Search results

Relationship maintenance encompasses a wide range of activities that partners use to preserve their relationships. Despite the importance of these efforts, considerably more empirical focus has been devoted to starting (i.e. initiation) and ending (i.e. dissolution) relationships than on maintaining them. In this volume, internationally renowned scholars from a variety of disciplines describe diverse sets of relationship maintenance efforts in order to show why some relationships endure, whereas others falter. By focusing on 'what to do' rather than 'what not to do' in relationships, this book paints a more comprehensive picture of the forms, functions, and contexts of relationship maintenance. It is essential reading for scholars and students in psychology, communication, human development and family science, sociology, and couple/marriage and family therapy.

Uncertainty about the future of a close relationship is important to consider given the association between relational uncertainty and well‐being. These concerns and questions are likely compounded by accelerated rates of societal change that are rife with ambiguity, which could erode relational confidence, especially for those in marginalized unions. Despite the importance of the sociopolitical environment, there is limited insight into how this context might shape various forms of uncertainty. Thus, we propose an integrative framework, the contextual relational uncertainty model, to understand the intersection of contextual ambiguity and relational uncertainty during times of change for individuals in marginalized relationships. As an exemplar of sociopolitical transitions, we describe the changes related to same‐sex marriage in the 21st century to illustrate the utility and initial explication of the model. We describe suggestions for future research and clinical implications of exploring sociopolitical uncertainty, as well as its antecedents and consequences.

AbstractObjectiveWe sought to test the association between on‐again/off‐again relationship cycling and mental health over time.BackgroundTemporary distress following relationship dissolution is normative, yet a prolonged history of terminating a relationship and then reconciling (i.e., on–off relationship cycling) may facilitate more pervasive symptomology.MethodWe used data from 545 individuals in same‐ and different‐sex relationships to assess the association between on–off cycling and symptoms of depression and anxiety across 15 months.ResultsRelationship cycling was associated with psychological distress and change in distress over time.ConclusionThis study supports existing theories of family change and highlights the importance of focusing on relationship transitions and well‐being over time.ImplicationsPractitioners can help partners navigate unpredictability during transitions by helping them make deliberate decisions either to stay and stabilize their relationships or permanently leave depending on the circumstances underlying relationship cycling and the level of distress associated with any lingering interpersonal turmoil.

ObjectiveWe seek to provide insight on intimate relationships and service provider response for refugees during the resettlement transition in the United States.BackgroundRefugees resettling in the United States face numerous stressful transitions that could affect their relationships with intimate partners. Thus, refugees may be at risk for increased relationship upheaval, yet typical options for support are limited by migration and a potentially unsupportive political climate. Frontline service providers may be able to offer support, but we know little about the relationship challenges refugee couples face and how service providers might help clients navigate these experiences.MethodThe study team observed a refugee women's health promotion support group (n = 7) and conducted interviews of a purposive sample of refugee‐serving social service providers (n = 16) with varying roles in the resettlement process. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsResults indicate that refugee‐serving providers have opportunities to observe relationship upheaval during the resettlement process including general disagreements and distress, as well as the potential for conflict escalating to aggression in rare cases; in other cases, resettlement may enable refugee couples to negotiate new ways of relating to each other in a new setting. Providers also become involved in clients' relational lives and give assistance in various ways, including educating clients on gender norms and conflict resolution; however, the levels of provider preparedness and training
vary.ConclusionFrontline providers are exposed to relationship upheaval in refugee clients, although these needs may be presented as requests for advice on practical decisions (e.g. childcare, bank accounts, and property ownership). These decisions have important long‐term consequences not only for relational growth but for protection against future tension; therefore, this is a critical period for provider intervention.ImplicationsService providers in resettlement agencies, particularly frontline workers, should be trained to identify and respond to relationship upheaval, including being taught to recognize signs of abuse and being aware of options for safety planning and professional support.

ObjectiveTo increase the awareness and support for family scientists' engagement in public scholarship.BackgroundWithout appropriate dissemination efforts, important research findings may remain solely in academic journals without reaching the public. Grounded in a social justice perspective, we argue that family scientists are, and should be, on the frontlines of direct social change and activities related to broader impacts.MethodIn this call to action, we articulate the utility and praxis of public scholarship, or the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge for and with communities to create social change for the public good.ResultsAvenues to engaging in public scholarship as a means of disseminating family science research are presented. These avenues include collaborating with individuals who serve in complementary roles, hosting a research press conference to disseminate key findings, and writing for local outlets such as community newspapers. Mechanisms to implement (e.g., resources for developing press releases, infographics, or visual abstracts) and document (e.g., in promotion and tenure materials) these activities are outlined.ConclusionThis information can help academic family scholars achieve broader impacts of their science activities that illustrate the relevance of family science research in people's lives.ImplicationsBy shifting academic cultures and engaging in public scholarship, family scholars can increase their reach and contribute to the enfranchisement of marginalized populations, while also enhancing the visibility of findings, building their scholarly networks, and growing public support for family science.

Relationships are important for successful aging, but older military veterans (aged 65 and older) experience distinct barriers and challenges to social connection. We argue that theories of social connectedness and health in older adults do not fully reflect the experiences of veterans despite providing fundamental insight into the social needs of individuals in later life. Thus, the purpose of this article is to (a) articulate the importance of social relationships for older adult veterans, (b) describe the theories commonly used to understand social connectedness and health in older adults, (c) delineate the limitations of applying these frameworks in military veteran populations in their current form, and (d) suggest potential ways to adapt these theories for older veterans. In line with this goal, we conclude by offering recommendations for understanding older adult veterans in a relational context in order to set a research and practice agenda for military family scholars and practitioners.

ObjectiveTo examine the role of on–off relationship cycling in psychological distress for individuals in same‐ and different‐sex relationships.BackgroundRelationship processes have a robust effect on individual well‐being, and dissolution is associated with psychological distress that is normative and typically short‐lived. A prolonged history of terminating a relationship and then reconciling (i.e., on–off cycling), however, may facilitate more pervasive symptomology. Moreover, researchers have indicated that instability is similar for individuals in same‐ and different‐sex relationships, but cycling in same‐sex relationships has yet to be studied despite existing disparities for sexual minorities.MethodData from 545 individuals in same‐sex (n = 279) and different‐sex (n = 266) relationships were used to assess the association between on–off cycling and symptoms of depression and anxiety.ResultsThe occurrence of cycling was similar across relationship types, but a greater frequency emerged in male–male relationships compared with female–female and different‐sex relationships. Regardless of relationship type, we found a positive association between relationship cycling and distress while controlling for known correlates of mental health.ConclusionPatterns of breakup and renewal were linked to increased symptoms of psychological distress, indicating the accumulation of relationship transitions can create added turmoil for individuals.ImplicationsDue to the potential distress associated with this relational pattern, practitioners should assess for on–off instability. We also provide suggestions for encouraging individuals in distressed on–off relationships to make informed decisions about stabilizing or safely terminating their partnerships.

AbstractThe coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic resulted in economic concerns and disruptions in daily life for many families, which may amplify relational strains and create new tensions between romantic partners. Economic stressors may be particularly salient to later relationship quality in the context of more negative relationship functioning. This study investigated dyadic trajectories of relationship satisfaction in 116 different‐sex couples over a 6‐month period during the pandemic. We explored the impact of unstable work experiences on later relationship satisfaction, and if this effect was exacerbated by higher levels of negative communication. Men and women had different initial levels of relationship satisfaction, but indistinguishable rates of change in satisfaction. For men, reports of unstable work experiences early in the pandemic were positively associated with declines in relationship satisfaction, but this was not the case for women. The consequential impact of unstable work experiences did not differ based on levels of negative communication, nor was negative communication early in the pandemic related to either partner's change in satisfaction over time. We conclude by highlighting the importance of accounting for the context in which relationships develop.

The goal of this research was to identify predictors of college students' relationship dissolution and how a relationship education (RE) curriculum integrated into a college course ( Relationship U [ RU]) influenced students' breakup (BU) and relationship formation decisions. Study 1 ( n = 854) showed the strongest predictors of BU by the end of the semester were low relationship efficacy, dedication, satisfaction, and relationship length and greater emotional safety, distance, and extradyadic behavior. Study 2 ( n = 7,957) examined the perceived influence of RU on students' decisions to end and begin relationships through thematic analysis of open-ended questions asking participants to identify what (if any) aspect of the curriculum influenced their decisions. Participant responses highlighted specific RE components differentially salient to their decisions to end and begin romantic relationships. Implications for creating tailored and adaptive RE curricula with emerging adults are discussed.

AbstractMilitary service members and veterans (SMVs) are considered at risk for developing a variety of relational and mental health concerns. Often, their families also face hardships due to stressors associated with deployment and reintegration, as well as the interpersonal effects of distress. However, there are few systems‐oriented services available to military couples and families. Similarly, the services that are available often go underutilized. To address these gaps, we review existing brief‐systemic programs, which show promise for attracting and helping military families in need. In addition to describing the theoretical underpinnings that support these models and the limited empirical evidence behind them, we also provide recommendations for military scholars and program developers to improve services for SMVs and their families.