The Dyadic Influence of Relationship Hope on Family Functioning

Abstract

There is a continued need to understand family factors that can promote child well-being and reduce their risks for mental health problems. Drawing from research on family dynamics and using a cross-sectional design, this study examined the association between relationship hope, couple satisfaction, and family functioning using the actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) on dyadic data collected from 537 opposi-gender, ethnically diverse, low-income couples. Results indicated that, while accounting for couple satisfaction as a covariate, women's relationship hope was positively associated with their own perceptions of parental teamwork and family relationship. Men's relationship hope was positively linked with their own perceptions of parental teamwork and parent–child relationships. Additionally, men's level of relationship hope positively influenced women's perceptions of family relationships. Findings highlight the systemic nature of relationship hope and its relationship to enhanced family functioning. Implications for clinical practice focus on the importance of fostering relationship hope within couples to promote positive parenting practices and family stability.