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The Effects of Parental Divorce on Romantic Relationship Quality

Isabella Riano

Jeanne Lancaster

PSY 343: Close Relationships

Saint Leo University

April 21st, 2023

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Introduction

I will design a research study on how parental divorce affects romantic relationships.

Moreover, while many focus on the short-term effects of parental divorce on children, it is also

vital to investigate the long-term impact of parental divorce as people grow into adults. This

research topic is essential for partners. Moreover, if someone has divorced parents, it may

encourage them to communicate well with their partner so that they can understand how an

adverse childhood experience may impact their current relationship. A parental divorce is an

event that can affect those who experience it for the rest of their life, and it is essential to

research its effect on romantic relationships. My hypothesis is that parental divorce has a

negative impact on romantic relationships. This study's independent variable is parental divorce,

and the dependent variable is romantic relationship quality.

Review of Literature

In 2016, a research study examined parental divorce's effects on adults' romantic

relationships. The hypothesis was that marital conflict might foreshadow parental divorce for

children, influencing future attachment style and premarital relationships (Braithwaite, Doxey et

al., 2016). For the procedure, 353 college students who took an introductory science course

received extra credit for participating in the research study. First, participants completed a survey

asking about their relationship status and how long they had been in a romantic relationship.

Then they completed a follow-up survey where they answered some questions about their

romantic relationship.

The study evaluated many factors, including relational commitment, conflict

management, and attachment (Braithwaite, Doxey et al., 2016). Moreover, the researchers used
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Stanley and Markman's Commitment Inventory subscales to evaluate relational commitment.

Sample questions included, "I want me and my partner to maintain our bond even if it can be

challenging." Higher scores indicated higher levels of commitment. Higher scores showed more

insecure attachment styles. To evaluate conflict management, the researchers used the

constructive communication and demand–withdraw scales from the Communication Patterns

Questionnaire, which generated indices of the optimistic or damaging ability of the partners to

find an agreement when experiencing conflict. Lastly, to evaluate attachment, the researchers

used Collins' and Read's dimensional measure, which includes questions such as "I often get

worried that my partner is going to leave me."

According to the results of this study, parental divorce is associated with more favorable

attitudes toward divorce and poor conflict management in romantic relationships (Braithwaite,

Doxey et al., 2016). Therefore, parental divorce negatively affects many areas of a romantic

relationship, such as communication between partners and the attachment style they develop

with each other. Additionally, according to the results, only 11% of the respondents had ended

their relationship, which suggests that there is no relationship between breakups and parental

divorce. However, those who experienced parental divorce have a more positive attitude toward

divorce.

Despite the thoroughness of this study, it has significant limitations. Moreover, 82% of

the respondents were women (Braithwaite, Doxey, et al., 2016), suggesting a gender bias in the

study. Additionally, the researchers used a survey, which could have resulted in some bias from

the participants if they were not truthful with their responses. For future research on the topic,

there should be a more diverse population in terms of gender. Nonetheless, the methods and
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standardized scales used in this study suggest that parental divorce has a negative effect on

romantic relationships.

Another study conducted in 2011 evaluated the effects of parental divorce on relationship

dissolution for young adults. The hypothesis was that parental divorce positively affected a

person's attitude toward divorce (Cui, Fincham, et al., 2011). The researchers examined 1,291

college studies with different majors to test these hypotheses. The researchers evaluated attitudes

toward divorce using items from the Attitude Towards Divorce Scale, ranking each item from

one to four, with one meaning the participants strongly agreed and four indicating they

disagreed. Some questions included, "It is acceptable for people to get married and know that if

the relationship has problems, they can get a divorce."

The results of the study confirmed the hypothesis. According to the study, low

relationship commitment significantly affected romantic relationship dissolution. Moreover,

experiencing parental divorce was associated with a more favorable attitude towards divorce and

negatively associated with relationship commitment (Cui, Fincham, et al., 2011). Furthermore,

with the results, it is possible to conclude that children who experienced parental divorce become

more accepting of divorce; however, this can negatively affect their romantic relationships and

lead to decreased relationship commitment.

Although this study was helpful, it had some limitations. Moreover, most of the students

in the sample were non-Hispanic whites (Cui, Fincham, et al., 2011), which may suggest a

cultural bias. Additionally, most of the participants in the sample were women, which may also

suggest there was gender bias. Nonetheless, with this thorough research study, the researchers

found that parental divorce is correlated to relationship dissolution, as it also has a negative

effect on commitment.
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In 2013, a study investigated the perceptions of romantic relationships in adult children of

divorce. The hypothesis was that divorce negatively affects romantic relationships because

children may subconsciously follow their parents' same patterns and consider divorce an option

before solving conflicts or having open communication with their partner (South, 2013). Fifty

participants from a Midwestern community college took a semistructured survey. The interviews

took place virtually or in person at a convenient time for the participants. Participants filled out

paperwork regarding their family structure and their information on demographics. While all of

them answered the same questions, some had to answer follow-up questions.

The results did not fully confirm the hypothesis, as the negative effects of parental

divorce in romantic relationships were modest. Moreover, 16 out of the 50 participants said they

could not have long-lasting relationships (South, 2013). Most of these participants explained that

because their parents divorced when they were youung, they did not have any guidelines on

forming deep emotional bonds and thus were confused about romantic relationships. Other

participants expressed that the parent with their opposite sex became absent after the divorce and

that they have difficulty trusting someone from their opposite sex. However, only 32% of the

participants expressed having these frustrations, which suggests that parental divorce negatively

impacts romantic relationships for some, but the percentage is not significantly high.

Nonetheless, the small sample of the study is a limitation. Moreover, the research could

have a significant amount of bias because only 50 students participated. Additionally, 39 were

females (South, 2013), which suggests there may also be gender bias. For future studies, the

researchers must consider using larger samples that include both genders in balanced

proportions.
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In 2004, a study investigated the relationship between parental divorce on romantic

relationships. The hypothesis was that divorce negatively affects romantic relationships because

children would grow up fearing that they will be unable to have long-lasting and meaningful

relationships (Knox, Zusman, et al., 2004. To test this hypothesis, a sample of 333 undergraduate

college students voluntarily completed a survey consisting of 26 questions. Moreover, there was

a comparison between the results of students with married parents and students with divorced

parents.

This study did not use a standardized quantitative scale to evaluate and analyze the

results. According to the results, students with divorced parents were more likely to avoid short-

term relationships. Moreover, 43% of those who had not experienced parental divorce reported

their longest relationship was less than a year. In comparison, only 24% of students who had

divorced parents said their longest relationship had been a year or less (Knox, Zusman, et al.,

2004. According to the article, this may at first negate the hypothesis because it suggests that

those who experienced parental divorce are more likely to have longer romantic relationships.

However, as explained by previous research studies, adult children with divorced parents may

develop an insecure attachment style with their partner and fear abandonment, which could

negatively affect their relationship quality.

Although this study was comprehensive, it has some limitations. Moreover, 70.4% of the

participants reported that their parents were still married (Knox, Zusman, et al., 2004, which

suggests that there may not be enough evidence on the effects of parental divorce on participants.

For further studies, it would be essential to find a balanced number of people who have

experienced parental divorce and those who have not and compare and contrast.
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In 2001, a study examined the quality of romantic relationships in Israeli adults who

experienced parental divorce. The hypothesis was that a negative perception of divorce would

negatively affect romantic relationships, and a positive perception of divorce would positively

affect romantic relationships (Shilman, Scharf, et al., 2001). The study consisted of 51 Israeli

college students, 30 females and 21 males. All the participants had a crucial romantic

relationship that had lasted more than three months. In an interview, the participants spoke about

their partners and how they view their relationships. The researchers used a five-point rating

scale that involves trust, idealization, enjoyment, relationship problems, and friendship. All raters

agreed on how to measure each variable based on the responses. The participants also completed

a survey that was evaluated with the Triangular Theory of Love Scale consisting of 45 questions.

Fifteen questions measured intimacy, 15 measured passion, and 15 measured

commitment/decision.

The results confirmed the hypothesis. Moreover, most respondents who reported seeing

divorce as an opportunity to grow and avoid making the same mistakes their parents made in

relationships also reported higher levels of enjoyment, intimacy, friendship, and passion in their

romantic relationship (Shilman, Scharf, et al., 2001). On the other hand, those who tried to brush

the traumatic event off reported lower levels of trust in their partner. Furthermore, the results did

not suggest a direct effect of parental divorce on relationship quality. The effect was rather

determined by the person's mindset after the divorce and willingness to talk about the situation.

The study has a well-structured design but does not come without limitations. Moreover,

the sample size is relatively small and may lead to bias in the results. Additionally, none of the

participants were married (Shilman, Scharf, et al., 2001), which leads to a lack of evidence of

participants' views on marriage and divorce in their romantic relationships. While they may talk
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about it, they have not experienced it. Therefore, for future research studies, finding a good

balance between married people and those with an essential romantic relationship is important.

Explanation of the Research Design

Based on the research methods I have analyzed, I will use a longitudinal study to evaluate

the relationship between parental divorce and romantic relationships. I can determine how

parental divorce influences adult romantic relationships over time with the longitudinal study.

Therefore, in my first survey, I will ask teenagers that are 18 or 19 years old questions about

relationship commitment and follow up six years later to evaluate if their attitude toward

romantic relationships changes over time. As other researchers have done, I plan to start my

investigation by surveying college students and offering them extra credit if they participate. As

has been done in previous studies, I will also include a survey asking whether the participants

have divorced parents.

Procedure. As noted above, all the studies have a sample of college participants. Some

researchers made arrangements with universities to give their students extra credit. Therefore, I

would use those guidelines by contacting different public universities in Florida and talking to

the professor about possible extra credit opportunities. I would also make sure that each

individual that chooses to participate has a meeting with me to understand what participating in

the study would entail.

I have chosen a university in Florida because it is a very diverse state. Moreover, I would

like to avoid cultural bias in my study and integrate people from different backgrounds. I will

gather the results by using Stanley and Markman's Commitment Inventory subscale in a survey

for students to answer. I will also ask them for their gender and ethnicity. In my first survey, I
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will ask students about their relationship status and whether they experienced parental divorce

as children. Because my goal is to investigate the effects of parental divorce on children, I

will give the follow-up survey using Stanley and Markman's Commitment Inventory subscale

to those who experienced parental divorce and are in a romantic relationship. To be able to

reach out to them, the first survey will ask for their contact information. A public university

may be the best option because it usually has more students. The sample size will decrease

significantly after only giving the second survey to students with divorced parents in an

important romantic relationship.

My research design will be longitudinal, as a college graduate and undergraduate

students will complete the survey. Following the guidelines of previous studies, they will

receive a follow-up survey seven years later to evaluate how their relationship quality and

commitment to make it work have changed over time.

Participants. The participants will be college undergraduate students from diverse racial

backgrounds. I plan to use a sample of at least 200 people to avoid having resulted from a very

small sample that is not representative of the population. Students can pursue any major or minor

in the United States. All participants must be in a committed romantic relationship and have

experienced parental divorce before age 18.

Materials. The scale I will use for this study will integrate Stanley and Markman's

Commitment Inventory subscale to evaluate relationship satisfaction. On this scale,

participants rank their scores from one to five, with one meaning that they strongly agree and

five meaning that they strongly disagree. The scale evaluates dedication, availability, social

pressure, termination, investments, and financial stability. For questions such as " I want this

relationship to stay strong no matter what rough times we encounter," higher scores indicate
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higher levels of commitment and relationship satisfaction. On the other hand, for questions,

such as "I may not want to be with my partner a few years from now," higher scores indicate

lower levels of relationship satisfaction. Below are the questions on the scale:

 My friends would not mind if my partner and I broke up (social pressure).

 If we ended this relationship, I would feel fine about my financial status (financial).

 The steps I would need to take to end this relationship would require a great deal of time

and effort (termination).

 It would be difficult for my friends to accept it if I ended the relationship with my partner

(social pressure).

 It would be relatively easy to take the steps needed to end this relationship (termination).

 I would not have trouble supporting myself should this relationship end (financial).

 My family really wants this relationship to work (social pressure).

 I would have trouble finding a suitable partner if this relationship ended (availability).

 I believe there are many people who would be happy with me as their spouse or partner

(availability).

 I have put a number of tangible, valuable resources into this relationship (investments).

 Though it might take awhile, I could find another desirable partner if I wanted or needed

to (availability).

 I would not have any problem with meeting my basic financial needs for food, shelter,

and clothing without my partner (financial).

 I have put very little money into this relationship (investments).

 The process of ending this relationship would require many difficult step (termination).
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 My family would not care if I ended this relationship (social pressure).

 My relationship with my partner is more important to me than almost anything in my life

(dedication).

 I want this relationship to stay strong no matter what rough times we encounter

(dedication).

 I like to think of my partner and me more in terms of "us" and "we" than "me" and

"him/her," (dedication).

 I think a lot about what it would be like to be married to (dedication).

 My relationship with my partner is clearly part of my future life plan (dedication).

 My career (or job, studies, homemaking, childrearing, etc.) is more important to me than

my relationship with my partner (dedication).

 I do not want to have a strong identity as a couple with my partner (dedication).

 I may not want to be with my partner a few years from now (dedication).

Operational Definition of Variables

Because I will use Stanley and Markman's Commitment Inventory subscale, romantic

relationship quality will be evaluated based on commitment in this study, which is one of the

three elements of Sternberg's triangular theory of love. As stated above, this scale evaluates

dedication, couple identity, satisfaction with sacrifice, and alternatives monitoring. Divorce only

happens when two people who were married legally or by the church fill out some paperwork to

annulate their marriage. Therefore, this study will not consider parental separation from parents

who were never married or who married but were not legally divorced.

Discussion
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Possible Limitations. Although my study is well-designed and will investigate an

important topic, it does not have limitations. Moreover, I will use a survey to evaluate the results,

which may lead to potential bias in the responses because participants might not be truthful in

how they answer the questions. To prevent this from happening, I will explain how important it

is for me to get honest responses from them in the meeting, and I will have to explain what the

results entail. Another limitation of my experimental design is that I will only evaluate the results

of divorced parents, which will not allow me to compare and contrast the effects on relationship

quality with those who do not have divorced quality. However, this simple and introductory

study may encourage future and more thorough research on the topic.

Significance of the Study. This study could help young adults who experienced parental

divorce and are entering a romantic relationship understand how this event can affect their

interactions with their partner. It may also encourage both partners to communicate openly about

the possible issues that adults who experienced parental divorce as children may encounter in the

relationship and how to overcome them. The vital research topic could encourage parents to be

more educated on how getting a divorce may affect their children and the effects it could have on

their future relationships.

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References

Braithwaite, S., Doxey, R., Dowdle, K., & Fincham, F. (2016). The Unique Influences of
Parental Divorce and Parental Conflict on Emerging Adults in Romantic
Relationships. Journal of Adult Development, 23(4), 214–225. https://doi-
org.saintleo.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s10804-016-9237-6

CUI, M., FINCHAM, F. D., & DURTSCHI, J. A. (2011). The effect of parental divorce on
young adults' romantic relationship dissolution: What makes a difference? Personal
Relationships, 18(3), 410–426. https://doi-org.saintleo.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/j.1475-
6811.2010.01306.x
Knox, D., Zusman, M., & DeCuzzi, A. (2004). The Effect of Parental Divorce on Relationships

Withparents and Romantic Partners of College Students. College Student Journal, 38(4),

597–601.

South, A. (2013). Perceptions of Romantic Relationships in Adult Children of Divorce. Journal

of Divorce & Remarriage, 54(2), 126–141.

https://doi-org.saintleo.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/10502556.2012.755032

Shulman, S., Scharf, M., Lumer, D., & Maurer, O. (2001). Parental divorce and young adult

children's romantic relationships: Resolution of the divorce experience. American

Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 71(4), 473–478.

https://doi-org.saintleo.idm.oclc.org/10.1037/0002-9432.71.4.473