Differentiation of Self and Dyadic Adjustment in Couple Relationships: A Dyadic Analysis Using the Actor‐Partner Interdependence Model

Abstract

Bowen's multigenerational theory provides an account of how the internalization of experiences within the family of origin promotes development of the ability to maintain a distinct self whilst also making intimate connections with others. Differentiated people can maintain their I-position in intimate relationships. They can remain calm in conflictual relationships, resolve relational problems effectively, and reach compromises. Fusion with others, emotional cut-off, and emotional reactivity instead are common reactions to relational stress in undifferentiated people. Emotional reactivity is the tendency to react to stressors with irrational and intense emotional arousal. Fusion with others is an excessive emotional involvement in significant relationships, whilst emotional cut-off is the tendency to manage relationship anxiety through physical and emotional distance. This study is based on Bowen's theory, starting from the assumption that dyadic adjustment can be affected both by a member's differentiation of self (actor effect) and by his or her partner's differentiation of self (partner effect). We used the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model to study the relationship between differentiation of self and dyadic adjustment in a convenience sample of 137 heterosexual Italian couples (nonindependent, dyadic data). The couples completed the Differentiation of Self Inventory and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Men's dyadic adjustment depended only on their personal I-position, whereas women's dyadic adjustment was affected by their personal I-position and emotional cut-off as well as by their partner's I-position and emotional cut-off. The empirical and clinical implications of the results are discussed.

The Role of Differentiation of Self Dimensions in the Anxiety Problems

“…Our data revealed that EC and FO have strong clinical relevance and encourage therapists to routinely assess the levels of differentiation of self in individuals, partners, or family members where anxiety and panic problems exist (Lampis, Cataudella, Agus, Busonera, & Skowron, 2019). These screenings could facilitate individual, couples, or family counseling in several ways (Skowron, 2000; Timm & Keiley, 2011).…”

Couple Adjustment and Differentiation of Self in the United States, Italy, and Spain: A Cross‐Cultural Study

“…Bowen posited that the influence of differentiation on intimacy and romantic relationships is universally applicable (Kerr & Bowen, 1988). Prior research on BFST in the United States has suggested that a positive relationship exists between DoS and couple adjustment (Knerr & Bartle‐Haring, 2010; Skowron, 2000), and empirical findings from several countries substantiate this claim (e.g., Korea, Italy, Spain, see Chung & Gale, 2006; Lampis, Cataudella, Agus, Busonera, & Skowron, 2018; Rodríguez‐González, Skowron, Cagigal, & Muñoz, 2016). These studies across multiple cultural groups and nations outside of the United States show there is an increasing interest in cross‐cultural applications of BFST by researchers and clinicians.…”

Cross‐Cultural Validity of Bowen Theory in Southern European Countries

“…Different studies conducted in Western countries have revealed that well‐differentiated individuals enjoy good physical and psychological health (Jankowsky, Hooper, Sandage, & Hannah, ; Lampis, Cataudella, Busonera, & Skowron, 2017b; Rodriguez‐Gonzalez et al., ; Skowron, Stanley, & Shapiro, ), are less anxious (Skowron et al., ), and have good levels of psychosocial, relational, and social adjustment (Burri, Schweitzer, & O'Brien, ; Lampis, ; Lampis et al., ; Lampis, Cataudella, Busonera, & Skowron, 2017a; Rodríguez‐González, Skowron, Cagigal de Gregorio & Muñoz San Roque, ; Skowron, ).…”