Author: Zaeema Farooq
Supervisor: Iram Fatima, PhD
Degree: MPhil
Year: 2012-2014
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The present correlational study aimed to investigate the relationship of relational uncertainty, partner interference with relational turbulence in young married couples. It was hypothesized that relational uncertainty and partner interference would be significant predictors of relational turbulence in young married individuals, husbands, wives and married couples. Trust and family interference were proposed co-variates The sample comprised of 108 couples, (N = 216) including 108 husbands and 108 wives, with age range 21-45 years (M = 30.71, SD = 5.42). The Relational Uncertainty Scale (Knobloch, 2007), Partner Interference Scale (Knobloch & Solomon, 2003), Relational Turbulence Scale (McLaren, 2008), Trust in Close Relationships Scale (Rempel, Holmes, & Zanna, 1985) and a self-constructed item measuring family interference were used to assess the study variables. Data were analyzed with structural equation modelling through AMOS in three major ways: (a) A causal model to test study variables in married individuals; (b) Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM; Kenny, 1996) for assessment of the actor and partner effects of husbands and wives; (c) Assessing study variables at the dyadic level by Common Fate Model (Kenny, 1996; Peugh, DiLillo & Panuzio, 2013). Cofirmatory Factor Analysis on relational uncertainty as a factor for self, partner and relationship uncertainty yielded high factor loadings. Results indicated that relational uncertainty and partner interference were positive predictors of relational turbulence in married individuals (causal model). Incorporating husbands and wives, wives’ relational turbulence was positively predicted by wives’ relational uncertainty and wives’ partner interference. And husbands’ relational turbulence was also positively predicted by wives’ partner interference (APIM). It was further found that relational uncertainty and partner interference yielded to be positive predictors of relational turbulence in married couples. The study has important implications in marital and couple counselling, to integrate understanding about the initial turbulence period in young married couples.
Keywords: Relational Uncertainty, Partner Interference, Relational Turbulence.
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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
