Contextual Relational Uncertainty Model: Understanding Ambiguity in a Changing Sociopolitical Context of Marriage

Abstract

Uncertainty about the future of a close relationship is important to consider given the association between relational uncertainty and well‐being. These concerns and questions are likely compounded by accelerated rates of societal change that are rife with ambiguity, which could erode relational confidence, especially for those in marginalized unions. Despite the importance of the sociopolitical environment, there is limited insight into how this context might shape various forms of uncertainty. Thus, we propose an integrative framework, the contextual relational uncertainty model, to understand the intersection of contextual ambiguity and relational uncertainty during times of change for individuals in marginalized relationships. As an exemplar of sociopolitical transitions, we describe the changes related to same‐sex marriage in the 21st century to illustrate the utility and initial explication of the model. We describe suggestions for future research and clinical implications of exploring sociopolitical uncertainty, as well as its antecedents and consequences.

Relational Upheaval During Refugee Resettlement: Service Provider Perspectives

“…However, little research has investigated the impact of stressful transitions on refugee relationships and the relational turbulence theory has yet to be applied to this population despite the potential explanatory power. Moreover, according to relational turbulence theory, transitions and changes also create the opportunity for partners to facilitate each other's goals and routines (Knobloch & Solomon, 2004) and provide other means of support (Monk & Ogolsky, 2019). Although some experiences of positive, relational growth and facilitation from partners emerged in the data, the focus on relationship challenges in the interviews prevented deeper exploration and was beyond the scope of the current study.…”

The Legal Vulnerability Model for Same-Sex Parent Families: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review and Theoretical Integration

“…We propose that legal vulnerability impacts the interparental relationship due to direct and indirect effects: First, lacking legal recognition of the interparental relationship (through marriage or civil unions) may translate into a lack of pre-defined relational roles for same-sex relationships (e.g., Zamperini et al, 2016). While we found only scant evidence for this hypothesis in our review, this notion has also been put forward with regard to relationship uncertainty and ambiguity in a shifting sociopolitical climate for sexual minorities (Monk and Ogolsky, 2019). Conversely, legal recognition was found to strengthen the interparental relationship by publicly signaling love and commitment (e.g., Taylor, 2011;Kimport, 2013).…”

“…The development of models related to sexual minority health on the individual, couple, and family-level has proliferated in recent years. Future research could integrate legal vulnerability in the family resilience model (Prendergast and MacPhee, 2018 ), the relationship uncertainty model (Monk and Ogolsky, 2019 ), or adaptations of the vulnerability-stress-adaptation model (Karney and Bradbury, 1995 ; Totenhagen et al, 2018 ), among others. Conversely, researchers could link other concepts of legal meaning making for sexual minorities, such as legal consciousness (Hull, 2016 ), with legal vulnerability.…”

Beyond cold feet: Experiences of ending engagements and canceling weddings

“…Future research should explore the process of relationship dissolution at this stage in different cultures. Similarly, due to cultural pressures and potential ambivalence about the institution of marriage (Monk & Ogolsky, 2019), sexual minorities may feel pressured to move forward with weddings even when they experience premarital instability. This may be especially salient considering that weddings are often public, heteronormative rituals (Oswald & Sutter, 2004).…”