Military couples’ childhood experiences and romantic relationship satisfaction: The role of accepting influence

Peterson, C., O’Neal C. W., & Futris T. G. (2022). Military couples’ childhood experiences and romantic relationship satisfaction: The role of accepting influence. Family Process, 61(2), 689-704. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12689

Using a sample of 229 military couples (Service member husbands and their civilian wives), this study examined whether partners’ accepting influence (i.e., being open to a partner’s influence by engaging in behaviors such as listening, being considerate, trying to meet a partner’s relationship needs) could explain the association between stressful childhood experiences (e.g., family members yelling, criticizing) and relationship satisfaction. Indicators of the stressful context (i.e., depressive symptoms, number of deployments) were also examined for associations with accepting influence or relationship satisfaction. Civilian spouses with more stressful childhood experiences generally perceived their husbands as less accepting of influence, and, in turn, husbands’ accepting influence was related to wives’ relationship satisfaction. Service member husbands averaged greater relationship satisfaction when both partners demonstrated greater accepting influence.

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