Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Pittman, Laura D.
Degree Name
Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)
Legacy Department
Department of Psychology
Abstract
Family systems theory indicates there is interdependence between family subsystems. Indeed, previous research has found associations between romantic relationship quality, coparenting, and parenting. However, few have actually accounted for the interdependence of mothers and fathers and these constructs. Even fewer have considered how coparenting may serve as an indirect pathway between romantic relationship quality and parenting behaviors. The aim of the current study was to fill these gaps in the literature by utilizing an actor-partner interdependence mediation model. Specifically, mothers’ and fathers’ perception of the coparenting relationship was tested within one model as indirect paths for the actor and partner associations between mothers’ and fathers’ romantic relationship quality and parenting behaviors. Additionally, child psychopathology symptoms were controlled for in primary analyses as child psychopathology can impact the variables of interest. The final sample included 119 parent dyads who were coparents of a child between 6 and 18. When child psychopathology symptoms were included mothers’ and fathers’ coparenting served as indirect pathways for their own perceptions of their romantic relationship quality and parenting. When child psychopathology symptoms were removed from analyses, mothers’ coparenting served as an indirect pathway for the association between mothers’ romantic relationship quality and fathers’ parenting as well as between fathers’ romantic relationship quality and mothers’ parenting, but fathers’ coparenting did not. Results indicate coparenting plays an important role in family functioning and should be targeted in intervention.
Recommended Citation
Caradec, Jill, "Romantic Relationship Quality, Coparenting, and Parenting: an Actor Partner Interdependence Mediation Model" (2025). Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations. 8109.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allgraduate-thesesdissertations/8109
Extent
117 pages
Language
en
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
