Coming to Terms, Depression, and Relationship Satisfaction for Native Americans in Intimate Relationships

Keywords

adversity, childhood trauma, coming to terms, Native American, relationship quality

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between childhood family of origin (FOO) adversities, coming to terms with them, and adult intimate relationship satisfaction for Native American individuals. The sample consisted of 186 self-identified Native American individuals in committed relationships. The data for this study was collected from the RELATE assessment (see www.relate-institute.org). Results from structural equation modeling indicated that coming to terms buffered the negative effects of childhood family of origin adversities on depression and relationship quality. Results also suggest that coming to terms may help Native American individuals deal with FOO adversity and improve intimate relationship quality. Coming to terms with childhood FOO adversity should be considered in the treatment of Native American individuals in intimate relationships. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Dagley, K. C., Sandberg, J. G., Busby, D. M., & Larson, J. H. (2012). Coming to terms, depression, and relationship satisfaction for Native Americans in intimate relationships. Contemporary Family Therapy, 34(4), 481-494.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2012-08-26

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6996

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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