Relational load when a romantic partner is unemployed: the role of communal coping and social network support. Issue 4 (8th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crowley, Jenny L.; Pederson, Joshua R.
• Is Part Of: Communication quarterly. Volume 70:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 345
• Page End: 364
• Publication Date: 2022-08-08
• Subjects: Unemployment -- communal coping -- relational load -- romantic partners -- personal networks; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.205
• DOI: 10.1080/01463373.2022.2053731
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-3373

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Romantic partners of unemployed individuals uniquely experience stress due to spillover effects of unemployment and their role as primary support providers for the unemployed individual. The present study drew on the extended theoretical model of communal coping (TMCC) to examine a process of communal coping experienced by romantic partners ( N = 285) of unemployed individuals, who completed an online survey. Analyses indicated that stress related to unemployment was negatively associated with a partner's communal coping and communal coping was negatively associated with relational load. Perceived support from friends and family acted as a moderating influence on the relationships among stress, communal coping, and relational load. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.