For example, a series of studies by McLaren, Priem, and Solomon (McLaren & Solomon, ; McLaren, Solomon, & Priem, ; Priem, McLaren, & Solomon, ; Priem & Solomon, ) has shown that hurtful messages that are disconfirming are physiologically stressful and relationally distancing. Likewise, immediacy cues where a person appears to be distracted, uninvolved, and lacking in expected levels of intimacy are anxiety‐producing for support receivers (Guerrero et al, ).…”

Coming Out and Getting Back In: Relationship Cycling and Distress in Same‐ and Different‐Sex Relationships

“…The relational turbulence theory (Solomon, Knobloch, Theiss, & McLaren, ) posits that times of transition in relationships lead to tumultuous interactions and uncertainty about the future of the relationship. These processes (e.g., relational uncertainty during transitions) are associated with more depressive symptoms (Knobloch & Knobloch‐Fedders, ) and heightened stress, as evidenced by increases in cortisol (Priem & Solomon, ).…”