Generational Boundary Dissolution between Mothers and Their Preschool Children: A Relationship Systems Approach

Abstract

A particular perspective on relationship systems served as the basis for this research. Postulates within this perspective include qualitative aspects of relationships are stable over time, and there are lawful relations among relationships within the same system. Previously, a concept of seductive mother-toddler relationships was initially validated. From the theory surrounding this concept, later forms of this pattern were conceived, and a hypothesis concerning complementary mother-daughter relationships was formulated. In the present research we showed first that the pattern of "seductiveness" was stable, though transformed, from 24 to 42 months. Second, the same mothers were not found to be seductive with male or female siblings. Third, mothers who showed the seductive pattern (almost always with boys) were, as predicted, hostile toward their daughters in a particular way ("derision"). 2 other scales used at 42 months ("nonresponsive intimacy" and "generational boundaries") were elevated for target mother-male dyads and not for mother-daughter pairs. In fact, mothers who were seductive with sons were rated significantly lower on the intimacy scale when seen with daughters than were control mothers. It is suggested that maternal relationships across siblings are coherent, however distinct, and that these connections derive from the totality of the mother's relationship history.