Toward a Greater Understanding of Differentiation of Self in Bowen Family Systems Theory: Empirical Developments and Future Directions

Abstract

Bowen family systems theory is arguably considered the most comprehensive theory of human functioning from a systems perspective. Grounded in natural systems theory, Bowen family systems theory is a theory of multigenerational emotional functioning, and the concepts of “differentiation of self ” and the “emotional system” characterize essential elements of Bowen theory. About 15 years ago, the fi rst author initiated a program of research designed to operationalize the concept of differentiation of self and examine the central tenets in Murray Bowen’s family systems theory. The original focus of the work was to develop a psychometrically sound tool to assess the role of therapist and client differentiation of self in 1) psychotherapy outcome, and 2) the process of effective psychotherapy. The Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI) was fi rst developed in 1991, and since that time, the measure has undergone two revisions to refi ne items and subscale defi nitions, minimize social desirability bias, and enhance the DSI’s construct validity (e.g., Skowron and Friedlander, 1998; Skowron and Schmitt, 2003). Further, the fi rst two authors have engaged in postgraduate training at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family in Washington, DC, under the direction of Michael E. Kerr, MD, and the fi rst author remains a member of Daniel Papero’s research group at the Bowen Center, where she continues to consult and engage with Bowen scholars in the conceptualization and design of research informed by Bowen theory. This constellation of experiences with the Bowen Center has greatly assisted the authors in clarifying their thinking about Bowen theory and provided invaluable access to developments in thinking within the theory that have evolved since publication of Bowen’s Family Therapy in Clinical Practice (1978) and Kerr’s Family Evaluation (Kerr and Bowen, 1988).