Influence of Current Parent-Child Relationships on Dating Motivations in Young Adulthood

• Main Author: Butcher, Karen H. (Karen Hunt)
• Other Authors: Campbell, Vicki Lynn
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 1998
• Subjects: dating; young adults; family relationships; Parent and child.; Man-woman relationships.; Developmental psychology.; Attachment behavior.; Women college students > Psychology.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc278048/

The purpose of this study was to explore how supportive functions of parent-child relationships influence young adult dating motivations and involvement. Theoretical literature suggests that emotionally supportive homes provide a secure base for children to depend on as they explore themselves and other relationships. However, problematic family ties could be expected to inhibit relationship involvement due to negative past experiences or to encourage involvement as a search for intimacy. A sample of 206 single, female undergraduates completed questionnaires assessing relationships with parents and aspects of romantic involvement and development. The set of Parent-Child Relationship variables included Support, Conflict, Depth, and Affective Quality in relationships with mother and father. The Attachment Related Dating Motivation variables included measures of Anxiety, Dependency, and Closeness in relationships, Attachment Motivation, Sexual Expression, Dating Exploration, Behavioral Indicators of Romantic Involvement, Sexual Involvement, and Level, Satisfaction, and Importance of Romantic Involvement.