Family of origin experiences on relationship satisfaction: a mediation model

Keywords

cultural differences, ethnicity, family of origin, neuroticism, past relationships, relationship satisfaction

Abstract

This study tested a mediation model of the intergenerational transmission process of the relationship satisfaction of four ethnic groups in the US: Whites, Blacks, Latinos, and Asians. The influence of past relationships is a positive mediator of the effect of family of origin on relationship satisfaction for all four groups, and low neuroticism is a positive mediator of this effect for Whites, Blacks, and Latinos, but not Asians. The effect of family of origin experiences on relationship satisfaction and the effects of the two mediators vary in ways that could be attributed to cultural differences between the four groups. This mediation model offers plausible explanations of the mechanisms governing the intergenerational transmission of relationship satisfaction and, in particular, elevates the significance of past relationships' influence in this process. The findings are discussed with a focus on cultural differences and implications for relationship education and clinical practice.

Original Publication Citation

Chen, R., & Busby, D. M. (2018). Family of origin experiences on relationship satisfaction: A mediation model. Journal of Family Therapy, 41, 80-101.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2018-02-20

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7440

Publisher

Journal of 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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