User:LtDan213/Relational uncertainty

Introduction to Relational Uncertainty

Relational uncertainty is a relatively new field of study within relational communication. Manson and Myers define relational uncertainty as "individuals doubts about the relationship" (2016). Relational uncertainty was studied within the context of uncertainty reduction theory, with few studies focused specifically on the uncertainty that occurs within relationships. The study of relational uncertainty goes beyond romantic relationships, with at least one study looking that relational uncertainty between collegiate advisors and advisees.

History of Relational Uncertainty

Relationship uncertainty developed as a means to differentiate the uncertainty that occurs in various types of relationships. The first study of uncertainty as it relates to communication was conducted in 1949 by Claude Shannon. Over the next fifty years, many communications scholars continued to study uncertainty in communications, as well as methods to reduce uncertainty, namely uncertainty reduction theory. In 1999, Leanne Kloboch and Denise Solomon provided the first definition of relational uncertainty. They defined relational uncertainty "as the questions people have about involvement within close relationships".

Relational Uncertainty

Relational uncertainty occurs when an individual begins to question their relationship. The key factor unique to relational uncertainty is that involves the dyad, not the individual or the partner. This uncertainty can take one of two forms, behavioral or cognitive. Behavioral uncertainty arises when the behavioral norms are unclear or not yet defined. Cognitive uncertainty develops when the future of the relationship is ambiguous or confusing. Relational uncertainty also differs in the degree of uncertainty. Uncertainty can result of an individual event, or it can be a continuation through the course of the entire relationship. As the relationship changes, the causes of uncertainty also change. According to work by Kloboch, Dating couples experience uncertainty caused by internal forces, while married couples deal with external causes of uncertainty. For example, a dating couple may be unsure both romantic feelings are felt by both parties. Whereas married couples may struggle with balancing careers, raising children, and finances.

Recently, research conducted by Stein et al looked at the effects of social networks on relational uncertainty. Their study found that social networks create an additional source of uncertainty within relationships. In addition, as an individual increases the amount of time they spend with their partner, they begin to question their prominence within their social network. Further research into the social network effects of relational uncertainty requires further research.

Application

Relational uncertainty has been studied in a variety of other relationship types including children of divorce, relationships with frequent breakups and reestablishments , and military families. Blight et al discovered that the on-off relationships are partially the result of relational uncertainty. In these relationships, the breakups are confusing, without a clear-cut breakup. In turn, resuming the relationship often reduces the uncertainty as the couples may have communicated shared goals, feelings, etc.

Further Research

Social media is extremely prevalent in today's society, changing how social networks operate and communicate. While one study has looked at the effect of social networks on relational uncertainty, additional studies should conducted to further understand their effect.