This pilot study examined the negative and positive influences parents have on a romantic partner selection by exploring the interparental relationship, the child-parent relationship, and the view an individual has of their parents. By exploring the relationship between child-parent and the romantic partners chosen, it may improve the quality in long-term relationships by improving the process of selecting better romantic partners. This particular view on romantic relationships has minimal exploration, with studies focused on relationship quality,family interactions (i.e. family communication patterns and observed interactions), attachment theory, relationship closeness, and family approval (Dinero, et al., 2022; Levesque, et al., 2012;Macdonald, et al., 2006; Macdonald, et al., 2012; Young, et al. 2016). The mixed methods approach provided details regarding the interparental relationship and the parent-child relationship. The sample consisted of 41 university level students that were 18 years of age or older. It was found that individuals possess parent-child relationship within three categories which are distant, acquaintance, and very close.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Timothy Oblad

Department of Psychology and Sociology