Family process variables and field dependence-independence: A proposal for a new conceptual framework.

The lack of a definitive theoretical framework has meant that many studies about the
influence of family variables on field dependent—independent (FDI) cognitive style have been
isolated efforts which have lost a great deal of their potential by being merely descriptive. This
Chapter revisits family process variables which have been considered to be good predictors of
FDI: involvement of fathers, autonomy of the child, family climate, and use of discipline. Results
are presented which demonstrate a functional relationship between different types of family
normative structure (flexible, rigid, and weak), and the child’s placement on the FDI dimension.
From this dual point of departure several guidelines are proposed for the elaboration of an
explicit theoretical model which allows a connection to be established between the Piagetian
principles of development and the theory of psychological differentiation.