The Long Arm of Trauma During Childhood: Associations with Resources in Couple Relationships

Keywords

couple relationships, childhood trauma, childhood

Abstract

Traumatic experiences within and outside the family of origin in childhood may disrupt couple functioning later in life. Using a sample of 3,958 couples assessed through the Relationship Evaluation Questionnaire (RELATE), an actor–partner independence model was fit to test direct and indirect associations between negative impact from one's family of origin (accounting for physical violence and sexual abuse) and resources in couple relationships. Resources were defined using intervention principles derived from the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. Actor and partner effects suggested negative family impact associates with relationship instability and is mediated through negative couple communication. Actor effects suggested negative family impact associates with less calmness in one's self and is also mediated through negative couple communication.

Original Publication Citation

Banford Witting, A.,& Busby, D. (2018).The long arm of trauma in childhood: Associations with resources in couple relationships. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy.DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12354

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2018-08-31

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5334

Publisher

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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