{"title":"Critical Identity Theory: Integrating Intersectional Family Perspectives With Symbolic Interactionism","authors":"Kari Adamsons, Raymond E. Petren","doi":"10.1111/jftr.70048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.70048","url":null,"abstract":"Identity theory (IT) has a rich history in family science research; however, neither IT itself nor research using identity theory have focused on diversity or systems of inequality. We suggest that the propositions and assumptions of identity theory are highly compatible with more current critical theories, such as intersectionality. In the current paper, we integrate components from intersectionality theory into identity theory to develop a Critical Identity Theory (CIT). We introduce the importance of belonging, two forms of identities (role identities and sociocultural identities), and four levels within which identities are negotiated (sociocultural, institutional, relational, and individual). The remainder of the theory's propositions and assumptions are organized around the processes involved in the creation and negotiation of identities and identity enactment. Implications of the theory for future research, theorizing, policy, and practice are discussed.","PeriodicalId":47446,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Theory & Review","volume":"59 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147447236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Intersectional Theory of Planned Behavior: Transforming Financial Behavior Theory for Contemporary Families","authors":"Lena Gan, Nerissa LeBlanc Gillum, Sara Kay","doi":"10.1111/jftr.70046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.70046","url":null,"abstract":"Existing financial behavior theories inadequately explain decision‐making in culturally diverse families because they neglect how intersecting systems of power fundamentally shape psychological constructs. This article introduces the Intersectional Theory of Planned Behavior (I‐TPB), transforming the Theory of Planned Behavior's core constructs—attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control—from universal psychological mechanisms into intersectionally constituted phenomena. Building on TPB's explanatory power while addressing its structural limitations, I‐TPB theorizes financial behavior through three interlocking mechanisms: positional conditioning, relational contingency, and structural embedding. The proposed framework generates six theoretical propositions explaining systematic behavioral variations across intersectional positions, reframing behaviors deemed irrational under traditional TPB as structurally coherent responses rather than individual deficits. Theoretical applications across three diverse family cases demonstrate this intersectional behavioral coherence, showing how apparent inconsistencies reflect adaptive responses to documented institutional barriers. I‐TPB offers a theoretically integrated framework for understanding financial behavior across diverse family structures that centers structural equity rather than individual pathology, advancing justice‐oriented family science.","PeriodicalId":47446,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Theory & Review","volume":"59 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147447426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"From Ego to Eco: A Theory U Framework for Understanding Parental Transformation in Families of Children With Behavioral Problems","authors":"Lior Y. Somech","doi":"10.1111/jftr.70009","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jftr.70009","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This article introduces the first systematic adaptation of Scharmer's Theory U to the parenting domain, offering an innovative theoretical framework for understanding parental transformation in families of children with behavioral problems. Transformative change is conceptualized as a U-shaped developmental journey from ego-based, reactive caregiving toward eco-based, relationally attuned parenting. Four developmental phases represent core psychological dimensions in parental transformation, with transitions facilitated by key capacities in regulation, vulnerability, cooperation, and fluctuation. By integrating attachment, mentalization, and polyvagal theories, the framework synthesizes disparate approaches into a unified conceptual model. The framework posits that meaningful parenting change involves not only skill acquisition but deeper shifts in presence and meaning-making, enabling new parent–child dynamics that support behavioral improvement. The framework advances family science by illuminating how parental consciousness evolves from reactive patterns to integrative, relation-centered capacities. Clinical implementation requires individualized assessment recognizing families' diverse cultural contexts, attachment histories, and developmental starting points.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":47446,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Theory & Review","volume":"18 1","pages":"90-104"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145241954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Beyond Acceptance and Rejection: A Caregiving Conceptualization for Understanding Parental Responses to Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Children","authors":"Jun Wei Liow, Yu-Te Huang","doi":"10.1111/jftr.70038","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jftr.70038","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We introduce a triadic caregiving model—matched care, misguided care, and withdrawn care—to complement the parental acceptance and rejection conceptualization. While the binary conceptualization captures the behavioral responses and mental health impacts of parental reactions to LGB children, parents' motivations and narratives are often overlooked. Gaining insight into these motivations can enhance engagement strategies and identify opportunities for strengthening and rebuilding parent–child relationships. Grounded in attachment theory and emotionally focused family therapy, the proposed triadic model directs attention toward the caregiving intentions behind parental behaviors and their alignment with the child's attachment needs: (a) Matched care describes attuned and affirming behaviors; (b) misguided care captures over-involved or controlling actions based on misinformation; and (c) withdrawn care reflects emotionally distant responses stemming from personal distress or self-protection. By reframing parental responses as caregiving strategies, whether effective or misaligned, this model offers a compassionate and actionable lens for understanding parent–child dynamics. It has practical implications for clinical work and research by supporting more individualized, systemic, and reparative interventions that promote family reconciliation and stronger relational bonds following an LGB child's coming out.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":47446,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Theory & Review","volume":"18 1","pages":"105-117"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145730887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Intergenerational Trauma in Refugee Families: A Scoping Review of Contextual and Systemic Perspectives","authors":"Zamzam Dini, Kadija Mussa","doi":"10.1111/jftr.70013","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jftr.70013","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This scoping review analyzed 18 current research articles to identify how scholars conceptualize and use theory to understand trauma transmission in refugee family systems. Analysis of theory and results across this body of literature resulted in several significant findings. First, there is inconsistency in how researchers define and operationalize trauma. As a result, evidence of trauma transmission and pathways is also inconsistent. Second, although these articles aim to understand trauma in refugee families, the only family constellations represented are mother–child dyads, leaving out fathers and families with multiple children. Future research should overcome these limitations by integrating systemic perspectives, relational measures, and interdisciplinary approaches. Using innovative methodologies and culturally grounded theories will enable researchers to produce more inclusive and impactful studies on this critical topic.</p>","PeriodicalId":47446,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Theory & Review","volume":"18 1","pages":"192-208"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jftr.70013","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145241173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eleanor J. Junkins, Jaime Derringer, Brian G. Ogolsky, Jennifer L. Hardesty, Yanna Weisberg
{"title":"Measures of Relationship Power Dynamics in Romantic Relationships","authors":"Eleanor J. Junkins, Jaime Derringer, Brian G. Ogolsky, Jennifer L. Hardesty, Yanna Weisberg","doi":"10.1111/jftr.70019","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jftr.70019","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Power is central to understanding romantic relationship dynamics. Yet, the study of relationship power lacks consistent measurement or agreement on the latent construct. Valid measurement is essential to align theory and research and increase the likelihood of replicability and comparability between studies. We reviewed all power measures published in empirical articles (<i>k</i> = 319) before 2022. We categorized measures into nine categories based on operationalizations, theoretical considerations, and common themes. The most commonly studied aspects of power were sexual relationship power, structural power, and general relationship power. We also summarized the study topics and sample characteristics to investigate when different types of power measures were used. We discussed how the categories of power fit into existing theories to organize and motivate future research. To establish best measurement practices, further work should test the validity of power measures, establish correlates of power, and use these findings to refine existing theories.</p>","PeriodicalId":47446,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Theory & Review","volume":"18 1","pages":"170-191"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jftr.70019","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145311068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"East Asian Family Ethics in Crisis: Hegelian Analysis of Meritocracy Versus Warmth Logics","authors":"Dan Zhu, Hao Zhao, Xueying Zhang","doi":"10.1111/jftr.70023","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jftr.70023","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We employ Hegel's dialectical phenomenological method to conceptualize <i>meritocracy logic</i> (valuing performance through quantifiable metrics) and <i>warmth logic</i> (sustaining cohesion through emotional bonds) as interpretive paradigms for East Asian families. Analyzing regional crises through Hegelian dialectics, we reveal that the negation of warmth by meritocracy causes the dissolution of the <i>ethical entity</i> (the family's ethical foundation). To resolve this, we propose cognitive restructuring, rebuilding community, and establishing an <i>ethical division of labor</i>—a degendered concept reconceptualized from Hegel's <i>ethical gender</i> via Butler's theory. Our dialectical reconstruction aims to synthesize meritocracy and warmth, providing theoretical and practical pathways to reshape family ethics in East Asia.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":47446,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Theory & Review","volume":"18 1","pages":"148-157"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145441130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Transfronterizo Families at the San Diego–Tijuana Border: Complicating Theories of Family, Migration, and Mobility","authors":"Kimberly Higuera, Karina Santellano","doi":"10.1111/jftr.70016","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jftr.70016","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Transborder or transfronterizo families straddle borders, living their daily lives across nations and commuting across international borders. This article draws on the case of transfronterizo family life at the San Diego, California–Tijuana, Baja California border. Based on existing scholarship, emerging transnational policies, and our own experiences growing up in the San Diego–Tijuana borderland, we suggest a distinction between the form of transnational familyhood often explored in family science: long-distance transnational families with limited in-person interactions and the form of transnational familyhood that transfronterizo families represent. The latter is a short-distance transnational family model, where issues like daily governmental monitoring and time scarcity are highly salient. We examine how inequalities on both sides of the border thwart the economic promise of migration, create the need for transfronterizo family life to achieve economic survival and social mobility, and uniquely shape transfronterizo family dynamics and processes.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":47446,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Theory & Review","volume":"18 1","pages":"13-19"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145241171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Context Matters: A Contextualized Approach to Studying Latinx Family Ethnic-Racial Socialization","authors":"Sabrina A. Mendez-Escobar","doi":"10.1111/jftr.70014","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jftr.70014","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Latinx family ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) practices vary based on unique contexts such as racial background, experiences with discrimination, and cultural values. However, researchers often group Latinx families without considering context. By clearly identifying a specific Latinx group of interest, researchers can situate family practices within the group's unique social and historical factors. This article outlines a three-step approach for studying contextualized Latinx family ERS. Following this approach, researchers can identify a Latinx group to establish their social and historical factors. This will inform research practices: forming a representative research team, choosing culturally appropriate methodology, and analyzing and interpreting research findings through a contextualized lens. Using García Coll et al.'s Integrative Model and relying on Hughes et al.'s conceptualization of ERS, the context of one Latinx group (i.e., Dominicans) is defined and the application of the three-step approach is explained. Recommendations are provided for future contextualized research with Latinx families.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":47446,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Theory & Review","volume":"18 1","pages":"30-42"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145277418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Positive Youth Development for Youth Living in Structurally Diverse Families","authors":"Jonathon J. Beckmeyer","doi":"10.1111/jftr.70034","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jftr.70034","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Research on family structure diversity and youth well-being has largely aligned with deficit orientations, emphasizing that living in structurally diverse families is a potential risk-factor for youth well-being and development. In this article, I advocate for increased strengths-based scholarship on youth living in structurally diverse families by centering this research with positive youth development (PYD) frameworks. Broadly, PYD frameworks orient scholars toward viewing youth holistically, attending to positive indicators of well-being as well as how youth capacities and experiences intersect with family and community resources to promote flourishing and thriving. Approaching family structure diversity and youth well-being from a PYD perspective provides an important counter to the deficit perspective that dominates research on youth living in structurally diverse families. I review models of PYD and provide specific guidance for how family scientists can incorporate PYD outcomes and processes into family structure scholarship.</p>","PeriodicalId":47446,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Family Theory & Review","volume":"18 1","pages":"77-89"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jftr.70034","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145609034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}