International Journal of Human Ecology

The Korean Home Economics Association (대한가정학회)
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Family of Origin Influences on Anxiety, Open Communication, and Relationship Satisfaction -A Test of Bowenian theory of Anxiety as a Mediator in the Intergenerational Transmission

  • Lee Hae-Seung (Dept. of Child Development & Family Studies, Seoul National University) ;
  • Ok Sun-Wha (Dept. of Child Development & Family Studies, Seoul National University)
  • Published : 2002.12.01
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of anxiety in mediating the influence of family of origin characteristics on subsequent relationship processes. Using Bowenian theory as a foundation, this study examined the causal relationships among gender, religion, family of origin-fusion, intimacy, intimidation, personal-trait-anxiety, couple open communication and relationship satisfaction. Results of the path analysis indicated that: (a) gender, religion, family of origin-fusion, and family of origin-intimidation were directly related to personal-trait-anxiety, (b) personal-trait-anxiety was directly related to couple open communication and not related to relationship satisfaction, (c) couple open communication was directly related to relationship satisfaction, and (d) family of origin factors were not directly related to couple open communication and relationship satisfaction; rather, as it was expected, indirect associations, through the mediation of anxiety, were found. The results generally support Bowen's intergenerational process theory, which asserts that anxiety is the mediator of the process. Limitations of the current study and suggestions for further research were discussed.

Keywords

References

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