The Study of Relational Turbulence Theory in Families: Reflections on the Past and Visions for the Future

The first issue of the Journal of Family Communication was published in 2001, the same year as the publication of the inaugural study investigating processes of relational turbulence. To mark the 25th anniversary of both events, we consider the applicability of relational turbulence theory beyond its original focus on romantic relationships to family relationships. We trace research on relational turbulence from dating relationships to marital relationships to non-marital dyads in the family, theorize about the relevance of the theory’s key constructs in family contexts, and delineate implications for both research and practice. Our synthesis emphasizes points of both convergence and divergence in relational turbulence processes within romantic dyads versus family systems. Along the way, we identify opportunities for future research to usher in a new era of scholarship on relational turbulence and family communication.