The paradox of stability and change in relationships: What does chaos theory offer for the study of romantic relationships?

This article explores the potential relevance of chaos theory in understand ing development and change in romantic relationships. Chaos theory implies that relationship development may not be linear, that relationships may qui ckly and spontaneously shift to different states and relational patterns, a nd that predicting their future state may be problematic. Furthermore, chao s theory generates several methodological and statistical issues for relati onship studies. The application of chaos theory may increase the understand ing of relationships as it stimulates a renewed emphasis on relationships a s process, a moving from concern with predictability to emerging patterns, seeing variability as normal, and the recognition of the need for multiple perspectives and methods in studying relational development.