Effects of family connection and family individuation

Abstract

This prospective longitudinal study explores the differential effects of family connection and family individuation measured during adolescence on later midlife well-being. Home interviews were held in the 1970s with 99 families of 245 adolescents. Connection and individuation in the family system were measured by self-report, a projective exercise, and coding of taped family interactions. Twenty-five years later, telephone interviews were conducted with 54 men and 120 women (representing 82 families) who had been adolescents in the 1970s interviews. Family connection (measured during adolescence) was associated with self-acceptance and positive relationships at midlife partially mediated by marriage. Family individuation (measured during adolescence) was associated with personal autonomy at midlife.

Keywords:

• longitudinal
• family
• attachment
• connection
• individuation
• marriage

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the University of Houston – Clear Lake.