A Longitudinal and Dyadic Study of Communal Coping and Relational Turbulence Among Surviving Parents and Emerging Adult Children After the Death of a Partner/Parent

Bibliographic Data

ID19230896
AuthorsH E Jones (0000-0002-7778-0485, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA, corresponding author), J A Thei (0000-0001-7991-7791, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA)
Year2026
Publication date2026-05-09
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCommunication Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0093-6502 • E-ISSN: 1552-3810
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00936502261449286
OpenAlexW7160708831
LanguageEN
References cited64

The death of a parent/partner represents a significant and traumatic transition for surviving families. Guided by relational turbulence theory, this longitudinal and dyadic study examines how relationship characteristics in surviving parent-emerging adult child dyads correspond with communal coping and relational turbulence during bereavement. Data were collected from 45 parent-emerging adult child dyads for 6 weeks. Results highlight relational uncertainty and interdependence as factors that shape cognitive, emotional, and communicative features of coping episodes. Communal coping behaviors, when enacted, emerged as a protective mechanism, helping mitigate relational turbulence. Actor-partner effects demonstrated the interdependent nature of coping and relational turbulence. This study extends relational turbulence theory to parent-child relationships and underscores the importance of communal coping during transitions. Practical implications suggest the need to help families enact coping and manage interdependence during bereavement to mitigate relational turbulence and improve relationship outcomes

Coping (psychology) · Coping behavior · Interdependence · Interpersonal relationship · Longitudinal study · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Family and Patient Care in Intensive Care Units · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health

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