Getting to the Root of Relationship Attributions: Family-of-Origin Perspectives on Self and Partner Views

Abstract

A large body of research has been devoted to the study of family-of-origin (FOO) experience influences on future relationship outcomes and processes. In addition, substantial information exists regarding the role relationship attributions play in connection with relationship quality and stability. Yet, limited information has been forthcoming regarding how the FOO experience has an influence on attributions made in romantic relationships. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to assess the impact of the FOO experience on attributions made about one's own communication and personality variables, as well as the communication and personality variables of one's partner from a sample of individuals who had completed the RELATionship Evaluation (N = 6,649). Results show evidence of a relationship between the FOO experience and the attributions

The Role of Pessimistic Attributions in the Association Between Anxious Attachment and Relationship Satisfaction

“…Given the substantial body of evidence that attributions are associated with relationship satisfaction, there is some confusion regarding underlying causes of specific attributions in romantic relationships. A number of researchers have demonstrated a link between adult attachment and attributions (Collins, Ford, Guichard, & Allard, ; Gardner, Busby, Burr, & Lyon, ; Mikulincer, , Study 2; Pearce & Halford, ). It is interesting that although Heene, Buysse, and Van Oost () found that attributions and adult attachment were linked to attributions and marital adjustment, they did not test whether attributions mediated the link between attributions and attachment.…”

Predicting Partner Enhancement in Marital Relationships: The Family of Origin, Attachment, and Social Network Approval

“…[and] are a significant part of what constitutes the fabric of the family functioning” (Dattilio, 2005, p. 15). Gardner, Busby, Burr, & Lyon (2011) found that when partners perceived poor marital relations in their family of origin, this negatively affected their attributions about their partner’s communication as well as the perceived kindness of the partners. Furthermore, healthy and supportive home environments shape important beliefs and attitudes about self, others, and relationships, including young adult relationships outside the family (Busby et al, 2005; Topham, Larson, & Holman, 2005).…”

Family Adversity and Relationship Quality for Pacific Islanders and the Mediating Role of Coming to Terms, Self‐Esteem, and Depression

“…As such, the consideration of cultural context will be relevant in this research study as well as clinical work with this population. In this study, the term family adversity reflects familial stressors and challenges researchers have found predictive of family dysfunction and negative romantic relational outcomes in adulthood for individuals who experienced these stressors in their FOO (Gardner, Busby, Burr, & Lyon, 2011; Holman & Busby, 2011). Examples of FOO stressors identified in previous literature, and assessed in this study include family members who struggle with alcohol or drug use, financial instability, emotional and mental health problems such as depression, and family members who struggle with physical disabilities or serious illness (Dagley, Sandberg, Busby, & Larson, 2012; Gardner et al, 2011; Grant et al, 2004).…”