| The construct of family of origin has been a popular topic, not only in research, but in psychological practice for several decades now. Resilience, however, is a concept that is gaining attention in the field as interest in its nuances rise. An individual's family of origin experiences have been shown to significantly affect future functioning across several areas of adult life, while resiliency has been shown to serve as a buffer for adverse experiences in one's life, in order to promote subsequent healthy functioning. In order to properly account for, while attempting to examine the relationships between the two concepts, this research examined whether or not there is a correlation between family of origin factors and the perceived influence of family of origin as it relates to personal resilience, particularly with resilience acting as a mediator.;The CD-RISC and selected portions of the RELATE instrument were used to assess the resilience levels and family of origin factors of 3,539 students enrolled at Northern Arizona University. Three research questions were utilized to examine family of origin and resilience.;The results from the first research question revealed that two of the five Personal Resilience Factors (positive acceptance of change and secure relationships, and control) and six of the seven Family of Origin Factors (Family Stressors, Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Parents' Relationship, Relationship with Mother, and Relationship with Father) had a direct, positive relationship with attitudes toward romantic relationships. The results of the second research question showed that Resilience and Family of Origin, taken as whole constructs, also elicited a direct positive relationship with attitudes. Finally, the third research question revealed that Resilience did, in fact, mediate the effects of the six aforementioned Family of Origin Factors on attitudes toward romantic relationships.;In regard to the current findings, while adversity in one's family of origin is related to future attitudes, resilience can moderate these effects to increase healthy functioning and well-being. These results build upon previous research, in that they are generally consistent with previous theoretical foundations and research findings. They do, however, elicit some further clinical implications and indications for future research. |
