A self-report scale to measure adolescents' involvement in parental figures' conflicts, disagreements, or relationships, a phenomenon known as triangulation, was developed, and initial evidence for reliability and validity was obtained using a three-study format.In Study 1, the 24-item Triangular Relationship Inventory (TRI) was developed using classical test theory in a sample of college-aged students and found to have a multidimensional factor structure. In Study 2, the multidimensional factor structure was replicated in a new sample of college-aged students. Evidence of reliability was supported with excellent internal consistency. Construct validity was supported by replicating the multidimensional factor structure of the TRI. A strong correlation between the TRI and the Intergenerational Triangulation subscale of the Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire indicated criterion-related validity. Convergent validity of the TRI was indicated by a negative correlation between the TRI and the Differentiation of Self Inventory-Short Form, a positive correlation between the TRI and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-21, and a positive correlation between the TRI and the State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety. Discriminant validity was evidenced by a low correlation between the TRI and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Study 3 found the test-retest reliability of the TRI over a 4-week period to be strong, at .84. In summary, the TRI appears to have good psychometric properties and contributes to the literature in family systems theory by enabling a more nuanced measurement of triangulation than has been previously available.
Bowen Family Systems Theory predicts that the ability to balance emotional intimacy with one’s partner with one's own sense of autonomy, called differentiation of self, results in stronger relationships. We tested whether this balance manifests in how individuals manage their time spent with and without their partner. Analyses utilized differentiation of self, leisure time balance with and without one's partner, and couple leisure satisfaction to predict dyadic adjustment. Although leisure time balance did not mediate the relationship between differentiation of self and relationship functioning, couple leisure satisfaction was found to partially mediate this relationship. The moderating effect of differentiation was also examined, which demonstrated that differentiation of self buffered the relationship between low couple leisure time satisfaction and relationship adjustment.
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