The effect of parental divorce on young adults' romantic relationship dissolution: What makes a difference?

Abstract

It was proposed that parental divorce does not have a uniform effect on young adults' romantic relationships and that differential outcomes depend on how young adults perceive their parents' divorce. Using a sample of 571 young adults, structural equation modeling suggested that, compared with those from intact families, young adults whose parents divorced held a more favorable attitude toward divorce. A positive attitude toward divorce was associated with lower commitment to their romantic relationship, which in turn affected its dissolution. More importantly, young adults' perception of parental divorce varied depending on interparental conflict and parents' marital quality before the divorce. The variation in the perception of interparental divorce was linked to relationship dissolution via attitude toward divorce and relationship commitment.

An Exploration of the Construction of Commitment Leading to Marriage

“…Some studies have found that in premarital or dating relationships, young adults whose parents had divorced were associated with lower relationship satisfaction, more conflict, and less commitment (Cui & Fincham, 2010;Rhoades, Stanley, Markman, & Ragan, 2012;Whitton et al, 2008). Research has also suggested that divorce or conflictual parental relationships have a negative impact on the attitudes of young adults about marriage and commitment (Cui, Fincham, & Durtschi, 2011).…”

Being Caught in the Middle of Inter-Parental Conflict: Relationship between Inter-Parental Conflict and Attitudes towards Marriage among Male and Female Adolescents from Divorced Families

“…Existing evident indicated that individuals who experienced parental divorce are at greater risk to divorce themselves in later years (Cui, Fincham, & Durtschi, 2011;Teachman, 2002), signalling a need of research focusing on offspring of divorced families.…”

“…One possible mechanism which might greatly affect adolescents is the exposure to inter-parental conflict. Research consistently displayed that adolescents who are exposed to intense inter-parental conflict have greater tendency to perceive negative attitudes towards marriage (Cui et al, 2011;Jennings, Salts, & Smith, 1992;Tasker, 1993;Tasker & Richards, 1994;Valerian, 2001). For example, Dennison and Koerner (2006) found a significant negative relationship between inter-parental conflict and attitudes towards marriage among adolescents who aged from 11 to 17 years old.…”

Single, Divorced, or Separated? Factors That Impact the Lives of Women Who Are Heads of Household in Lima, Peru

“…(Lucila,47) Based on the experiences of their divorces, separations, teenage pregnancy (in the case of Eli, 26), domestic violence, and irresponsible partners, one of the participants' greatest fears is that these patterns continue in the lives of their sons and daughters. In their study dealing with the impact of divorce on children, Cui, Fincham, and Durtschi (2010) show that although there exists a high likelihood of divorce in the lives of the children of divorced parents, it is not a total given and their ultimate decision to dissolve their marriage would depend on numerous factors. The mothers, in this study, are more determined to invest time and dedication to their own sons and daughters.…”