Analysis of the relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law: A systems perspective.

摘要

This study was designed to determine those factors that create and contribute to the development of the unique relationship of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. As such, the study was concerned with the larger question, how does one cope with a relationship that is not genetically bound yet must follow rules and guidelines as if it were a relationship of blood?;One-hundred-fourteen structured questionnaires were sent to 57 mother-in-law and daughter-in-law pairs. To be included, the respondents had to have known each other for at least six months prior to the newlywed's marriage and lived within a radius of fifty miles. Of the 114 people initially contacted, 25 pairs were asked further to participate in a follow-up semi-structured interview. The interview questions attempted to probe for thoughts and feelings regarding the relationship the participants currently had with their in-law.;The following research questions were addressed in this study: (1) What are the constraints governing the sort of involuntary situation a mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship represents?, (2) What degree of marital conflict involves in-law relationships?, (3) Are there key characteristics that facilitate a positive mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship as well as key characteristics that foster a negative mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship?, and (4) Does the relationship between mother and son affect the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law?;Responses from questionnaires and interviews were recorded in conjunction with Bavelas and Segal's (1982) treatment of Systems Theory. Four conclusions were drawn: there is a correlation between length of time the in-laws have known each other, and acceptance of each other; in-law responsibility for newlywed conflict is minimal; respect for each other as well as respect for each other's privacy, contributes to positive mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationships while moodiness and interference foster negative feelings toward in-laws; and, the son's relationship with his mother does have an effect on the relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.