The intergenerational transmission of marital expectations and subsequent relationship satisfaction
Abstract
The present study examines the influence of intergenerational factors on love and marital expectations. As love became an important aspect of marriage, divorce rates rose and relationships began to change. A concern regarding the effects of divorce became a focus of research, and negative outcomes including greater likelihood for divorce in the child became evident. Research then began to focus on a broader influence on children including conflict levels. As the importance of love within Western society began to change marriage and relationship motivations, it becomes important to consider how these changes in turn affect love. This study examined the influence of interparental conflict and marital status on participants' love within their relationship and love expectations. Additional analyses examined the impact on marital satisfaction and infidelity. Online convenience sampling was used to recruit N = 207 of participants. Participants were at least 18 years old, married for a minimum of one year in a heterosexual relationship, and had parents who were married at some point. This study utilized Sternberg's Triangular Love Scale, the Couple's Satisfaction Index, the Child's Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale, and questions regarding infidelity and demographic information. Results showed that interparental conflict was a significant predictor of a person's total love in their relationship, marital expectations for love, and relationship satisfaction. The difference between love and expectations is also a significant predictor of relationship satisfaction and infidelity. A relationship between these variables seems to exist, and seems to be hierarchical. So, as love has influenced relationships, these relationships further influence love. Witnessing parental conflict can influence a person's methods of managing their own relationship conflict, and imprints messages regarding commitment or expression of intimacy. These themes are likely being transmitted through conflict and differing parental marital statuses. These findings inform therapeutic practices and support evidenced based practices. Future research should focus on expanding to include various populations other than heterosexual married individuals, and should focus on additional marital expectations.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Pavkov, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Behavioral Sciences
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