Comprehensive exams for Mental Health Q 127
According to the family systems theory, which of the following best describes the process of differentiation?
A. Cooperative action among members of the family.
B. Development of autonomy within the family.
C. Incongruent messages wherein the recipient is a victim.
D. Maintenance of system continuity or equilibrium.
Correct Answer: B. Development of autonomy within the family
Differentiation is the process of becoming an individual developing autonomy while staying in contact with the family system. “The ability to be in emotional contact with others yet still autonomous in one’s own emotional functioning is the essence of the concept of differentiation.” (Kerr & Bowen. 1988) “Differentiation is a product of a way of thinking that translates into a way of being….Such changes are reflected in the ability to be in emotional contact with a difficult, emotionally charged problem and not feel compelled to preach about what others “should” do, not rush in to “fix” the problem and not pretend to be detached by emotionally insulating oneself.” (Kerr & Bowen 1988).
Option A: Cooperative action among family members does not refer to differentiation, although individuals who have a high level of differentiation would be able to accomplish cooperative action. Bowen’s concept of ‘differentiation of self’ forms the basis of a systems understanding of maturity. The concept of differentiation can be confusing but, put simply, it refers to the ability to think as an individual while staying meaningfully connected to others. It describes the varying capacity each person has to balance their emotions and their intellect, and to balance their need to be attached with their need to be a separate self. Bowen proposed that the best way to grow a more solid self was in the relationships that make up our original families; running away from difficult family members would only add to the challenges in managing relationship upsets.
Option C: Incongruent messages in which the recipient is a victim describe double-bind communication. In communication, sometimes people say things that are contradictory to their non-verbal communication cues. When a person’s words don’t match what he or she is feeling or thinking, the communication is said to be incongruent.
Option D: Maintenance of system continuity or equilibrium is homeostasis. It’s not an easy theory to grasp, as it focuses on the big-picture patterns of a system rather than the narrower view of what causes difficulties for one individual. These ideas invite us to see the world through the lens of each family member rather than just from our own subjective experience; they don’t allow room for simply seeing victims and villains in our relationship networks. Seeing the system takes people beyond blame to seeing the relationship forces that set people on their different paths. This way of seeing our life challenges avoids fault-finding and provides a unique path to maturing throughout our adult lives.