Multiple Views on Family Data: The Sample Case of Adolescent,Maternal, and Paternal Perspectives on Family Differentiation Levels

The major objective of this article is to demonstrate a data analysis technique — confirmatory factor analysis with structural equation modeling — that can be used when the researcher has multiple perspectives on the same variables. The present data set was constructed from two samples that contained information collected on adolescents', mothers', and fathers' perspectives on family differentiation levels as measured by the Differentiation in the Family System Scale (DIFS; 4 ). Results of the combined sample confirmatory factor analysis procedures indicated that the family members’ perspectives converged and could be used as a single latent variable. The methodological implications of these findings are discussed.     

Family of origin and interpersonal contributions to the interdependence of dating partners' trust

The purpose of the present investigation was to further the study of factors that contribute to trust in relation to a dating partner. Specifically, this study investigated the interdependence of dating partner trust using a nonrecursive path model that included present-day family-of-origin experience. The most reliable data available suggest that self-disclosure and trust from the other partner are significant contributors to trust (cf. Butler, 1986; Haas, 1981; Larzelere & Huston, 1980; Rubin, 1975). However, these do not appear to explain completely the ability to trust another. Using these findings and theoretical linkages between trust and family-of-origin experiences, a model was specified with a reciprocal path between male partner and female partner trust. The reciprocal paths were not significant. However, male partner trust was best explained by his emotional reactivity toward his parents, and female partner trust was best explained by her comfort with self-disclosure. These results are discussed in relation to previous research.     

Implications of Concurrent Measures of Viewer Behavior

Carter's “signaled stopping” technique is used here under different instructions to examine two quite different cognitive phenomena during television viewing of marital interactions from feature films: a change to the cognitive state of “thinking” (rather than just watching), and the momentary perception of action “meaningful for the couple's relationship.” A variety of evidence supports the distinction and suggests directions for further applications of the technique.