6..1 The Differentiated Self By Murray Bowen Flashcards
- American Psychiatrist and professor in psychiatry at Georgetown University.
- Pioneered work on family therapy and was a noted founder of systematic therapy.
Murray Bowen
Developed family systems theory and the concept of the “differentiation of self” based on a systems understanding maturity (denotes a person’s ability to think as an individual while staying meaningfully connected to others.)
Murray Bowen
Refers to the degree to which one can balance:
1) emotional and intellectual functioning and;
2) Intimacy and autonomy in relationship (or the need to be attached with the need to separate self)
“Differentiation of Self”
The two levels of the “differentiated self”
Intrapsychic Level and Interpersonal Level
refers to the ability to distinguish thoughts from feelings and to choose between being guided by one’s intellect or one’s emotions.
Intrapsychic Level of differentiation
_______ Level: __________ allows one to experience strong affect or shift to calm, logical reasoning when circumstances dictate.
Intrapsychic; Greater differentiation
______ Level: _________ persons tend to be more emotionally reactive, finding it difficult to remain calm in response to the emotionality of others. With intellect and emotions fused, they tend to make decisions on the basis of what “feels right”; in short, they are trapped in an emotional world.
Intrapsychic Level; Poorly differentiated
_______ Level: _________ refers to the ability to experience intimacy with and independence from others
Interpersonal; differentiations
More differentiated persons are capable of taking an “_________” in relationships
I Position
maintaining a clearly defined sense of self and thoughtfully adhering to personal convictions when pressured by others to do otherwise.
I Position
Interpersonal Level: Differentiations allows for flexible boundaries that permits _________ and ______________ with another without a fear of merger.
emotional intimacy and physical union
Interpersonal Level: When overwhelmed by emotionality in their family relationships, poorly differentiated individuals tend to engage in _______ or __________.
infusion, emotional cutoff
If HIGHLY FUSED; what does this refer to?
Undifferentiated People
IF ________: the individual functions automatically and respond emotionally to life situations.
HIGHLY FUSED
IF _________: let the emotional system take control of all their actions.
HIGHLY FUSED