From Family of Origin to Romantic Relationships: A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Associations

Abstract

This cross-cultural study explored the impact of positive childhood family experiences on the romantic relationship satisfaction of emerging adults in the US and China. Findings affirmed that parent-child closeness significantly predicts romantic relationship satisfaction (β = 0.249, p < .001 for the US; β = 0.269, p < .001 for China). The secure dimension of adult attachment served as a key linking variable (standardized indirect effect are 0.146 for the US and 0.063 for China). While the Chinese sample mirrored the US findings in many aspects, differences emerged in covariates, measurement, and linking pathways. Different dimensions of adult attachment varied in their roles as linking variables. The secure and fearful dimensions were prominent linking variables, with the secure dimension consistently exhibiting stronger effects. Uniquely in the Chinese sample, the dismissing dimension acted as a linking variable between paternal support and romantic relationship satisfaction, underscoring an interesting area for further research.

Keywords

adult attachment positive childhood experiences romantic relationship satisfaction cross-culture China

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