Needing Space During Lockdown: A Longitudinal Test of Relational Turbulence Theory in the Context of Conversations About Physical and Emotional Space During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic upended home life for couples across the globe. Many couples faced uncertainty and increased partner interference as a result of stay at home and lockdown orders. This study uses relational turbulence theory to examine how (a) uncertainty and (b) partner interdependence is associated with cognitions, emotions, and willingness to engage in needing space conversations with a partner. We also examine links between communicative engagement, turbulence, and resilience over time. In the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 609 adults in a romantic relationship from several countries across the globe completed an online survey. Self-uncertainty was associated with biased cognitions, facilitation was associated with increased hopeful feelings, and communicative engagement was associated with higher relational turbulence. Turbulence negatively affected relationship resilience three months later. Theoretical implications for relational turbulence theory and practical implications for couples are discussed.