Understanding Parents-in-Law’s Uncertainty Management through a Relational Turbulence Lens

This study investigated parents-in-law's (PIL) relational uncertainty management, specifically, associations between PIL’s relational uncertainty, cognitions (i.e., identity goal and perceived communication efficacy), and relational uncertainty management choices (i.e., direct uncertainty communication and linchpin mediated communication) were examined. Results from an online survey of PIL revealed that relational uncertainty was negatively associated with PIL’s linchpin mediated communication, but there was no statistically significant association related to direct uncertainty communication. Additionally, mediation analyses revealed that in some instances, PIL’s cognitions were more proximal predictors of linchpin mediated communication than uncertainty. These findings corroborate and extend theorizing outlined by relational turbulence theory and inform understanding of PIL uncertainty management.

Mikucki-Enyart, S. & Reed, J. Understanding Parents-in-Law’s Uncertainty Management through a Relational Turbulence Lens. 1 - 22. 10.1080/10510974.2020.1776745.