A social cognitive analysis of the effects of parental divorce on premarital couples' communication skills

Based on predictions from social cognitive theory, this study examined the role of efficacy beliefs in the association between observation of parental divorce and relational communication skills in a sample of 111 premarital couples. Couples participated in a laboratory problem- solving interaction from which communication skills were assessed, in addition to trait skills measures. Hypothesized structural equation models indicated no consistent associations between parental divorce and either lower communication skills or relational self-efficacy. However, parental divorce was predictive of lower appraisals of partner relational efficacy for men and diminished beliefs in the feasibility of lifelong marriage for men and women. In addition, couples with a history of parental divorce appeared more accurate in appraising each other's relational efficacy in comparison with couples without a history of parental divorce.