Operationalizing relational construal level to test relational turbulence theory

Linking relational turbulence in romantic relationships to interpersonal processes

Bibliographic Data

ID2923992
AuthorsYuwei Li (0000-0002-2428-1084, Department of Communication Arts & Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA, corresponding author), D H Solomon (0000-0001-5535-0137, Department of Communication Arts & Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA)
Year2023
Volume40
Issue1
Pages102-129
Publication date2023-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/02654075221113360
OpenAlexW4285093524
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited46

Drawing upon construal level theory (CLT) and relational turbulence theory (RTT), two studies developed and assessed three operationalizations of relational construal level, defined as how concretely or abstractly people conceptualize their romantic relationship, and evaluated relational construal level as a mediator of the associations between relational turbulence and supportiveness, collaborative planning, and social network engagement using data reported by individuals in romantic relationships. In Study 1 ( N = 405), preference for abstract versus concrete descriptions of relational activities and tendency to make extreme versus neutral judgments about a partner demonstrated desirable measurement properties and negative associations with relational turbulence, as predicted. A third measure indexing the accessibility of relational judgments was associated with neither relational turbulence nor the other measures of relational construal level. Study 2 used a more ethnically diverse sample ( N = 414; Asian: n = 103, Black: n = 105, Hispanic: n = 102, White: n = 104) and identified preference for abstract versus concrete descriptions of relational activities as the most robust operationalization of relational construal level. Specifically, this measure was negatively associated with relational turbulence and mediated the associations between relational turbulence and supportiveness, collaborative planning, and social network engagement, as predicted by RTT

Construal level theory · Operationalization · Relational theory · Romance · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Cultural Differences and Values · Psychology · Social Psychology