CONCEPTS
Relational Uncertainty
Relational uncertainty denotes the confidence that individuals may have or lack within their interpersonal relationships (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). There are three types of relational uncertainty: self, partner, and relationship. Self uncertainty refers to the questions individuals have about their personal involvement in that relationship, while partner uncertainty regards the questions about their partner’s involvement (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). The ambiguity within the relationship, such as state, stability, and commitment level, contributes to relationship uncertainty (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). Uncertainty is interconnected and interdependent, meaning that uncertainty in one area of a relationship …show more content…
One’s appraisal of uncertainty refers to how they feel about uncertainty: whether they like or dislike it (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). How one appraises uncertainty may facilitate their emotional reaction toward it. Our emotional reactions are how we choose to respond to the uncertainty, shape how willing we are to interact with our partner about the uncertainty, and determine whether the outcome of this interaction will be beneficial or detrimental to our relationship (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015).
Relational Turbulence
The negative outcome of relational uncertainty is relational turbulence. When relationships are going through transitions (changes that affect how each partner thinks and feels about the relationship in addition to how they behave within the relationship), relational partners may experience disorder, confusion, and a feeling of chaos or instability, resulting in the assessment of the relationship as turbulent (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). If we choose to respond to situations of uncertainty inappropriately, we will experience turbulence as our relationship will not go back to its once stable state.
Relational …show more content…
If the conflict is managed destructively, the situation becomes hostile as the conflict is escalated and unrelated to the original problem (Cahn & Abigail, 2014). Using aggressive and avoidant messages during times of conflict also contributes to relational uncertainty (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). Productive conflict is based on the staying focused on the issue at hand and working to resolve the conflict in a way that makes both parties satisfied (Cahn & Abigail, 2014). Individuals can manage conflict productively through the use of constructive communication (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). Constructive communication may include using I-statements that state how the individual personally feels as opposed to blaming their partner (Cahn & Abigail, 2014), highly person-centered messages that explore and elaborate upon those feelings (positivity, assurances, and openness), and focusing on resolving the problem (Braithwaite & Schrodt,
Relational Uncertainty
Relational uncertainty denotes the confidence that individuals may have or lack within their interpersonal relationships (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). There are three types of relational uncertainty: self, partner, and relationship. Self uncertainty refers to the questions individuals have about their personal involvement in that relationship, while partner uncertainty regards the questions about their partner’s involvement (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). The ambiguity within the relationship, such as state, stability, and commitment level, contributes to relationship uncertainty (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). Uncertainty is interconnected and interdependent, meaning that uncertainty in one area of a relationship …show more content…
One’s appraisal of uncertainty refers to how they feel about uncertainty: whether they like or dislike it (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). How one appraises uncertainty may facilitate their emotional reaction toward it. Our emotional reactions are how we choose to respond to the uncertainty, shape how willing we are to interact with our partner about the uncertainty, and determine whether the outcome of this interaction will be beneficial or detrimental to our relationship (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015).
Relational Turbulence
The negative outcome of relational uncertainty is relational turbulence. When relationships are going through transitions (changes that affect how each partner thinks and feels about the relationship in addition to how they behave within the relationship), relational partners may experience disorder, confusion, and a feeling of chaos or instability, resulting in the assessment of the relationship as turbulent (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). If we choose to respond to situations of uncertainty inappropriately, we will experience turbulence as our relationship will not go back to its once stable state.
Relational …show more content…
If the conflict is managed destructively, the situation becomes hostile as the conflict is escalated and unrelated to the original problem (Cahn & Abigail, 2014). Using aggressive and avoidant messages during times of conflict also contributes to relational uncertainty (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). Productive conflict is based on the staying focused on the issue at hand and working to resolve the conflict in a way that makes both parties satisfied (Cahn & Abigail, 2014). Individuals can manage conflict productively through the use of constructive communication (Braithwaite & Schrodt, 2015). Constructive communication may include using I-statements that state how the individual personally feels as opposed to blaming their partner (Cahn & Abigail, 2014), highly person-centered messages that explore and elaborate upon those feelings (positivity, assurances, and openness), and focusing on resolving the problem (Braithwaite & Schrodt,