Long-term effects of parental divorce and interparental conflict on young adults' romatic relationships

Abstract

A body of research examining the effects of parental divorce on adult children's romantic relationships has recently begun to emerge. The current study contributes to this literature by comparing the attachment styles and relationship attitudes of adult children from divorced families with those raised in high and low conflict non-divorced families. A total of 111 participants (11 men, 100 women) completed a battery of self report questionnaires. The findings provide mixed support for the belief that experiencing a parental divorce and/or high levels of interparental conflict may have long-term effects on adult children' s attachment orientations and perceptions of risk in intimacy. However, no differences were found between the groups on reported levels of trust, relationship satisfaction or styles of loving. Potential explanations for the study's findings are provided and implications are drawn.