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This study examined the processes of triangulation and differentiation as theorized in Bowen family systems theory. Bowen family systems theory suggests that those who are more differentiated are less likely to triangulate children. Triangulation, which is the process by which a couple involves a child in their dyadic conflict, has been found to be associated with poor outcomes for children. In addition, Bowen postulated that anxiety serves a mediating role in the relationship between differentiation and triangulation. These theoretical propositions were tested using a sample of 332 married couples studied over a 5-year period of time. Results from an actor-partner interdependence model indicated that husbands' differentiation predicted subsequent triangulation, but the relationship was not significant among wives. Results also failed to support the mediating role of anxiety. These findings point to the need for additional research to explore gender differences and the role of anxiety in Bowen Theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a 2016 study on the integration of psychotherapy theory, research, and practice. Results show that experiential avoidance partially mediated avoidant attachment - emotional cut-off, and anxious attachment - I-position, relationships, and that both attachment types were linked to higher levels of triangulation, and fully mediated triangulation - differentiation of self (DOS) relationships. Also noted is the derivation of dyadic relationships from triadic family processes.

Differentiation of self is defined at the interpersonal level as the ability to achieve emotional autonomy from the family of origin while maintaining a degree of connectedness and at the intrapsychic level as the capacity to distinguish thoughts from feelings (Kerr and Bowen () Family evaluation. W. W. Norton and Company, New York). Research indicates that differentiation of self is positively related to well-being (Skowron et al. () Contemp Fam Ther 31:3-18. doi:; Murdock and Gore () Contemp Fam Ther 26(3):319-335. doi:), and that cultural forces of individualism and collectivism may affect this relationship (Chung and Gale () Contemp Fam Ther 28:367-381. doi:). However, no previous studies have looked at the impact of self-construal, or how one views the self in relation to others, on the relationship between differentiation of self and well-being at the individual level. The purpose of this study was to determine if self-construal moderates the relationship between differentiation of self and well-being among US college students, with a focus on within-culture variation. The results indicated that differentiation of self is positively correlated with independent self-construal and negatively correlated with interdependent self-construal. In addition, independent self-construal moderates the relationship between differentiation of self and well-being such that high levels of independent self-construal serve as a buffer to psychological symptoms for those with low levels of differentiation of self. We also found that fusion and emotional reactivity, aspects of differentiation of self, mediate the relationship between interdependent self-construal and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many systems approaches speak to the importance of respectful mutual curiosity in supervision rather than linear teacher-learner didacticism. This paper provides an overview of collaborative approaches to supervision in family therapy. It then focuses on Bowen family systems and encouraging differentiation in the relationship process between supervisor and supervisee as a useful approach towards equal collaboration. The authors use case examples to illustrate what impedes and fosters mutuality in the supervision process where both supervisor and supervisee learn from each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred sixty-nine couples completed measures of Bowen's concept of differentiation/individuation (including emotional reactivity to parents and triangulation into parental disputes), and Gottman's concepts related to current marital dynamics (e.g., flooding, marital satisfaction/adjustment). The results of canonical correlations run separately for males and females supported hypothesized relationships between differentiation and flooding and satisfaction. Gender differences are discussed as well as implications for counseling/therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature and research has focused little on the spousal subsystem in remarriages. Through the application of Bowen family systems theory, this paper examines the complexities within the spousal sub-system in remarriages. Many remarried couples are plagued with anxiety that stems from unresolved issues in their previous marriage. By acknowledging the influence of their previous marriage, couples are able to work through this anxiety and are able to raise their levels of differentiation, maintain an "I position," and become less emotionally reactive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author examines the relationship between differentiation and infidelity. Research on extradyadic affairs has primarily focused on definitions, predictors and implications for clinical treatment. Differentiation or one's ability to balance connection and independence, is at the center of explaining extradyadic behavior. Therefore, the theoretical concept of differentiation is pertinent to understanding extradyadic relationships from a family-of -origin standpoint. Previous research in the field of infidelity indicates the persons who engage in infidelity may be more likely to triangulate other people into their relationship problems, thereby being less differentiated. The results of this study indicate a difference in differentiation level between monogamous and non-monogamous groups when controlling for duration in relationship and age of respondent. Thus the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between one's level of differentiation and the likelihood of one engaging in infidelity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]