Abstract
Bowen theory hypothesizes that undifferentiation or fusion between the generations influences nuclear family functioning. Using qualitative and quantitative methods this longitudinal study tested this idea with 49 newly developing nuclear families. Analysis of the first five years of data offered support to the hypothesis. Qualitative analyses of the participants' interviews gave the strongest support for higher levels of intergenerational fusion being associated with higher levels of nuclear family symptomology. Quantitative analyses also supported the hypothesis. The association between intergenerational fusion, as measured by couple-parent fusion and family financial dependence, and nuclear family functioning increased over the five-year period.
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Klever, P. Intergenerational Fusion and Nuclear Family Functioning. Contemporary Family Therapy 25, 431–451 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1027312819938
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1027312819938