The Dyadic Effects of Relationship Uncertainty on Relationship Maintenance and Damaging Behaviors

Guided by uncertainty reduction theory and the enduring dynamics model, we examined the dyadic effects of relationship uncertainty using data collected from 83 couples (n = 166) prior to the completion of the PRE-marital Preparation and Relationship Enhancement (PREPARE) Program and six-months later. Results from actor-partner interdependence models (APIM) indicated that females who reported higher levels of relationship uncertainty prior to participating in PREPARE were more likely to report the presence of more frequent relationship damaging behaviors and personally engaging in less relationship maintenance six months post-program (actor effect). As well, females with higher relationship uncertainty were more likely to have partners who reported less frequent relationship maintenance and more frequent relationship damaging six months post-programming (partner effect). Implications for relationship education and future directions are discussed.