A growing body of research suggests that changes in personal relationships coincide with periods of greater reactivity to episodes involving conflict, jealousy, unexpected events, etc. Denise Solomon, in collaboration with former and current Ph.D. students (Dr. Leanne Knobloch, Dr. Jennifer Theiss, Kirsten Weber), developed the relational turbulence model to explain how transitions intensify relationship experiences. The theory positions relational uncertainty and goal interference from partners as phenomena that increase when relationship norms and roles undergo change. In turn, relational uncertainty and frustration at goal disruption lead to more extreme cognitive, emotional and communicative responses to events. The collaborators are currently exploring how the theory provides insight into the link between relationship experiences and reactions to stressors associated with the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Solomon, D. H., & Knobloch, L. K. (2004). A model of relational turbulence: The role of intimacy, relational uncertainty, and interference from partners in appraisals of irritations. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 21, 795-816.

Knobloch, L. K., & Solomon, D. H. (2004). Interference and facilitation from partners in the development of interdependence within romantic relationships. Personal Relationships, 11, 115-130.

Knobloch, L. K., & Solomon, D. H. (2002). Intimacy and the magnitude and experience of episodic relational uncertainty within romantic relationships. Personal Relationships, 9, 457-478.

Solomon, D. H., & Knobloch, L. K. (2001). Relationship uncertainty, partner interference, and intimacy within dating relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 18, 804-820.

Knobloch, L. K., Solomon, D. H, & Cruz, M. G. (2001). The role of relationship development and attachment in the experience of romantic jealousy. Personal Relationships, 8, 205-224.