Transitions in marriage

Abstract

This study examines transitions in marriage by merging the frameworks of the relational turbulence model and the experiencing life transitions model. An online survey presented 208 married individuals with open-ended questions and closed-ended scales that gathered information about a particularly important transition in the respondent’s marriage, the quality of their relationship during the transition, and the strategies used to navigate the transition. Analyses, which focused on 157 participants who reported experiencing a transition in their marriage, revealed 10 categories of transitions, the most frequent of which were sparked by health issues or the death of a loved one. Type of transition demonstrated unique associations with relational uncertainty, interference from a partner, relational turbulence, and transition processing activity. Several significant associations between qualities of relational turbulence, engagement in transition processing activity, and transition valence emerged.

Spousal interference and relational turbulence during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The specific ways in which spouses interact may also assist in attenuating different aspects of the turbulence they experience, particularly when they engage in transition processing communication (Brisini et al, 2018). Transition processing communication between spouses in the form of increasing interaction (e.g., actively scheduling more quality time together during the pandemic), promoting connection (e.g., using open communication to disclose feelings as a couple during the pandemic), promoting feeling situated (e.g., trying to make sense of the pandemic and how it has changed the marriage in positive ways), and increasing confidence in the relationship (e.g., reaffirming to each other that the marriage will endure beyond the pandemic) may assist husbands and wives in successfully navigating their ongoing pandemic-related turbulence.…”

“…Specifically, a transition refers to any "period of discontinuity between times of relative stability, during which individuals adapt to changing roles, identities, and circumstances" (Solomon et al, 2016, p. 510). As these transitions arise (e.g., job loss, career change, health issues, death of a loved one, birth of a child; Brisini, Solomon, & Nussbaum, 2018), relationships become characterized by an element of ambiguity which was not present previously, producing relational uncertainty (i.e., when individuals are unsure of their role in a relationship, their partners' role in a relationship, or the overall state of a relationship; Solomon & Knobloch, 2001, 2004.…”

Pola Komunikasi Pasangan Suami Istri Dalam Tekanan Pasca Melahirkan Di Kota Bandar Lampung

“…Transisi secara erat melibatkan tingkat ketidakstabilan, karena orang mengubah pikiran dan tindakan mereka untuk mencari yang lebih cocok dengan keadaan mereka baru (D. H. Solomon and Theiss, 2011). Solomon menggunakan sebutan 'turbulensi' sebagai tanda dari pengalaman yang penuh guncangan yang mungkin terjadi dalam hubungan sebagai reaksi terhadap transisi (Brisini, Solomon, and Nussbaum, 2017).…”

“…Pada proses transisi yang dialami oleh pasangan suami istri selama mengalami peride depresi pasca melahirkan umumnya dijumpai penurunan kualitas komunikasi yang ditandai oleh berkurangnya intensitas komunikasi serta kurangnya perhatian dari pasangan. Hal ini sesuai dengan penelitian terdahulu mengenai transisi pada pernikahan yang menyebutkan bahwa kurangnya intensitas interaksi yang terjalin antara pasangan berpengaruh terhadap kondisi relasi dan kualitas hubungan pasangan, ia juga menjelaskan bahwa interaksi dengan pasangan selama masa transisi dapat memelihara kesejahteraan fisik dan emosional (Brisini, Solomon, and Nussbaum, 2017). Relasi yang terjalin di antara suami dan istri memberi landasan dan menentukan warna bagi keseluruhan relasi di dalam keluarga, salah satu aspek utama yang menjadi kunci keberhasilan melakukan penyesuaian antar pasangan ada komunikasi (Lestari, 2012).…”

“…Selain itu, juga terdapat temuan terhadap bentuk konflik lain yang terjadi pada pasangan dalam periode depresi pasca melahirkan yaitu kurangnya kualitas interaksi antarpasangan dalam bentuk kurang perhatian dari pasangan karena suami bekerja. Hal ini sesuai dengan pernyataan ahli yang menyebutkan bahwa interaksi dapat membantu pasangan dalam mengatasi periode perubahan dan melalui interaksi, makna serta perilaku pasangan dalam menanggapi transisi dapat ditemukan dan diklarifikasi (Brisini, Solomon, and Nussbaum, 2017). Berkurangnya interaksi menghilangkan salah satu aspek utama yang menjadi kunci keberhasilan melakukan penyesuaian antar pasangan selama masa transisi (Lestari, 2012).…”