Multiple Perspectives on Family Differentiation: Analyses by Multitrait Multimethod Matrix and Triadic Social Relations Models

This article illustrates two statistical analysis procedures that provide options for handling multiple perspectives on the same variable. We used the Differentiation in the Family System Scale to assess boundary maintenance in the family from three members' perspectives. The first procedure, multitrait multimethod matrix with correlated uniquenesses, suggested that the best model was one in which the six dyadic subscales formed distinct factors using the three perspectives. The second procedure, the triadic social relations model, provided further evidence of agreement. Mothers' views tended to be the most shared, whereas fathers' were the least shared. As one person exhibited differentiated behavior, the other also tended to elicit the same behavior.