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Introduction to Relational Uncertainty

Relational uncertainty is a relatively new field of study within relational communication. Mansson and Myers (2016) define relational uncertainty as "individuals doubts about the relationship". Relational uncertainty was studied within the context of uncertainty reduction theory, with few studies focused specifically on the uncertainty that occurs within relationships. What separates the study of relational uncertainty from that of uncertainty, as the the subjects being studied. Much of the work done within uncertainty reduction theory consisted on new acquaintances and stangers, and the methods to reduce the uncertainty in order to establish a relationship (Kloboch, 2010). Relational uncertainty focuses on the ongoing uncertainty within established relationships. While the relational uncertainty scholars initially focused on established close relationships (Kloboch, 2010), the study of relational uncertainty had move beyond romantic relationships. For example, at least one study looking that relational uncertainty between collegiate advisors and advisees (Mansson and Myers, 2016).

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 (Kloboch, 2010). 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 (Kloboch, 2010). They defined relational uncertainty "as the questions people have about involvement within close relationships" (Kloboch, 2010).

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 (Kloboch and Solomon, 1999). 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. (Kloboch and Solomon, 1999) 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 (Kloboch, 2010). 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 (Kloboch, 2010).

Recently, research conducted by Stein et al looked at the effects of social networks on relational uncertainty (Stein et al., 2020). 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 (Stein et al., 2020). 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 adult children of divorce (Mikucki-Enyart et al., 2018), relationships with frequent breakups and reestablishments (Blight et al, 2019), and military families (Knobloch et al., 2019).

Research conducted by Mikucki-Enyarrt et al. revealed how uncertainty the adult children of divorce [adults when parents divorce] and their parents and other relatives. Children have to relearn how they fit into the new version of their family. Boundaries that weren't present, no exist, for example, withholding information about one parent from the other. Another common form of uncertainty in this group is that adult children of divorce may question their own identities, due to the abrupt, unexpected change in the families identity.

Blight et al (2019) discovered that the on-off relationships are partially occur as the result of relational uncertainty. Relational uncertainty can increase or decrease in these types of relationships. For example, the breakups that occur these types of relations can be confusing, and lack a clearly defined breakup. Resuming the relationship can reduce uncertainty about the relationship as the couples have communicate shared goals, feelings, etc., resulting in a greater connection and reduced uncertainty (Blight et al., 2019).

Klobach et al. (2018) looked at relational uncertainty that results of the unpredictable nature of military life, in particular, deployments. While the type of uncertainty changes, military families experiences uncertainty during all phase of a deployment. This particular study reviewed a number of online forums used by military families and the type of relational uncertainty they experienced (Klobach et al., 2018).

Further Research

One major of additional research is the role of relational uncertainty in relational turbulence. A study by Solomon and Brisini. (2019) tested relational turbulence theory. This study revealed how relational uncertainty increases the likelihood that an individual takes the conflict personally (Solomon and Brisini, 2019). However, relational uncertainty specific role into relational turbulence theory has not been evaluated, nor has any further direct connections have been made.

Another area worthy of further research is that of social media's effect on relational uncertainty. Social media is extremely prevalent in today's society, changing how social networks operate and communicate. While one study (Stein et al., 2020) has looked at the effect of social networks on relational uncertainty, additional studies should conducted to further understand their effect.

References

Mansson, D. H., Myers, S.A. (2016). "Relational Maintenance, Relational Characteristics, and Relational Uncertainty in the Faculty Advisor-Doctoral Advisee Relationship". Communication Research Reports. 33 (3): 207–216.

Knobloch, L. K., (2010). "Relational Uncertainty and Interpersonal Communication", New Directions in Interpersonal Communication Research, 2455 Teller Road,  Thousand Oaks  California  91320  United States: SAGE Publications, Inc., pp. 69–93,

Knobloch, L. K., Solomon, D. H., (1999). "Measuring the sources and content of relational uncertainty". Communication Studies. 50 (4): 261–278.

Stein, J.B., Mongeau, P.A., Truscelli, N. I. (2020). "Identifying and measuring network-based relational uncertainty: Looking outside of the dyadic bubble". Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. 37 (2): 491–515.

Mikucki-Enyart, S. L., Petitte, S. R., Wilder, S. E. (2018). "Relational uncertainty management in adult children of divorce". Journal of Applied Communication Research. 46(4): 469–490.

Blight, M. G., Ruppel, E. K., Jagiello, K. (2019). ""Using Facebook Lets Me Know What He is Doing:" Relational Uncertainty, Breakups, and Renewals in On-again/Off-again Relationships". Southern Communication Journal. 84 (5): 328–339.

Knobloch, L. K., Basinger, E. D., Abendschein, B., Wehrman, E. C., Monk, J. K., McAninch, K. G. (2018). "Communication in Online Forums About the Experience and Management of Relational Uncertainty in Military Life". Journal of Family Communication. 18 (1): 13–31.

Solomon, D. H., Brisini, K. (2019). "Relational uncertainty and interdependence processes in marriage: A test of relational turbulence theory". Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. 36 (8): 2416–2436.