Perceived parents’ relationship quality and young adults’ dating experiences
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Based on the combination of attachment theory, social learning theory and family system theory, the purpose of this survey study is to examine the influence of the quality of interparental relationships on the early dating experiences of young adults, as well as to investigate the mediating role of parent-child bonds in this association. Data was collected from 122 York University undergraduate students (mean age 19.4 years) through an online survey portal (QuestionPro). Perceived parents’ levels of conflict and affection were measured with adapted Children’s Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale (CPIC) and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) was used to measure parent-child bond, while dating experiences were evaluated using Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) and modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2-Short). Correlational analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) were conducted to analyze the data. It was found that higher perceived parental conflict predicted worse mother-child and father-child bonds. Neither parental relationship quality nor parent-child bonds significantly predicted relationship satisfaction or constructive conflict behaviours. Mediation effects were not supported. In conclusion, the findings indicate that the early perceptions of parents' relationship quality may not influence young adults’ early dating experiences; however, it may predict the bond between parents and child.
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7221170412