Using Bowen Theory to Enhance Understanding of the Intergenerational Transmission of Dating Violence

Abstract

This study used Bowen theory to broaden our understanding of the intergenerational transmission of dating violence. A sample of single, never-married college students completed measures of violence perpetrated or received in their dating relationships, and measures of childhood violence and differentiation of self (a central component of Bowen theory). Using structural equation modeling, three models were compared: family-of-origin violence and current violence; differentiation levels (self and couple) and current violence; and then all variables combined. In the final model, couple differentiation accounted for the most variance in dating violence when controlling for family-of-origin violence. Furthermore, couple differentiation partially mediated the relationship between being the victim of parent-to-child violence and having low levels of differentiation and being a perpetrator or victim of dating violence. Findings support the notion that Bowen's theory of intergenerational transmission adds to our understanding of the intergenerational transmission of violence.