Relational Turbulence Among Retired Couples in Arab Society: An APIM Analysis

Objective

This study examined how relational uncertainty and partner interdependence predict marital satisfaction and intimacy among post-retirement Arab couples in Israel.

Background

Retirement has rarely been studied in Arab society, despite its growing relevance due to significant shifts in family roles, gender norms, and social structures. Understanding how couples navigate this life transition is critical, especially in conservative cultural contexts. The Relational Turbulence Model (RTM) offers a useful framework for exploring how uncertainty and interdependence affect relationship quality in later life.

Method

The sample included 108 retired heterosexual Arab couples (N = 216; husbands' age M = 70.31, wives' age M = 65.07; average marital duration = 43.58 years). Dyadic data were analyzed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). The study controlled for gender, religion, and financial status and focused on five relational turbulence variables: self-uncertainty, partner uncertainty, relationship uncertainty, interference, and facilitation.

Results

All five relational turbulence variables significantly predicted both marital satisfaction and intimacy. Strong partner effects were found, indicating that one's partner's uncertainty and interdependence significantly contributed to one's own relationship perceptions. No gender differences or moderating effects were observed.

Conclusion

Findings Extend RTM to Post-Retirement Couples Within Arab Society and Highlight the Dyadic Nature of Relational Turbulence in Later Life.

Implications

Results offer valuable insight for researchers and practitioners working with older couples in culturally traditional contexts undergoing social change.