Adult Children of Divorce and Intimate Relationships: Implications for Counseling

Abstract

Many researchers have suggested that parental divorce can influence intimacy and marital attitudes in the relationships of adult children of divorce (ACD). This study examined the effect of parental divorce on specific intimate relationship ideals. Participants consisted of 315 graduate students at the University of New Orleans who completed the Relationship Ideals Scale (RIS). Results indicated that parental divorce significantly affects the importance of specific relationship ideals such as affection, passion, and independence. Implications for counselors, counselor educators, and future research are provided.