Examining the role of stress and transition processing communication in the relationship experiences of married caregivers

Caring for an aging adult can harm an individual’s mental, physical, and relational well-being. Couples providing eldercare often report increased tension and conflict, decreased time for intimacy, and lowered marital adjustment. Nonetheless, few studies have attempted to explain the mechanisms through which caregiving experiences impact relationship evaluations. This study engages the frameworks of relational turbulence theory and transition processing communication to examine how stress, partner communication, and relationship parameters intersect for married caregivers. The study employs dyadic data to consider four forms of relationship-focused communication that may help married caregivers preserve or elevate their partnership. Results of the study provide evidence that partner engagement in transition processing communication is associated with less relational uncertainty and improved interdependence. However, caregiving stress was associated with decreased engagement in transition processing communication. Results shed light on gender differences in the extent to which stress, communication, and relationship parameters may be connected in the context of caregiving. The study adds to our theoretical and practical understanding of how relationship turmoil develops and is attenuated within RTT and among caregiving couples.