Topic Avoidance about Deployment upon Reunion: Applying the Relational Turbulence Model

Leanne K. Knobloch, Jennifer A. Theiss

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study uses the logic of the relational turbulence model to examine the reluctance of military couples to talk about their deployment experiences during reunion. A total of 235 individuals (117 returning service members, 118 at-home partners) completed an online survey within 6 months of homecoming. People experiencing more relational uncertainty and interference from a partner upon reunion reported more topic avoidance about deployment. Relational uncertainty and interference from a partner were especially strong predictors of topic avoidance about deployment for individuals who were highly satisfied with their relationship. The findings have implications for both theory and practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)117-128
Number of pages12
JournalMilitary Behavioral Health
Volume5
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Communication
  • deployment
  • interference from a partner
  • military couples
  • postdeployment transition
  • reintegration
  • relational uncertainty
  • relationship satisfaction
  • reunion
  • topic avoidance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • General Psychology

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