Negative Partner Perceptions as an Indirect Pathway Between Critical Adverse Experiences and Negative Communication in Adult Romantic Relationships

Adverse experiences, distressing or harmful lived events, affect multiple domains of functioning and are consistently linked to poorer relational functioning. However, cognitive mechanisms linking adverse experiences to communication behaviors in romantic relationships remain understudied. "Critical" adverse experiences (CAEs) involving interpersonal harm or mental health concerns may be especially impactful. Drawing on cognitive and stress-based frameworks, this study examined whether CAEs were indirectly associated with negative conflict behaviors through negative partner perceptions. Self-report data from 2814 individuals across three waves of the German Family Panel were analyzed using longitudinal structural equation modeling. Greater exposure to CAEs was associated with more negative partner perceptions, which in turn predicted subsequent negative communication behaviors. The indirect effect was significant but small, supporting a temporally ordered cognitive pathway. Findings extend cross-sectional research by demonstrating three-wave longitudinal associations and highlight the impact of CAEs across the lifespan. Implications for clinicians and researchers are discussed.