This study examined the processes of triangulation and differentiation as theorized in Bowen family systems theory. Bowen family systems theory suggests that those who are more differentiated are less likely to triangulate children. Triangulation, which is the process by which a couple involves a child in their dyadic conflict, has been found to be associated with poor outcomes for children. In addition, Bowen postulated that anxiety serves a mediating role in the relationship between differentiation and triangulation. These theoretical propositions were tested using a sample of 332 married couples studied over a 5-year period of time. Results from an actor-partner interdependence model indicated that husbands’ differentiation predicted subsequent triangulation, but the relationship was not significant among wives. Results also failed to support the mediating role of anxiety. These findings point to the need for additional research to explore gender differences and the role of anxiety in Bowen Theory.

中文翻译：

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鲍文说得对吗？微分与三角剖分的关系

这项研究检验了鲍文家族系统理论中的三角测量和微分过程。Bowen 家庭系统理论表明，那些差异较大的人不太可能对孩子进行三角测量。三角测量是一对夫妇在二元冲突中让孩子参与的过程，已被发现与孩子的不良结果有关。此外，鲍文假设焦虑在分化和三角测量之间的关系中起中介作用。这些理论命题通过 332 对已婚夫妇的样本进行了 5 年的研究。演员-伴侣相互依赖模型的结果表明，丈夫的分化预测了随后的三角关系，但这种关系在妻子之间并不显着。结果也未能支持焦虑的中介作用。这些发现表明需要进行额外的研究来探索性别差异和焦虑在 Bowen 理论中的作用。