Skip to the main content

Review of psychology, Vol. 24 No. 1-2, 2017.

Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.21465/rp0024.0003

“Belonging to my family, but still being myself”: The relationships between dimensions of attachment theory and personal authority in the family system

Mihaela Nistor orcid id orcid.org/0000-0001-5905-4183 ; University of Debrecen, Institute of Psychology, Debrecen, Hungary.
Gabor Papp ; University of Debrecen, Institute of Psychology, Debrecen, Hungary.
Tamas Martos orcid id orcid.org/0000-0001-5946-1299 ; University of Szeged, Institute of Psychology, Department of Personal, Clinical and Health Psychology, Hungary
Peter Molnar ; University of Debrecen, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Behavioral Sciences, Debrecen, Hungary.

Full text: english pdf 341 Kb

page 29-38

downloads: 1.094

cite

Abstract

This study investigated the associations between (a) the adult attachment in close relationships measured by attachment dimensions of avoidance and anxiety (Experiences of Close Relationships Inventory; Brennan, Clark, & Shaver, 1998), and (b) the intergenerational family patterns in terms of personal authority constructs (individuation, triangulation, intimacy, personal authority, and intergenerational intimidation; Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire, PAFS-Q; Bray, Williamson, & Malone, 1984a, 1984b). The study also examined gender differences in PAFS-Q dimensions using the data from 160 adult couples (N = 320). Our results showed that higher levels on Spousal Intimacy, Spousal Fusion/Individuation, Intergenerational Fusion/Individuation, and Personal Authority significantly predicted lower anxiety, while higher levels on Spousal Intimacy, and less Triangulation with spouses and children significantly predicted lower avoidance in close relationships. Gender differences were found only on Personal Authority scale, with men reporting greater ability to interact with their parents in an individuated and intimate manner than did females.

Keywords

adult attachment; differentiation of self; personal authority in the family system; intergenerational relationships

Hrčak ID:

199920

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/199920

Publication date:

4.5.2018.

Visits: 2.706 *