Abstract

Two studies were conducted to assess the role of adolescent-parent attachment and conflict resolution strategies in late adolescents' romantic relationships. Study 1 (n = 248; female = 171; mean age = 18.59; SD = 1.09) investigated relationship status (current vs. previous), length of relationship (< 1 year vs. {601} 1 year), and sex of the participants as moderating variables in the link between adolescent-parent and romantic partner attachment dimensions. In Study 2 (n = 97; female = 76; mean age = 18.41; SD = .81), results of Study 1 were replicated. Additionally, conflict resolution strategies with parents were examined as a mediational variable in the links between parental attachments and romantic partner attachments. Although the hypothesized mediational model did not prove significant, results from both of these studies suggest direct and indirect links between adolescent-parental and romantic partner attachment dimensions. Anxious attachment with mother was positively associated with anxious attachment with romantic partner. Anxious and avoidant attachments with mother were associated with avoidant attachment with romantic partner only indirectly via the use of collaboration and avoidance/capitulation conflict resolution strategies with mother. Anxious attachment to father was positively associated with anxious adolescent attachment with romantic partner and negatively associated with avoidant romantic partner attachment. Additionally, relationship status may moderate the link between parental attachment and anxious romantic partner attachment. For participants reporting on a previous romantic relationship, but not on a current romantic relationship, avoidant attachment with mother and father (albeit in different directions) were associated with anxious attachment with romantic partner.