Post-Traumatic Growth Perspective: The Reshaping Effect of Childhood-Parental Relationships on Women's Mate Selection Values
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Keywords
childhood parental relationship, post-traumatic growth, women's mate selection values, mediating effect, positive reshaping
Abstract
Childhood parental relationship trauma has a profound effect on women's mate selection values. From the perspective of positive psychology, post-traumatic growth (PTG) provides the possibility for the reshaping of these values. This study aims to explore the mechanism through which such trauma influences women’s mate selection values via PTG, providing a basis for psychological guidance in marriage and dating. A stratified random sampling method was used to select 320 women aged 18–35. The Parental Relationship Rating Scale, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, and Female Mate Selection Values Scale were utilized for the investigation. Relationships between variables and mediation effects were tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) and the bootstrap method. On the basis of PTG theory, this study reveals transformation paths such as cognitive reconstruction and meaning-making and identifies the mediating role of PTG and the moderating role of social support, thereby breaking through the traditional research framework focused solely on negative impacts. The results indicate that childhood parental relationship trauma is significantly positively correlated with the reshaping of women's mate selection values, with PTG playing a mediating role (accounting for 58.3% of the total effect). Women with higher growth levels tend to select mates more rationally, prioritizing internal qualities and relationship maintenance. Individuals can achieve a positive transformation in mate selection values through PTG.
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