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Triangulation and adolescent development in the U.S. and Japan
1University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX 77058-1098, USA. belllinda@cl.uh.edu
Family Process
|July 11, 2001
Summary
Parents may involve adolescents in their marital problems, a pattern called "triangling." This study found triangling is linked to lower adolescent ego development in both U.S. and Japanese families, potentially harming personal growth.
Area of Science:
- Family Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
Background:
- Family systems theory suggests two-person relationships under stress may involve a third party.
- Parental triangulation involves drawing an adolescent into parental relationship dynamics to manage tension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between parental relationship tension and adolescent triangulation.
- To examine the impact of parental triangulation on adolescent ego development across cultures.
Main Methods:
- Indirect measures of family structure were used.
- Parent-adolescent relationships were studied in 99 U.S. and 60 Japanese families.
Main Results:
- A significant relationship was found between parents avoiding marital tension and their tendency to triangulate an adolescent.
- Triangulated daughters in both cultures exhibited lower ego development scores.
Conclusions:
- Parental triangulation appears detrimental to adolescent personal development.
- Findings highlight the importance of healthy parental relationships for adolescent well-being.
- Cross-cultural research provides valuable insights into family dynamics.
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