Family-of-Origin, Relationship Self-Regulation, and Attachment in Marital Relationships

Keywords

Family-of-origin, Attachment, Relationship self-regulation, Relationship maintenance, Couples therapy

Abstract

Within the framework of the vulnerability-stress adaptation model, we created an actor partner interdependence model to assess the relationships between negative family-of-origin experiences and relationship self-regulation, a type of relationship maintenance, and the mediating potential of partner attachment behaviors. We analyzed data from 261 heterosexual married couples in matched-pair sets from the Relationship Evaluation database (see www.relate-institute.org). Results indicated that negative family-of-origin experiences were positively associated with relationship self-regulation and secure attachment behaviors. We also found that attachment behaviors mediated the relationship between negative family-of-origin experiences and relationship self-regulation. These findings demonstrate particular clinical relevance for strengthening attachment in couples therapy.

Original Publication Citation

Knapp, D. J., Norton, A. M., & Sandberg, J. G. (2015). Family-of-origin, relationship self- regulation, and attachment in marital relationships. Contemporary Family Therapy, 37, 130-141.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015-04-08

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5258

Publisher

Contemporary Family Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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