PARENTAL INFLUENCES DURING CHILDHOOD ON INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS IN YOUNG ADULTHOOD

Abstract

The ability of young adults to form healthy intimate relationships is rooted in experiences that occur much earlier in life, particularly during childhood and adolescence. Parents serve as the child’s first and most influential social context, providing models for relational behaviors through observational and experiential learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate (1) how interparental conflict (IPC) contributes to two specific intimate relationship outcomes (intimate relationship quality and intimate partner violence), and (2) the moderating role of parental support in shaping the relationship between IPC and the two intimate relationship outcomes. The study examined two properties of IPC, conflict (i.e., frequency, intensity, and resolution) and threat properties (i.e., perceived threat and coping efficacy). Kenyan young adults aged 18 to 26 years (N = 263) were recruited to participate in an online survey. Multiple linear regression analyses identified significant main effects of IPC conflict properties and intimate partner violence victimization. Specifically, greater exposure to IPC conflict properties was positively associated with intimate partner violence victimization. Although parental support did not significantly moderate the relationship between interparental conflict and intimate relationship quality, it demonstrated a significant main effect on intimate relationship quality, that is, greater parental support was linked to better intimate relationship quality. Similarly, parental support did not significantly moderate the relationship between interparental conflict and intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization; however, significant main effects were found for IPC conflict properties and intimate partner violence victimization. Public health programs that promote parental support and educate on healthy interparental conflict management are suggested.