Intergenerational transmission of familial relational dysfunction: A test of a complex mediation model based on Bowen family systems theory

Abstract

Up to date, the systemic mechanisms that explain the intergenerational transmission of familial dysfunction remain theoretically and empirically unclear. Hence, this study examines the intergenerational transmission of relational and intrapersonal dysfunction and their collective effect on the psychological adjustment of third-generation children through the lens of Bowen family systems theory. Lithuanian parents ( N = 348; Mage = 40.66; range 26–59) of children aged six to ten years cross-sectionally reported on their differentiation of self (DoS), emotional and relational dynamics within their family-of-origin and nuclear family, and the psychological adjustment of their child of greatest concern. Structural equation modeling and mediation analyses findings offered empirical support to Bowen theory, highlighting that family-of-origin dysfunction is associated with nuclear family intrapersonal and relational dysfunction, and ultimately with third-generation’s psychological maladjustment. Results demonstrated that a poor family-of-origin emotional system appears to contribute, via triangulation processes, to reduced DoS in adult children. The reduced DoS appears to perpetuate intergenerational triangulation, and to negatively impact couple relationship and co-parenting functioning within the nuclear family. In contrast to triangulation, couple dysfunction was found to predict poorer psychological adjustment in third-generation offspring. This study advances family systems theory by (i) examining the prominent role of triangulation and DoS within the intergenerational transmission process, (ii) highlighting the potential differential impact of a negative nuclear family emotional system on children through triangulation, and (iii) clarifying the potential role of spousal relationship satisfaction and co-parenting in mediating the relationship between parental DoS and offspring’s psychological adjustment.