Alekseeva O.S. Intrafamilial Similarity in the Field Dependence/Independence Cognitive Style and Its Relationship with Siblings’ Intelligence

The article presents a study examining intrafamilial similarity in the field dependence–independence cognitive style. The field dependence–independence cognitive style, first described by H. Witkin, reflects the extent to which the overall organization of the environment (field) influences the perception of its individual elements. Measures of field dependence–independence have been found to be associated with various components of psychometric intelligence, particularly spatial abilities, fluid intelligence, and working memory. At the same time, most researchers regard field dependence–independence and intelligence as closely related but distinct constructs.

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships between field dependence–independence and intelligence measures in siblings and their mothers.

Methods and respondents. The study included 79 older siblings (mean age = 17.59 years), 64 younger siblings (mean age = 14.35 years), and 53 mothers (mean age = 43.26 years). The following instruments were used: the Embedded Figures Test, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III).

Findings. Within-pair similarity was found between the cognitive style measures of older and younger siblings. Significant associations were identified between siblings’ field dependence–independence scores and measures of spatial abilities and fluid intelligence, as well as verbal, performance, and full-scale intelligence. The relationships between children’s cognitive style and maternal intelligence differed between older and younger siblings. In younger siblings, the association between field dependence–independence and maternal intelligence remained significant after controlling for the child’s own intelligence, whereas in older siblings this association was not statistically significant.

Conclusions. The findings indicate intrafamilial similarity in field dependence–independence and a close association of this construct with intelligence measures in siblings and their mothers. At the same time, the persistence of some intrafamilial associations after controlling for intelligence suggests that field dependence–independence cannot be fully reduced to the level of psychometric intelligence.

Key words: cognitive styles, field dependence–independence, siblings, intelligence

For citation: Alekseeva, O.S. (2026). Intrafamilial similarity in the field dependence/independence cognitive style and its relationship with siblings’ intelligence. New Psychological Research, No. 3, 55–69. DOI: 10.51217/npsyresearch_2026_06_03_03

Acknowledgment

The article was prepared within a state task, project FNRE-2024-0016 "Psychological effects of digitalization of the educational environment: opportunities for cognitive and personal development and socialization risks».