(PS8-2) An Exploration of the Associations Among Spirituality, Interparental Violence Exposure, and Current Relationship Satisfaction

Exposure to interparental violence (IPVE) is associated with victimization or exposure to intimate partner violence in later relationships, as well as psychological distress, substance abuse, and other negative outcomes (e.g., Fathei et al., 2022). Furthermore, witnessing interparental violence is associated with lower relationship quality in subsequent romantic relationships (e.g., Miga et al., 2012; Milletich et al., 2010). Despite the negative correlates of IPVE, certain protective factors in adulthood may promote positive outcomes for individuals exposed to IPVE. Specifically, spirituality has been found to serve as a moderator of the association between adverse effects of interparental violence exposure, such as suicide attempt risk, through its incorporation of coping mechanisms including hope, social support, and loving mentalities (e.g., Meadows et al., 2005). However, no research has investigated the potential moderating role of spirituality on current relationship satisfaction in adults who were exposed to IPVE. This study investigated whether spirituality served as a protective factor in the association between intimate partner violence exposure and satisfaction in current relationships, including friendships and romantic relationships. It was hypothesized that spirituality would moderate the relationship between interparental violence exposure and current relationship satisfaction. Exposure to interparental violence would be associated with higher satisfaction in current friendships and romantic relationships when endorsement of spirituality was high. Participants included undergraduate students from aged 18 and older (n = 244, M_age = 20.5; SD = 4.0). Participants completed measures of interparental violence exposure, spiritual wellbeing, and current friendship and romantic relationship satisfaction. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to evaluate spirituality as a moderator for the association between interparental violence exposure and current relationship satisfaction. Results did not indicate support for the hypothesis, such that one’s level of spirituality did not moderate the association between interparental violence exposure and current relationship satisfaction. However, there was a significant correlation between spirituality and friendship satisfaction (β = .26; p < .05), as well as between spirituality and romantic relationship satisfaction (β = .22; p < .05). The findings of this study suggest that individuals with higher levels of spirituality reported more satisfaction in their current relationships, regardless of their level of exposure to interparental violence. Increased spirituality may provide various coping mechanisms and support that allow feelings of connection and satisfaction in individual’s relationships. Future research may benefit from examining the role of spirituality in current relationships of older generations to ensure these findings are consistent across different ages or populations.