Relational turbulence and perceptions of partner support during reintegration after military deployment |
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| Authors: | Leanne K Knobloch Erin D Basinger Jennifer A Theiss |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Communication, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA;2. Department of Communication Studies, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA;3. Department of Communication, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA |
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| Abstract: | The transition from deployment to reintegration can be stressful for returning military personnel and at-home partners, and support plays a key role in their ability to transition effectively. We draw on relational turbulence theory to advance predictions about how parameters of the relationship between returning service members and at-home partners predict their perceptions of their partner’s support during the post-deployment transition. We surveyed 235 individuals (117 returning service members, 118 at-home partners) who had experienced the transition within the past 6 months. Findings consistent with the theory indicated that relational turbulence partially mediated the negative associations that relational uncertainty and interference from a partner shared with partner support. Partner uncertainty was a direct negative predictor of partner support as well. We consider how these results extend theory, research, and practice. |
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| Keywords: | Interference from a partner military deployment relational turbulence relational uncertainty social support |
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