From Parents to Partners: How Parental Attachment Shapes Young Adults’ Romantic Relationships

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of parental attachment on individuals’ romantic relationships, expectations about love, and partner choices, drawing from attachment theory and parenting models. Employing a qualitative methodology, it utilized semi-structured interviews with ten young adults—whose parents had both arranged and love marriages—to explore their views on love and the impact of parental attachment on their current romantic experiences. Key informant interviews with Dr. Sadhana Natu, an expert feminist psychotherapist, provided additional insights. The findings reveal that participants’ ideas of love are shaped by personal experiences and media portrayals, with healthy parental relationships fostering similar values in their own partnerships. Conversely, those exposed to conflict sought to avoid replicating these patterns. While participants felt generally autonomous in their partner choices, familial expectations regarding caste, religion, and cultural fit presented constraints. This research highlights the ongoing impact of parental attachment on romantic relationship quality, emphasizing the importance of emotional support, communication, and autonomy, and suggests that addressing parental dynamics in counseling could enhance relationship outcomes for young adults.