Abstract
This study examined the mediating impact of couples' attachment behaviors on the relationship between poor quality family-of-origin experiences and marital communication quality. The couple data for this study was collected from the Relationship Evaluation (RELATE) database (see www.relate-institute.org). An Actor Partner Interdependence Model using structural equation modeling was used to evaluate 261 marriage relationships. Results indicated that the relationships between family-of-origin experiences and communication quality are significantly related, with more family-of-origin problems associated with poorer positive communication skills. When attachment behaviors (accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement) were added to the model, it significantly mediated the relationship. Implications for clinicians treating couples who present with communication problems are discussed, as are directions for future research.
Degree
MS
College and Department
Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life; Marriage and Family Therapy
Rights
http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Knapp, Darin Justin, "Attachment Behaviors as Mediators Between Family-of-Origin Quality and Couple Communication Quality in Marriage: Implications for Couples Therapy" (2013). Theses and Dissertations. 3603.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/3603
Date Submitted
2013-06-06
Document Type
Thesis
Handle
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd6216
Keywords
family-of-origin, communication, attachment, couple therapy
Language
English