Parental Conflict and Intimacy: Do Our Perceptions Influence the Formation of Personal Relationships?

This study examined the possible relationship between perceptions of parental conflict and intimacy in same-sex friendships within a sample of college students (n = 85) at a small liberal arts college. The role of parental marital status in affecting intimacy was also investigated with the prediction that this variable would not have a significant influence upon intimacy. The potential effects of gender and presence of siblings were explored as well. In accordance with our predictions, the results of this study revealed a significant negative correlation between perceived parental conflict and intimacy. However, no significant difference was found for intimacy based upon parental marital status. Additionally, significant effects of gender and presence of siblings upon intimate ability were demonstrated. Implications of these findings for future research as well as possible mechanisms for intervention are discussed.