An Experimental Examination of How Prospective Mother-In-Laws Affect Couples' Relationships
Faculty Mentor
Christine Anzur
Mentor Home Department
Communication Studies and Storytelling
Short Abstract
There is a consensus in the relationship world that in-laws are tricky to navigate. It is not clear how close people should feel to their in-laws, how often the couples should see them, how involved they should be, or what responsibilities couples might shoulder concerning their in-laws. This confusion comes from there being no rulebook as to how to operate with your in-laws and this is even more true when it comes to prospective in-laws. Several studies found the position a mother-in-law holds is particularly interesting, especially when it comes to how couples interact with them or each other when concerning the mother-in-law. This study will examine how couples who are dating, but are not yet engaged nor married, interact with their prospective mother-in-laws. Using the relational turbulence model, this project will explore if prospective mother-in-laws cause self-uncertainty, partner uncertainty, or relationship uncertainty, ultimately causing turbulence. The project also aims to identify if the mother-in-law causes conflict involving herself or conflict between the couple. Does the mother-in-law have any effect on relationship satisfaction? This project overall aims to provide a better understanding as to what, if any, uncertainty, conflict, or turbulence arises from the relationship one has with a prospective mother-in-law.
Category
Social Sciences
Start Date
5-4-2024 8:00 AM
End Date
5-4-2024 9:00 AM
Location
D.P. Culp Center Room 272 (East Tennessee Room)
An Experimental Examination of How Prospective Mother-In-Laws Affect Couples' Relationships
D.P. Culp Center Room 272 (East Tennessee Room)
There is a consensus in the relationship world that in-laws are tricky to navigate. It is not clear how close people should feel to their in-laws, how often the couples should see them, how involved they should be, or what responsibilities couples might shoulder concerning their in-laws. This confusion comes from there being no rulebook as to how to operate with your in-laws and this is even more true when it comes to prospective in-laws. Several studies found the position a mother-in-law holds is particularly interesting, especially when it comes to how couples interact with them or each other when concerning the mother-in-law. This study will examine how couples who are dating, but are not yet engaged nor married, interact with their prospective mother-in-laws. Using the relational turbulence model, this project will explore if prospective mother-in-laws cause self-uncertainty, partner uncertainty, or relationship uncertainty, ultimately causing turbulence. The project also aims to identify if the mother-in-law causes conflict involving herself or conflict between the couple. Does the mother-in-law have any effect on relationship satisfaction? This project overall aims to provide a better understanding as to what, if any, uncertainty, conflict, or turbulence arises from the relationship one has with a prospective mother-in-law.