Family of origin experiences on relationship satisfaction: a mediation model

Abstract

AbstractThis study tested a mediation model of the intergenerational transmission process of the relationship satisfaction of four ethnic groups in the US: Whites, Blacks, Latinos, and Asians. The influence of past relationships is a positive mediator of the effect of family of origin on relationship satisfaction for all four groups, and low neuroticism is a positive mediator of this effect for Whites, Blacks, and Latinos, but not Asians. The effect of family of origin experiences on relationship satisfaction and the effects of the two mediators vary in ways that could be attributed to cultural differences between the four groups. This mediation model offers plausible explanations of the mechanisms governing the intergenerational transmission of relationship satisfaction and, in particular, elevates the significance of past relationships' influence in this process. The findings are discussed with a focus on cultural differences and implications for relationship education and clinical practice.Practitioner points FoO experiences affect one's current relationship satisfaction through past relationships' influence and neuroticism Resolving past relationship issues may reduce the negative effect of FoO experiences Helping individuals reduce their neuroticism may enhance therapeutic approaches applying an FoO lens to current relationships Therapy should pay attention to differences in the intergenerational transmission process of relationship experiences according to ethnic group