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Although structural family theory proposes that family boundaries play a significant role in marital relationships, limited empirical evidence supports this theoretical model. The present study tested structural family theory by examining the complex associations between intergenerational boundaries and adult children's marital satisfaction, as well as the indirect effect of family adaptability and cohesion. A nonclinical convenience sample of individuals (333 participants, 168 females) married for at least one year was recruited. Participants provided self-report data on demographic variables, family boundaries, family cohesion and adaptability, and marital satisfaction. The internal intrusion score (intrusion by families of origin on the nuclear family) of intergenerational family boundaries was negatively associated with marital satisfaction, while the external intrusion score (intrusion by the nuclear family on families of origin) was positively associated with marital satisfaction. The effect of intergenerational family boundaries on marital satisfaction was exerted indirectly through family cohesion and adaptability. There was a significant association between intergenerational family boundaries and adult children's marital satisfaction. This study contributes to the conceptual framework of structural family theory, enabling family therapy practitioners to better understand the pathways through which intergenerational family boundaries impact adult children's marital satisfaction. Highlights: The findings shed light on the critical role that intergenerational family boundaries in marital relationships. The internal intrusion of intergenerational family boundaries was negatively associated with marital satisfaction, while the external intrusion demonstrated a positive association. The findings suggested a significant indirect association between family boundaries and marital satisfaction through family cohesion and family adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a dearth of research examining the relationship perspectives of Latina young people, a population that reports disproportionate rates of teen dating violence (TDV). This strengths-based, qualitative study utilized critical narrative inquiry to explore Latinas' relationship perspectives through in-depth interviews. Rigorous analysis revealed participants' desire for freedom from violence/abuse, open communication, independence, and egalitarian values in relationships, while reporting relationship models and media representation as their main influences on relationship perspectives. Our findings demonstrate that although patriarchal gender norms influence romantic relationships with Latinx cultures, many participants rejected traditional gendered power dynamics that can lead to violence, providing important information for practitioners seeking to promote healthy relationships among this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to expand knowledge of family-based intervention for people with ASD has been observed. However, there is a lack of study in Chinese context such as Hong Kong exploring the use of multifamily therapy (MFT) for adults with ASD. The primary aim of the present study is to assess the feasibility of a process-oriented MFT in promoting family relationships for young adults with high functioning-ASD (HF-ASD) and their parents. We also sought to explore the therapeutic process factors of MFT that were deemed helpful by the family participants in our study. Two types of MFT—one online, the other face-to-face—were conducted from March to August 2021 for families with adults with HF-ASD in Hong Kong. In total, 13 families participated in our multi-method study. Among the results, cross-family therapeutic alliance and treatment engagement were positively associated with enhanced family relationships among participants. Significant differences emerged in changes in the cross-family therapeutic alliance and family relationships between the online and face-to-face MFTs. Two themes regarding the helpful aspects of MFT emerged: first, having a cross-family interactional context and, second, the authentic engagement of people with HF-ASD. Overall, our results imply that MFT, in either online or face-to-face mode, could be a feasible family group psychotherapy for adults with HF-ASD and their parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]