Risky family backgrounds and their impact on relationship outcomes in a young adult dating sample

Abstract

This study explored associations between individuals' risky family backgrounds from childhood and the implications for relationship outcomes (satisfaction and positive and negative interaction qualities) in young adult dating relationships. A sample of 100 dating couples completed self-report measures to address risky family backgrounds and current relationship satisfaction. Couples also participated in a videotaped discussion about a source of conflict in their relationship that was later coded by trained experimenters. Associations between these variables were analyzed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM; Cook & Kenny, 2005). The findings suggest that male risky family backgrounds were correlated with their own and their partners' positive and negative interaction quality. Female risky family backgrounds were not predictive of relationship outcomes for either partner. These findings may potentially be explained by gender differences in childhood friendships, willingness to seek counseling, or diverse coping skills used by males and females. Additional potential explanations for findings along with implications for the counseling field are discussed.