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29-09-2023 | Original Paper

Intergenerational Family Boundaries and Adult Children’s Marital Satisfaction: The Roles Of Family Cohesion and Adaptability

Auteurs: Lin Fu, Hao Zheng, Yueyue Zhou, Jin Cheng, Ting Zhou, Chunli Yi

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Child and Family Studies | Uitgave 5/2024

Abstract

Although structural family theory proposes that family boundaries play a significant role in marital relationships, limited empirical evidence supports this theoretical model. The present study tested structural family theory by examining the complex associations between intergenerational boundaries and adult children’s marital satisfaction, as well as the indirect effect of family adaptability and cohesion. A nonclinical convenience sample of individuals (333 participants, 168 females) married for at least one year was recruited. Participants provided self-report data on demographic variables, family boundaries, family cohesion and adaptability, and marital satisfaction. The internal intrusion score (intrusion by families of origin on the nuclear family) of intergenerational family boundaries was negatively associated with marital satisfaction, while the external intrusion score (intrusion by the nuclear family on families of origin) was positively associated with marital satisfaction. The effect of intergenerational family boundaries on marital satisfaction was exerted indirectly through family cohesion and adaptability. There was a significant association between intergenerational family boundaries and adult children’s marital satisfaction. This study contributes to the conceptual framework of structural family theory, enabling family therapy practitioners to better understand the pathways through which intergenerational family boundaries impact adult children’s marital satisfaction.

vorige artikel Perceived Parental Control, Parent-Adolescent Relationship and Adolescents’ Psychological Adjustment. Does Gender Matter?

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Titel: Intergenerational Family Boundaries and Adult Children’s Marital Satisfaction: The Roles Of Family Cohesion and Adaptability
Auteurs: Lin Fu
Hao Zheng
Yueyue Zhou
Jin Cheng
Ting Zhou
Chunli Yi
Publicatiedatum: 29-09-2023
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Child and Family Studies / Uitgave 5/2024
Print ISSN: 1062-1024
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-2843
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-023-02672-3

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