Effect of Adverse Familial Homes on Adult Relationships

Abigail Opthof

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: Forensic Psychology (M.A.)

Faculty Research Mentor: Christine Doyle

Abstract:

The present study aimed to understand how a parent's relationship status affects their child’s relationships as an adult. It was hypothesized that children of adverse homes would grow up to have negative views of relationships. Specifically, it was hypothesized that children of adverse homes had more unstable relationships. The study consisted of 84 random participants who were asked to complete various questionnaires relating to their families, friends, and feelings on relationships. Contrary to the hypothesis, no significant difference was found between children of married, divorced, or absent parents concerning their outlook and emotions on romantic relationships, t(60)=-.858, p=ns. There was also no significant difference between children of married, divorced, or absent parents regarding their outlooks and ability to keep friendly relationships, t(61)=-.062, p=ns. Future research surrounding adverse and traditional homes will be discussed.

Keywords: Married, Divorced, Absent, Romantic relationship, Friendship