Title
Trajectories of relational turbulence and affectionate communication across the post-deployment transition
Abstract
Affectionate communication may play a key role in how military couples navigate the transition from deployment to reintegration. Informed by relational turbulence theory, this study considered how the trajectory of relational turbulence experienced by military couples over time predicted their verbal and nonverbal expressions of affection. Online self-report data were gathered from 268 U.S. military couples across eight months beginning at homecoming. Relational turbulence increased over time and affectionate communication decreased over time. Also as predicted, the trajectory of increasing relational turbulence corresponded with greater declines in verbal and nonverbal expressions of affection. These results advance relational turbulence theory, illuminate the trajectory of affectionate communication over time, and inform ways to assist military couples upon reunion after deployment.
Department(s)
Communication
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/03637751.2021.1963792
Keywords
Affectionate communication, deployment, military couples, reintegration after deployment, relational turbulence
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Recommended Citation
Knobloch, Leanne K., Lynne M. Knobloch-Fedders, Jeremy B. Yorgason, Erin C. Wehrman, and J. Kale Monk. "Trajectories of relational turbulence and affectionate communication across the post-deployment transition." Communication Monographs (2021): 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/03637751.2021.1963792
Journal Title
Communication Monographs
