How Exposure to Perceived Parental Conflict in Childhood Affects Romantic Relationship Satisfaction in Adulthood

Abstract

This study examines the association between childhood exposure to perceived parental conflict and adult romantic relationship satisfaction among young adults (aged 20–35). Grounded in Attachment Theory  and Social Learning Theory, the research explores how early experiences of parental discord influence emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning in adulthood. A quantitative, non-experimental correlational design was employed with a purposive sample of 180 participants recruited via online questionnaire. The Children's Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale  assessed perceived parental conflict, and the Relationship Assessment Scale  measured current romantic relationship satisfaction. Spearman's rho correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant negative correlation, indicating that greater perceived parental conflict in childhood is linked to lower romantic relationship satisfaction in adulthood. Gender was not significantly associated with either variable. Findings support the intergenerational transmission of relational patterns and highlight the importance of family-level intervention, conflict resolution training, and attachment-informed therapeutic approaches.