The association of intergenerational relationship and the adult children's marital relationship in Hong Kong

Abstract

According to the attachment theory, children’s early attachment with parents may affect their relationship development such as peer friendship and marital relationship. However, secure adults and insecure adults may have different family cohesion in their family of origin, although they may also have the same marital cohesion in their marriage. Moreover, regardless of secure adults or insecure adults, their marital relationship may not be the same as their parents’. This study examined the association of a person’s (adult children) intergeneration relationship and marital relationship in Hong Kong, with emphasis on the latter. Qualitative research method was used in this study, with the use of the Family Cohesion and Adaptability Evaluation Scales (FACES II) to assess the family cohesion of the respondents. A total of 5 couples and 2 married women were interviewed.