The Role of Relationship Parameters in Emotion Experiences During Interactions Between Romantic Partners

Testing Relational Turbulence Theory in a Dyadic, Lab Study

Bibliographic Data

ID17537015
AuthorsKellie S Brisini (0000-0002-9682-2820, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA, corresponding author), Ningyang Ocean Wang (0000-0001-7641-1381, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA)
Year2026
Publication date2026-03-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCommunication Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0093-6502 • E-ISSN: 1552-3810
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00936502261427071
OpenAlexW7143532659
LanguageEN
References cited46

Relational turbulence theory explains the mechanisms whereby relationship parameters influence partners’ emotion, cognition, and communication during specific episodes. Using dyadic, collaborative interactions, this study tested three understudied claims proposed by the theory to shed light on the antecedents and consequences of emotion during everyday conversations between romantic partners. Seventy-one couples completed a pre-test survey that included measures of relationship parameters, were video-taped participating in two planning discussions (randomly ordered), and completed post-tests after each discussion. The conversations were then evaluated for communication engagement and valence by outside observers. Results point to relationship uncertainty as a predictor of emotion during communication and add nuance to our understanding of how happiness and annoyance associate with communicative valence and engagement during everyday interactions

Annoyance · Association (psychology) · Everyday life · Happiness · Romance · Valence (chemistry) · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Social Power and Status Dynamics · Transactional Analysis in Psychotherapy