A Structural Equation Model of Family-of-Origin Experiences, Relationship Beliefs, Communication Patterns, and Couple Satisfaction

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine a structural equation model investigating the direct and indirect relationships among family-of-origin experiences, relationship beliefs, communication patterns, and couple satisfaction among adults in the United States. This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 618 adults (309 couples) residing in the United States who were involved in committed romantic relationships. Participants were recruited through community organizations, counseling centers, social media platforms, and online survey panels. Data were collected using the Family-of-Origin Scale (FOS), Relationship Belief Inventory (RBI), Communication Patterns Questionnaire–Short Form (CPQ-SF), and Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI-32). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling were performed using SPSS 29 and AMOS 29. Model fit was evaluated using χ²/df, CFI, TLI, GFI, AGFI, RMSEA, and SRMR indices. Bootstrapping with 5,000 resamples was employed to assess indirect effects and mediation pathways. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations among all study variables. Family-of-origin experiences were negatively associated with dysfunctional relationship beliefs and positively associated with communication patterns and couple satisfaction (p < .001). The measurement model demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, with all factor loadings, composite reliability coefficients, and average variance extracted values exceeding recommended thresholds. The structural model exhibited excellent fit to the data (χ²/df = 2.31, CFI = .962, TLI = .956, GFI = .932, AGFI = .914, RMSEA = .046, SRMR = .041). Family-of-origin experiences significantly predicted relationship beliefs (β = -.53, p < .001), communication patterns (β = .39, p < .001), and couple satisfaction (β = .28, p < .001). Relationship beliefs significantly predicted communication patterns (β = -.34, p < .001) and couple satisfaction (β = -.29, p < .001). Communication patterns emerged as the strongest direct predictor of couple satisfaction (β = .52, p < .001). Significant indirect effects confirmed that relationship beliefs and communication patterns partially mediated the relationship between family-of-origin experiences and couple satisfaction. The model explained 28% of the variance in relationship beliefs, 49% of the variance in communication patterns, and 67% of the variance in couple satisfaction. The findings support a developmental-relational model in which family-of-origin experiences influence adult couple satisfaction both directly and indirectly through relationship beliefs and communication patterns. Communication patterns emerged as the most influential determinant of couple satisfaction, highlighting their central role in relationship functioning. The results suggest that interventions targeting maladaptive relationship beliefs and communication processes may help mitigate the negative effects of adverse family experiences and enhance relationship quality among couples.