This study explores the relationships between cohabitation, relational uncertainty variables, turbulence, construal levels, and dyadic synchrony among participants who have been married for one year or less. Research questions were posed to explore the relationships between cohabitation, relational uncertainty, and turbulence. Additionally, structural equation modeling was used to analyze the mediating effects turbulence has on uncertainty and RTT outcome variables (i.e., negative construals and dyadic synchrony). Two measurement instruments were developed in order to test previously unstudied outcome variables within relational turbulence theory. A survey design was employed to investigate these concepts. In order to capture this specific sample, the online survey was administered (N = 234) through Amazon's Mechanical Turk. Results indicated that cohabitation prior to marriage was associated with both higher degrees of relational uncertainty and turbulence. Additionally, SEM results revealed that turbulence mediates the relationships between 1) relational uncertainty and negative construals and 2) relational uncertainty and decreased dyadic synchronization. Sex differences are discussed, implications for transition into marriage are explored, and suggestions for future research are offered.
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