The Perceived Threat and Resolvability of Serial Arguments as Predictors of Relational Uncertainty in Romantic Relationships

Abstract

This study explored the degree to which the perceived threat and resolvability of a serial argument predicted relational uncertainty in a romantic relationship (i.e., self, partner, and relationship uncertainties). Using an online survey, data was collected from 147 individuals who were currently participating in a romantic relationship. Results revealed a positive relationship between argument frequency and relationship uncertainty, a positive relationship between the perceived threat of the argument to the relationship and all three forms of relational uncertainty, and an inverse relationship between the perceived resolvability of the issue and all three forms of relational uncertainty. Most notably, interaction effects emerged for perceived threat by perceived resolvability for participants' reports of self and partner uncertainties, such that the resolvability of the issue diminished the strength of the positive association between the perceived threat of the argument and self and partner uncertainties. Overall, this study found meaningful results that extend extant models of serial argumentation in personal relationships.