Toward a Triangular Theory of the Communication and Relationships of In-Laws: Theoretical Proposal and Social Relations Analysis of Relational Satisfaction and Private Disclosure in In-Law Triads

Abstract

This paper proposes a Triangular Theory of the Communication and Relationships of In-laws, drawing upon theory related to triadic relationships and research on family interaction, communication, and in-law relationships. A Social Relations Model was used in an initial test of the theoretical propositions. Ninety-eight triads composed of a newlywed couple and a parent of one spouse participated in a study measuring each triad member's relational satisfaction with the other two members, as well as disclosure from the parent (and other family members) to the child-in-law. Results provided partial support for the theory. The unique dyadic relationship explained less variance in satisfaction for the in-law dyad than for the marital and familial dyads. Dyadic reciprocity of satisfaction was greater for the marital than the familial dyad. Finally, disclosure of family information to the child-in-law had complex relationships with satisfaction within the triad.