A Test of Relational Turbulence Theory Among Women Experiencing Infertility: Cognitive, Emotional, and Communicative Predictors of Turbulence

We apply relational turbulence theory to identify relationship characteristics and features of interpersonal interactions that contribute to relational turbulence for couples experiencing infertility. This study identified relational uncertainty and interference from partners as relationship characteristics associated with perceived partner responsiveness and negative emotions, which in turn correspond with topic avoidance and relationship talk in interpersonal episodes, which contribute to perceptions of relational turbulence. Women (N = 152) who were experiencing infertility completed an online survey about their perceptions of their relationship and communication with their partner. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results are consistent with the theorized cognitive pathways to turbulence but offer less support for emotional pathways. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.