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Differentiation of Self in Bowen Family Systems Theory

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Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy

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Introduction

Differentiation of self is a fundamental concept in Bowen’s family systems theory. In Bowen theory, families are conceptualized as emotional units and individual functioning is thought to be best understood in the context of relationship processes within nuclear and multigenerational family systems (Bowen 1976, 1978; Titelman 2014). Bowen recognized that human behavior is influenced and shaped by the fundamental need for both autonomy/self-determination and connection in relationships, and he conceptualized heterogeneity in the functioning of individuals and systems along a continuum of health in terms of differentiation of self.

Description

Bowen theory is regarded as a comprehensive explanation of psychological health and functioning from a systemic and multigenerational perspective (Titelman 2014). Bowen theory provides a rich foundation for the field of family therapy that renders it distinct from individual theories. Its central construct, differentiation of self,...

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References

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Prevention Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA

    Maria Schweer-Collins

  2. Counseling Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA

    Brianna Mintz

  3. Counseling Psychology and Prevention Science, University of Oregon, Prevention Science Institute, Eugene, OR, USA

    Eizabeth A. Skowron

Authors
  1. Maria Schweer-Collins
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  2. Brianna Mintz
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  3. Eizabeth A. Skowron
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Maria Schweer-Collins .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Jay L. Lebow

  2. The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Anthony L. Chambers

  3. The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Douglas C. Breunlin

Section Editor information

  1. Alliant International University, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Molly F. Gasbarrini

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Schweer-Collins, M., Mintz, B., Skowron, E.A. (2019). Differentiation of Self in Bowen Family Systems Theory. In: Lebow, J.L., Chambers, A.L., Breunlin, D.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49425-8_345

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