Relationship Characteristics Associated with the Experience of Hurt in Romantic Relationships: A Test of the Relational Turbulence Model

Authors: Theiss, Jennifer A.; Knobloch, Leanne K.¹; Checton, Maria G.²; Magsamen-Conrad, Kate²

Source: Human Communication Research, Volume 35, Number 4, October 2009 , pp. 588-615(28)

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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.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2009.01364.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Communication, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801 2: Department of Communication, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Publication date: 2009-10-01