According to family communication patterns theory (FCP; Koerner & Fitzpatrick, 2002), families vary in the extent that they encourage open discussion on a wide range of topics (conversation orientation) and the extent to which children are pressured to adopt the parents' attitudes and beliefs (conformity orientation). Research has indicated that having a high family conformity orientation can be later problematic for children in terms of adjustment and psychosocial outcomes (Hesse, Rauscher, Goodman, & Couvrette, 2017, Ledbetter, 2009; Orrego & Rodriguez, 2001) and that family communication environments can influence communication in adult romantic relationships (Young & Schrodt, 2016). The following study tests whether growing up in an environment that discourages independent thought and requires one to adhere to family beliefs leads to a greater tendency of that individual to conform to a romantic partner. In addition to conceptualizing conformity orientation in romantic relationships and measuring it with a new conformity orientation scale adapted for romantic relationships (RRCOS), the current study explores associations between family and romantic conformity orientation, family conversation orientation, attachment style, and relationship satisfaction. In line with previous findings regarding family environments' influence on relationships, a significant association was found between family and romantic partner conformity.
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