Relational Uncertainty, Partner Interference and Relational Turbulence in Early Years of Marriage

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the interplay between partner interference, relational uncertainty, and relational turbulence in marriages during the early years, with a focus on the moderating role of mother-in-law interference within the relational turbulence model. The research hypothesized that there is likely a significant association between partner interference, relational uncertainty, and relational turbulence, with mother-in-law interference moderating them. The study employed a correlational design, with a sample of 250 married women who have been married for 1-5 years through convenient sampling strategy. Data was collected through self-report measures including Partner Interference Scale (Knobloch & Solomon, 2004), Relational Uncertainty Measure (Knobloch, 2007), Relational Turbulence Scale (Khadim, 2023) and Marital Interference and Boundaries Scale (Goldstein, 2015). Spearman correlation analysis confirmed significant association among the key variables. Additionally, moderation analysis via PROCESS SPSS-27 confirmed that mother-in-law interference significantly moderated the relationship between relational uncertainty and relational turbulence. This study provided valuable insights into the dynamics of early marital relationships, including the awareness regarding the course- altering impact of familial and cultural interference on marital stability. The findings could contribute to family counseling and intervention strategies by addressing how parental involvement impacts early marital years.