Relationship characteristics associated with the experience of hurt in romantic relationships: A test of the relational turbulence model

Jennifer A. Theiss, Leanne Knobloch, Maria G. Checton, Kate Magsamen-Conrad

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We employed the relational turbulence model to identify (a) relationship characteristics associated with people's appraisals of hurtful messages, and (b) features of hurtful episodes and relationship characteristics that correspond with the directness of communication about hurt. We conducted a study in which 135 dating couples reported on their relationship once per week for 6 weeks. Relational uncertainty and interference from partners were positively associated with (a) the intensity of hurt, (b) appraisals of the intentionality of hurt, and (c) perceived damage to the relationship. Features of the hurtful episode were more proximal predictors of the directness of communication about hurt than characteristics of the relationship. We discuss how our findings shed light on the relational turbulence model and hurtful communication.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)588-615
Number of pages28
JournalHuman Communication Research
Volume35
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Communication
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Anthropology
  • Linguistics and Language

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