The retrospective experience of climate in the family-of-origin and dyadic coping in couple relationships: pathways to dyadic adjustment

This study comprised 467 adults in a conjugal relationship and examined dyadic coping and its moderating role between the family-of-origin retrospective experience and dyadic adjustment. While the contribution of family-of-origin variables to marital behaviors has long been a subject of interest, coping have only recently begun to be acknowledged as a relevant construct within the context of romantic relationships. Path analysis was used to examine both the direct and indirect effects of independent and moderator variables on dependent variables. Dyadic coping was a strong and positive predictor of dyadic adjustment dimensions. Dyadic coping behavior moderated the impact of family-of-origin retrospective experience on actual dyadic consensus and satisfaction, namely for women. Data highlight the significance of dyadic coping behaviors in a couple's intervention. Not only does stress have a role in relationship functioning, but also dyadic coping behaviors may serve as a vehicle through which couples may foster their relational adjustment.