The Influence of Power and Dependency on Role-taking Accuracy in Three-generational Families

Abstract

SynopsisResearch on nuclear families has reported support for an hypothesized inverse relationship between power and role-taking accuracy. Family members who are in subordinate or dependent power positions are better able to predict attitudes and behavior of other family members than are those in relatively more powerful and independent positions. The present study tested this hypothesis within the context of the multigeneration family. This is seen as a significant shift in focus from previous research, given the alleged role reversal between adult children and their parents during the latter part of the family life cycle. Six persons representing 3 generations in each of 47 extended family units responded to a mailed questionnaire. Findings provided some support for the hypothesis. Support was found when the independent variable was operationalized in terms of perceived power or perceived emotional dependency. Support for the hypothesis was also found in family dyads where the role-taker was a female si...