Parent responsiveness and future relationship satisfaction

This study examines the effects that parent responsiveness may have on a child’s relationship satisfaction as an adult. Participants were divided into two independent groups; those currently married (N=6) and those in a relationship and not cohabitating (N=12). Participants completed a preliminary survey, the Parental Caregiving Style Questionnaire, and the Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSI-R). Results indicated that a responsive parenting style during childhood results in greater relationship satisfaction as an adult. This relationship was strong in regards to maternal responsiveness, (R2=t 0.717), but not in regards to paternal responsiveness (R2= -0.137). These findings suggest that the quality of interactions between maternal caregivers and their children is directly related to the satisfaction the child will have in relationships as an adult.