Goal Direction and Effectiveness, Emotional Maturity, and Nuclear Family Functioning

Abstract

Differentiation of self, a cornerstone concept in Bowen theory, has a profound influence over time on the functioning of the individual and his or her family unit. This 5-year longitudinal study tested this hypothesis with 50 developing nuclear families. The dimensions of differentiation of self that were examined were goal direction and effectiveness and emotional maturity. A qualitative analysis of participants' goals demonstrated that couples with higher functioning developing nuclear families, when compared with couples with lower functioning families, placed more emphasis on family goals, had more balance between family and personal goals, and pursued more goals over the 5 years. The quantitative analysis supported the hypothesis that goal effectiveness and emotional maturity influenced variation in nuclear family functioning. In addition, couple goal effectiveness and emotional maturity were associated with nuclear family functioning more strongly than individual goal effectiveness and emotional maturity were associated with individual functioning.

The Relationship of Differentiation, Family Coping Skills, and Family Functioning with Optimism in College-Age Students

“…The individuals in this group are comfortable with being in an intimate relationship since they can maintain a well-defined sense of who they are as individuals (Bowen 1978). In Klever's (2009) study, differentiation of self was represented by goal effectiveness and emotional maturity. The results of this study indicated that the goal effectiveness and emotional maturity of couples predicted variation in nuclear family functioning.…”

Emotional Maturity and Mental Health Among New Couples Referred to Pre-Marriage Health Center in Karaj, Iran

“…Emotional maturity in an interpersonal dimension is the ability to experience intimacy without loss of individual autonomy (8). The couple's emotional maturity may improve family functioning (9). Other studies have indicated that emotional maturity has a positive impact on life satisfaction (10), marital satisfaction (11), mental health and coping skills (12).…”

Mixed Methods Research in Marriage and Family Therapy: A Content Analysis

“…For example, Olson and Russell (2004) gained insight into how quantitative measures of change intersect with clients’ own experiences of therapy by asking clients about their scores on measures of client outcomes. Klever (2009), drawing on Bowen theory, investigated family functioning with interviews and survey data in a longitudinal study and presented material with clear mixing tables in his results section. In an innovative design, Wynne et al.…”