An Exploration on the Development of Differentiation of Self: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Location
1053
Format Type
Event
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
January 2018
End Date
January 2018
Abstract
This presentation is an exploration on the development of differentiation of self for Marriage and Family Therapists who study Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). Differentiation of self is the cornerstone among the eight concepts of BFST. This concept "defines people according to the degree of fusion, or differentiation, between emotional and intellectual functioning" (Bowen, 1985, p. 362). In this qualitative study Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to capture the development of meaning and sense-making in various contexts and experiences (Smith, Flowers, & Larkin, 2009). The findings suggested that the study of BFST contributed significantly to the understanding of differentiation of self which led to an awareness, and an increase in the level of differentiation of self for the Marriage and Family Therapists. The development of differentiation of self can improve the quality of life, efficiency and effectiveness of the individual both personally and professionally. This improvement will also systematically impact those with whom they relate.
An Exploration on the Development of Differentiation of Self: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
1053
This presentation is an exploration on the development of differentiation of self for Marriage and Family Therapists who study Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). Differentiation of self is the cornerstone among the eight concepts of BFST. This concept "defines people according to the degree of fusion, or differentiation, between emotional and intellectual functioning" (Bowen, 1985, p. 362). In this qualitative study Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to capture the development of meaning and sense-making in various contexts and experiences (Smith, Flowers, & Larkin, 2009). The findings suggested that the study of BFST contributed significantly to the understanding of differentiation of self which led to an awareness, and an increase in the level of differentiation of self for the Marriage and Family Therapists. The development of differentiation of self can improve the quality of life, efficiency and effectiveness of the individual both personally and professionally. This improvement will also systematically impact those with whom they relate.
Comments
Breakout Session D