Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This study investigated the correlations between physical and non-physical parental disciplining in families of origin and relational violence in adult children’s romantic relationships. In particular, it investigated whether these correlations were affected by family communication patterns and perceived levels of social support in families. Results indicate a profound impact of conversation orientation and conformity orientation of families on parental discipline and perceived social support. In addition, result indicated a small association between parental discipline and relational violence and a direct effect of opportunity to nurture on relational violence in adult children’s romantic relationships. Contrary to expectations, perceived family social support did not moderate the correlations between parental discipline and relational violence. The implications of this study for our understanding of family communication in general and of parental discipline in particular are discussed.