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ABSTRACT
Differentiation of self (Bowen) postulates that relationship pattern of family of origin affects one's ability to initiate and maintain relationships later in life. The present study aims to study relationship between Differentiation of Self and Marital Adjustment in Indian couples. 52 Indian couples (N=104) completed Differentiation of Self Inventory (Short form) & Comprehensive Marital Adjustment Inventory. The results indicated significant positive correlation (r= .33, p< .05) between differentiation of self and marital adjustment of Indian couples. However, it was also found that only 16.9% of variance in Marital adjustment attributed to differentiation of self and its four subcomponents. The study summarised role of other factors along with differentiation of self to understand marital adjustment in Indian couples.
Key words: Differentiation of Self, Bowen, Marital Adjustment, Indian couples
INTRODUCTION
Family is the first and foremost important unit of the ecosystem that influences an individual's understanding of relationships and their roles in life. Murray Bowen (1978) conceptualised family theory, in which he viewed family as a dynamic and emotionally interactive unit. According to the theory, family's pattern of relating can affect a person's adjustment in adulthood to important relationships including marriage. People often attempt to recreate similar rules and boundaries in a marital relationship that they have learnt in their own family. One of the most important concept in Bowen's family theory is Differentiation of Self that has a crucial role in interpersonal domain of an adult. Differentiation of Self has been defined as a process of dynamic interplay between autonomy and separation while progressing towards developing goals (Bowen, 1976). It distinguishes intellectual and emotional systems and also, interpersonal capacity to maintain autonomy while establishing deep intimacy with important others (Bowen, 1976, 1978). The differentiation of self tends to remain the same and is transferred through generations unless efforts are made to change it. Higher level of self-differentiation enables development of an autonomous self in emotionally committed relationships. As a result, a "solid self" is formed that helps individual to understand the dynamics of a relationship and accept its limitations (Metcalf, 2011). In contrast, "pseudo self", also known as "fused self" forms inconsistent beliefs and principles under emotional pressure. People with pseudo self blames others for their problems.
In 1998, Skoworn and Friedlander explained...
