The association between the relationship status of one’s biological parents and relationship destiny/growth beliefs: An application of Implicit Theories of Relationships

Abstract

Problem/ Purpose: Humans have an inherent desire to connect, build relationships, and be close to other people (particularly romantic partners). Several studies have shown that healthy relationships promote our mental and physical wellbeing, thus it is important for researchers to prioritize the study of the variables that enhance relationship satisfaction. One construct that has been linked to relationship satisfaction is Implicit Theories of Relationships (ITRs). Proponents of ITRs argue that people adopt one of two belief systems relating to relationships; those who endorse destiny beliefs agree that relationships are either meant to be or not whereas those endorsing growth beliefs argue that relationships must incorporate ongoing communication and survive hardship in order to succeed. Previous research reveals that those who adopt growth beliefs report greater relationship satisfaction than those with destiny beliefs. Although a number of studies have examined whether one's parents contribute to their relationship beliefs, there is no study that has assessed the impact of one’s parents’ relationship status on ITRs. Thus, because growth beliefs are linked to fulfilling relationships, it is expected that adults who report that their biological parents are together will endorse growth beliefs to a greater extent than destiny beliefs and those with parents that are not a relationship will endorse destiny beliefs over growth beliefs. Procedure: A total of 127 English-speaking adults (71 male, 56 female; ages 23-70) were recruited online and asked to complete questionnaires assessing ITRs, parental relationship status (43.3% together, 25.9% not together, 28.3% widowed), the extent to which they look to their parents for relationship advice, and demographic information. Results: The results of a one-way MANOVA revealed that those whose biological parents were together endorsed destiny beliefs to a significantly greater extent (M = 4.95) than those whose parents were widowed (M = 4.15). The results of a correlational secondary analysis determined that there was a significant positive association between seeking relationship advice from one’s parents and endorsing destiny beliefs. Conclusions/Implications: These results confirm that parents have a significant influence on their children’s ITRs, potentially resulting in higher quality relationships. This supports the importance of positive role modeling. Parents should take extra care with how they display their personal relationships with their children. To aid this, parental education groups should prioritize teaching parents how to navigate their relationships in a healthy way in order to positively influence their children’s future relationships.