Examining the mediator roles of conflict resolution styles and the interpersonal cognitive distortions in the assocation between childhood trauma and romantic relationship satisfaction

The current study aimed to examine the mediating roles of interpersonal cognitive distortions and conflict resolution styles in the association between childhood traumas and romantic relationship satisfaction among women. Based on this aim, 491 female participants aged 18-50 were lived in different cities of Turkey. Demographic Information Form, Childhood Trauma Scale, The Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions Scale, Conflict Resolution Styles in Romantic Relationships Scale, and the Relationship Satisfaction Dimension of the Relationship Stability Scale were used to collect data. The results revealed that childhood traumas, maladaptive conflict styles, and interpersonal cognitive distortions were positively correlated with each other and negatively correlated with relationship satisfaction. On the other hand, there was a positive correlation between adaptive conflict resolution style and romantic relationship satisfaction. In addition, emotional neglect as a specific childhood trauma, positive and negative conflict resolution styles, and interpersonal cognitive distortions were significant predictors of romantic relationship satisfaction. Finally, interpersonal cognitive distortions and conflict resolution styles mediated the association between childhood traumas and relationship satisfaction. The current findings contribute to the literature by introducing a comprehensive model to highlight the roles of early traumatic experiences in later romantic relationship satisfaction. The findings were discussed with the relevant literature, and suggestions for future studies were presented. In addition, the possible clinical implications derived from the current findings to increase relationship satisfaction were also mentioned. Anahtar Kelimeler: Childhood Traumas, Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions, Conflict Resolution Styles, Romantic Relationship Satisfaction