Objective To examine the intergenerational transmission of anxiety and depression in aortic dissection patients and their families, then using the Actor-Partner Interdependence model based on Bowen family systems theory. Methods A general questionnaire, a Brief differentiation of self Inventory-Revised, a 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used to investigate 210 pairs of aortic dissection patients and family members to develop an Actor-Partner Interdependence model about differentiation of self, anxiety and depression. Results Differentiation of self scores related to aortic dissection patients and family members were 79.95±4.43 and 81.31±4.55, anxiety scores were 11.74±3.55 and 10.98±3.04, and depression scores were 12.33±3.34 and 10.98±3.04, respectively. Anxiety scores of aortic dissection patients were significantly higher than those of their family members; the results of the Actor-Partner Interdependence model showed that the differentiation of self of aortic dissection patients was negatively correlated with their own, including anxiety and depression of their families. And the differentiation of self of family members was negatively correlated with their own anxiety and depression and the depression of patients. Conclusion The anxiety and depression of aortic dissection patients and family members were jointly influenced by the differentiation of self, suggesting that healthcare practioners should pay attention to the transmission of anxiety and depression in aortic dissection patients and family members to actively explore family-based intervention programmes.