NIJAMSS peer-reviewed article

Parental Conflict Frequency and Romantic Relationship Commitment among Young Adults: Evidence from Voi Sub-County, Taita-Taveta County, Kenya

Dorcas Mwachia; Peter Onderi Omae; Everline Maina

Abstract: This study examined the influence of frequent parental conflicts on romantic relationship commitment among young people in Voi Sub-County, Taita-Taveta County, Kenya. Guided by Bowlby's Attachment Theory, specifically the tenets of secure versus insecure attachments and internal working models, the study adopted a descriptive and correlational research design. A sample of 371 young adults from three higher learning institutions was selected through stratified random sampling using the Yamane formula. Relationship commitment was measured using items adapted from the Investment Model Scale, while parental conflict frequency was assessed using items adapted from the Children's Perceptions of Interparental Conflict Scale (CPIC). Qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions with 10 counsellors at Voi Youth Center and analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that parental conflict frequency accounted for 22% of unique variance in relationship commitment beyond demographic controls (standardized beta = -0.418, p < .001), constituting a moderate-to-large negative effect. Qualitative findings identified two dominant themes: fear of repeating parental patterns, and avoidance of long-term commitment. The study concludes that frequent parental conflict is a significant independent predictor of reduced romantic relationship commitment among young adults in Voi Sub-County. It recommends the integration of relationship education curricula in higher learning institutions, professional development for youth counsellors, and community-based conflict resolution programs to address the intergenerational transmission of unhealthy relational patterns.

Keywords: Attachment theory; Internal working models; Interparental conflict; Kenya; Parental conflict; Relationship commitment

Journal

Nexus International Journal of Applied Science, Medicine and Social Sciences

e-ISSN

3144-2196

Publication date

August 2026

Volume / Issue

Vol. 1, Issue 2

Paper number

038

Article type

Original Research

Published paper ID

NIJAMSS-V1S2-AUG2026-038

Publisher

Nexus Academic Press

Access

Open Access

Full text PDF: https://www.nijamss.org/archives-download/nijamss-vol-1-series-2-august-2026-paper-038.pdf