The Role of Fear of Intimacy as Mediator between Self-Differentiation and Marital Relationship Satisfaction: A Dyadic Model

Abstract

From the lens of Bowen's systemic family theory, this study employed the actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) to investigate the mediating effect fear of intimacy has on the association between self-differentiating and both partners’ relationship satisfaction. One hundred and forty-four non-clinical married couples (N = 288) in enduring relationships were recruited. Results for actor effects revealed two mediating paths whereby, among both partners, self-differentiation was associated with their relationship satisfaction via fear of intimacy. Partner effect revealed that wives’ higher self-differentiation was associated with their lower fear of intimacy, which was linked, in turn, to husbands’ higher relationship satisfaction; unlike husbands’ fear of intimacy, which had no effect. Our results support Bowen's theoretical assumptions positing that self-differentiation indicates the ability for intimacy, which affects couple relationship satisfaction. Interestingly, the results highlight the role of the wives’ capability to establish intimate relationships on the husbands’ relationship satisfaction.