The attachment styles of an adult-child of divorce: The effect of interparental conflict on parent-adult child attachment and adult romantic attachment

Kelsey M Lancy, Purdue University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how perceptions of interparental conflict affect the attachment styles of adult children of divorce. Previous research has linked higher incidences of and more negative interparental conflict with poorer parent- adult child relationships, and has even indicated that these effects can transfer into offspring's adult romantic relationships. The current study is an attempt at identifying whether negative perceptions of interparental conflict can be linked to less secure parent- adult child and adult romantic attachment, and to explore the stability of attachment. Regression analyses of the data collected from 128 participants revealed that more negative perceptions of interparental conflict were not linked to the likelihood of romantic relationship involvement nor higher parent anxiety and avoidance. However, it was found to be significantly associated with partner attachment. Further regression analyses indicated that parent-adult child and adult romantic attachment were not associated, and that the length of a person's relationship was not linked to adult romantic attachment. A review of the research on divorce, interparental conflict, and attachment are investigated and possible explanations for the findings are provided.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Edwards, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Clinical psychology

COinS