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The Relationships Between Attachment Theory and Intergenerational Family Systems Theory

Kok-Mun Ng

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Shannon D. Smith

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

This article reviews attachment theory, family systems theory, and intergenerational family systems theory as the backdrop to the research presented. This study examined the relationships among constructs of attachment and intergenerational family systems theories. Data from 153 adults were utilized to examine (a) the relationships between personal authority in the family systems (PAFS) and avoidance and anxiety and (b) the difference in PAFS scores between attachment styles. Results showed that (a) spousal intimacy significantly predicted partners' avoidance and (b) spousal intimacy, nuclear family triangulation, and personal authority significantly predicted partners' anxiety. Secure individuals scored higher than did insecure individuals in 7 out of 8 PAFS scales. Correct classification rate into secure and insecure types based on PAFS scores was 73%. Results indicated both convergence and divergence features between the two theories.

Key Words: attachment • family systems • intergenerational family systems • integration • theory

The Family Journal, Vol. 14, No. 4, 430-440 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1066480706290976
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