Exploring the Unique Associations of Parent–Adult Child Relationships and Ongoing Parental Romantic Relationships with Adult Children's Romantic Relationships. Issue 1 (1st January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fey, McKenna D.; Wood, Nathan D.; Ross, D. Bruce
• Is Part Of: American journal of family therapy. Volume 51:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 76
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2023-01-01
• Subjects: Relationship dynamics -- emotional intimacy -- admiration -- intergenerational transmission -- family-of-origin; Family psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Family Therapy; Marital Therapy; Family; Counseling; 616.8915605
• DOI: 10.1080/01926187.2022.2143933
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0192-6187

Abstract

Abstract: The present study is the first to examine whether ongoing parental romantic relationship quality, as well as the adult children's relationship quality with their parents, are uniquely associated with adult children's romantic relationship dynamics. We use dyadic data from 3, 241 families to assess associations between expressions of emotional intimacy and admiration within parents' romantic relationships, adult children's romantic relationships, and adult children's relationships with their parents. Structural equation modeling showed that ongoing parental romantic responsible actions and parent–adult child relationships are both uniquely associated with responsible actions within adult children's romantic relationships. Important clinical implications are discussed.