Systems and Bidirectional Influences in Families

Family systems theory and bidirectionality are two models that seek to explain the nature of relationship influences on children's and adults' development. Points of convergence and divergence between the models are discussed and empirically examined in a sample of 72 nondivorced and 56 stepfather families. A multirater, multimethod design was used to model effects of family relationships on adolescent social competence, cognitive agency, and externalizing behavior. The major findings were that (a) adolescent → parent behavior was as robust as parent → adolescent behavior in predicting adolescent adjustment; (b) family relations were less coherent or connected in stepfamilies compared to nondivorced; and (c) the configuration of family relationships moderated the effect of a specific relationship on adolescent adjustment. We discuss the implications for how family systems theory qualifies and extends bidirectional models and how contextual influences, especially family type, modify bidirectional and systems models of relationships.