Association of family of origin factors with attitudes toward marriage and heterosexual competence among long-term, never-married men
Abstract
Research literature has identified a number of family of origin factors seen as contributing to nonparticipation in marriage among men. Among these are the level of family functioning, quality and stability of the parents' marriage, quality of relationships with parents, quality of relationships with female siblings, and the level of individuation from parents. Research has also suggested that these factors effect attitudes toward marriage and heterosexual competence among men, but this has not been tested. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of these family of origin factors with the favorableness of attitude toward marriage and heterosexual competence among long-term, never-married men. Sixty-one never-married men participated in the study. Data were collected using a mail questionnaire research design. Most respondents resided in Lafayette and Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding areas. Findings supported the idea that the level of individuation from parents is positively related to heterosexual competence. The quality of relationships with parents was negatively related to the favorableness of attitudes about marriage, only among the older, less educated men. Surprisingly few of the other hypotheses concerning favorableness of attitudes toward marriage and heterosexual competence were supported, suggesting that family of origin factors have little impact on the decision to forego marriage, especially among never-married men under 60 years of age. Findings are discussed within the context of barriers, attractions, and alternative attractions to marriage.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Lewis, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology
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