Parental Validation-Seeking Behavior and Trust in Romantic Relationships Among Young Adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajhp.v4i3.8139Keywords:
Interpersonal Relationships, Parental Validation‑Seeking Behavior, Trust In Romantic Relationships, Young AdultsAbstract
Seeking parental approval is a key factor shaping trust in young adults’ romantic relationships. Individuals raised in environments where emotional expression was restricted and approval was conditional often develop limited perceptions of closeness, security, and trust, which negatively affect their adult romantic bonds. This study examined the relationship between parental validation seeking behavior and trust in romantic relationships, and determined whether the former could predict the latter. Using a descriptive predictive correlational design, data were gathered from 437 young adults selected through purposive sampling. Participants responded to adapted 7 point Likert format versions of the Parental Conditional Regard Scale and the Trust Scale. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, Spearman’s rho correlation, and linear regression. Results showed parental validation seeking behavior was moderately high (M=4.76), while romantic trust was at a moderate level (M=3.64). A significant negative correlation was found between the two variables (ρ = −0.327, p < .001). Regression analysis revealed that emotional conditional regard and parental influence were significant predictors of romantic trust, whereas emotional suppression for approval was not. These findings highlight how early parent–child interactions shape trust in romantic relationships and underscore the importance of supportive, unconditional parenting in fostering healthy romantic connections.
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