We Shall Overcome: The Association Between Family of Origin Adversity, Coming to Terms, and Relationship Quality in African Americans

Keywords

family of origin, adversity, self-esteem, depression, coming to terms, relationship quality, African Americans

Abstract

Because adverse childhood and family of origin experiences may have implications for adult relationships, the current study was designed to understand the associations between childhood family of origin adversities, and adult romantic relationship quality for individual African Americans in relationships (N = 1286) considering the potential intermediary role of coming to terms, self-esteem and depression symptoms. A structural equation model was conducted using a selection of data from the RELATE assessment (see www.relate-institute.org). Results revealed no direct effect between family of origin adversity and relationship quality, however there were several indirect effects carried through coming to terms, self-esteem, and depression symptoms. Results also suggested that coming to terms associated with higher self-esteem and lower levels of depressive symptoms for the African Americans in the current study sample. Clinicians may find it useful to focus on assisting African American individuals in coming to terms with childhood family of origin adversity as part of treatment for depression, self-esteem issues, and adult romantic relationship problems. Additional clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Marshall, K., Witting, A. B., Sandberg, J. G. et al. (2020). We Shall Overcome: The Association Between Family of Origin Adversity, Coming to Terms, and Relationship Quality in African Americans. Contemporary Family Therapy 42, 305–317.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2020-06-25

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7799

Publisher

Contemporary Family Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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