Social networks remain a relatively understudied topic in the field of interpersonal communication. As such, the hierarchical mapping technique (HMT) can help shed light on the levels of closeness that people share with their network members. For interpersonal, organizational, and family communication researchers, this gap is tremendously important, as uncovering trends in relationship closeness is pivotal to understanding the individuals/roles/relationships that bear the most weight in a person’s life. The present study utilized HMT to explore which type(s) of relationships people believe are closest to them, as well as which people are mildly close and also rather distant. Results demonstrated that most people consider their parents, siblings, children, best friends, and roommates as first-tier network members. Common second-tier relationships included cousins, aunts/uncles, friends, and non-biological siblings. Common third-tier relationships included patrons, acquaintances, neighbors, and idols. Moreover, there were statistical similarities across a variety of network relationships, indicating that there is substantial variance in the sorts of relationships that people typically consider close, interpersonal, and distant. Results are discussed in terms of both theoretical and methodological significance.

Research indicates that discussing one’s romantic relationship with one’s partner benefits individual well-being and reduces uncertainty about the future of the relationship. Implications of relationship talk with friends remain less clear, though talking with friends may actually increase uncertainty about the relationship (e.g., by making one’s partner jealous of these friends), particularly for emerging adults. Relationship talk with friends may be especially likely to promote relational uncertainty for couples who are already unsatisfied in their relationships. In this study, we explored whether relationship talk with one’s partner and one’s friends would each be uniquely associated with depressive symptoms and uncertainty about the relationship, specifically in the form of perceived partner jealousy of one’s friends and whether these associations would be moderated by relationship satisfaction. Results from a series of path models using data from 202 romantically involved emerging adults in the United States revealed that associations between relationship talk and outcomes were indeed moderated by relationship satisfaction. For example, only in unsatisfied relationships was relationship talk with friends positively associated with a partner's jealousy and negatively associated with depressive symptoms. This research expands our understanding of relationship talk by differentiating between talk with partners versus friends, while considering the contextual role of relationship satisfaction.

The present study explores the network uncertainty measure (NUM) as a longitudinal determinant of both relational uncertainty and biased cognitions (the perception that relational talk is threatening) at a later time. Using relational turbulence theory (RTT) as a framework, the NUM was tested for predictive and theoretical validity. Results indicated that network uncertainty at time 1 predicted self and partner, and relationship uncertainty at time 2 with varying strength of relationships. Moreover, the NUM predicted biased cognitions at time 2 when controlling for self, partner, and relationship uncertainty. Efforts were made to see if relational uncertainty mediates the relationship between network uncertainty and biased cognitions. Those results were nonsignificant. These clarify the nature of uncertainties both within and outside of close relationships. Implications are discussed in terms of both theoretical and conceptual development.

The investment model is a widely used theoretical framework in the study of close relationships. The model asserts that commitment is the outcome of relationship satisfaction, perceived investments, and perceived quality of alternatives. The current study sought to expand the scope of the investment model by including social network-based variables (specifically, network overlap and network uncertainty) as potential mediating entities. Results indicated that, when controlling for satisfaction, investment, and quality of alternatives, both network overlap and network uncertainty significantly and negatively relate to commitment. Tests of mediation revealed that both network uncertainty and network overlap partially mediated the associations shared by relationship satisfaction and investment with commitment, such that the positive relationships were significantly weakened. Results are discussed in theoretical and heuristic contexts.

Abstract Relational turbulence theory (RTT) proposes causal relationships across cognitive, emotional and communicative variables. Although many tenets of this theory have been tested individually, there has not yet been a comprehensive, predictive examination of RTT. Using structural equation modelling, this study longitudinally tested several propositions and axioms of RTT. Results are largely in line with many of RTT's predictions. Time 1 relational uncertainty predicted time 2 biased cognitions. Time 1 facilitation from a partner predicted time 2 negative emotions. Negative emotions cross-sectionally related to both the enactment and valence of relational communication episodes. Relational turbulence theory's proposed feedback loop received partial support, such that time 1 communication valence (but not engagement) predicted time 2 partner uncertainty, relationship uncertainty and partner facilitation. Results are discussed in terms of theory expansion and refinement.

Although research shows that perceived social network approval of one’s romantic relationship is linked to higher levels of relationship quality and stability, whether an individual’s opinion of their partner’s network is associated with relationship quality and/or individual mental health remains underexplored. In the present study, we addressed this gap in the research by conducting an online survey of 202 participants between the ages of 18 and 29 who reported currently being in a nonmarital relationship of at least 6 months (81% female; 76% White). Four hierarchical linear regressions were performed to test the associations of reported interference from partner’s friends and family, as well as reported tension regarding partner’s friends and family, on relationship quality and depressive symptoms, controlling for a variety of background variables. Results revealed that reported interference from and tension about partner’s friends negatively predicted relationship quality, whereas interference from and tension about partner’s family did not. In contrast, neither interference from family nor friends predicted depressive symptoms, whereas tension about relationships with both family and friends positively predicted depressive symptoms. Furthermore, trust in the romantic relationship only reduced the associations between interference from and tension about partner’s friends and relationship quality. Our findings indicate the importance of considering the role of the wider social network in couples’ relationships.

Previous research has explored both relational uncertainty and the importance of partners’ social networks in the development of close relationships. Combining these concepts would better facilitate our understanding of relational development. Accordingly, this four-study identifies and creates a novel measure for social network-based relational uncertainty experienced by individuals in romantic relationships. Studies 1 and 2 reveal eight distinct categories of network uncertainty via open coding. Studies 3 and 4 use these categories to create a network uncertainty measure (NUM) and compare it to several scales from relational turbulence theory. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis revealed five subscales, which derived from the original eight categories. Tests of convergent and divergent validity validate the NUM as a viable measure to be used in theory expansion as well as studies of network-dyad interaction. Regression analyses first compared the NUM to measures of self, partner, and relationship uncertainty. Results demonstrated strong empirical relationships between these variables, reaffirming conceptual similarities. Moreover, measures of relationship satisfaction intimacy were regressed on the NUM, controlling for relational uncertainty measures. Results demonstrated that the NUM contributes to these outcomes above and beyond self, partner, and relationship uncertainty. Findings are discussed in terms of empirical and conceptual value to the study of romantic relationships.

This study used measures of social network interference and facilitation to add to the heuristic value of relational turbulence theory. This manuscript advances theory and the value of network interdependence measures by relating them to measures of partner interdependence, as well as measures of negative emotions. Longitudinal results revealed that time 1 network interference predicted time 2 partner interference. Moreover, time 1 partner facilitation predicted time 2 network facilitation. Competing mediated models revealed that time 2 partner interference mediates the relationship between time 1 network interference and time 2 negative emotions. Time 2 network interference partially mediated the relationship between time 1 partner interference and time 2 negative emotions. Results are discussed in terms of theoretical, conceptual, and statistical value.

Abstract:Previous work on friends with benefits relationships (FWBRs) has demonstrated a need for more specific attention to exploring the motivations for engaging in such relationships. Moreover, recent research has revealed new developments in the complexities of FWBRs in general, prompting a reevaluation of previously noted trends. This manuscript contains two studies. Study 1 used open coding to condense the existing typologies of FWBR motivations, uncovering a previously undocumented motivation, labeled sliding. Study 2 replicates study 1, and also accounts for multiple simultaneous motivations as well as potential motivational changes throughout the duration of FWBRs. Results reveal that most people in FWBRs only experience one motivation for engaging in their relationships. Moreover, motivations tend to change as FWBRs develop, including desires for relational escalation, de-escalation, and companionship. Sex differences as well as relationship type differences are discussed as well.

Previous work on friends with benefits relationships (FWBRs) has demonstrated a need for more specific attention to exploring the motivations for engaging in such relationships. Moreover, recent research has revealed new developments in the complexities of FWBRs in general, prompting a reevaluation of previously noted trends. This manuscript contains two studies. Study 1 used open coding to condense the existing typologies of FWBR motivations, uncovering a previously undocumented motivation, labeled sliding. Study 2 replicates study 1, and also accounts for multiple simultaneous motivations as well as potential motivational changes throughout the duration of FWBRs. Results reveal that most people in FWBRs only experience one motivation for engaging in their relationships. Moreover, motivations tend to change as FWBRs develop, including desires for relational escalation, de-escalation, and companionship. Sex differences as well as relationship type differences are discussed as well.

Both classical and contemporary interpersonal theories have identified the social networks surrounding a couple as integral players in relational development and maintenance. The current project extends this line of research by designing (Study 1) and implementing (Study 2) a measurement of social network interdependence. Scales of network interference and facilitation are developed and probed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Results support distinct measures of network interference and facilitation. Invariance between differencing samples is tested for using multi-factor CFA. Results showed that measures of network interference and facilitation significantly vary between married and dating couples. Finally, convergent, divergent, and concurrent validity is tested for subscales using variables in relational turbulence theory. Results demonstrate that network interference and facilitation uniquely impact outcome variables above and beyond experiences of partner interference and facilitation. Results are discussed in terms of theory development.

A variety of evidence suggests that interpersonal behaviors such as touch can have pain-alleviating effects on recipients. Less well understood is how touch affects sensitivity to pain in the first place, and whether its effects depend on the nature of the relationship in which it occurs. In the present experiment, 55 adults who had not been diagnosed with a pain disorder were exposed to a cold pressor pain induction with an opposite-sex stranger, platonic friend, or romantic partner who either touched their shoulders, was present in the room without touching them, or was absent during the cold pressor. The outcome variable was the self-reported level of pain induced by the stimulus at the moment when the stimulus became painful (i.e., pain sensitivity). Compared to presence or absence, touch dampened pain sensitivity for romantic partners, allowing them to tolerate more intensity before the stimulus became painful. Touch had the opposite effect for friends and strangers, heightening their sensitivity to pain.

Applying primary socialization theory to a sample of early adolescents from Nicaragua, this study examines direct and indirect associations between family bonding and adolescent alcohol use via substance specific prevention communication (SSPC) and adolescent efficacy. Early adolescents in 7th and 8th grades completed a self-report, cross-sectional survey. Structural equation modeling revealed that family expressiveness was significantly indirectly related to adolescent lifetime alcohol use through SSPC. Results are discussed in relation to primary socialization theory, family communication, and international substance use prevention efforts. This study provides supportive evidence for the important role of positive family communication as a protective factor for early adolescents in Nicaragua.