Choose one of the following theoretical concepts. Define the concept, then describe an original research program (one or more studies) that you believe would confirm or disconfirm the validity of the concept for understanding families or family therapy. (For example: "If x is correct, then one should expect x to predict y in the following situations and x to be independent of y in the following situations.") Include: rationale for the study, operational definitions/measurement of variables, description of the sample. hypotheses, and limitations.
a. differentiation of self
b. therapeutic double bind
c. enmeshment/disengagement
d. triangles
e. homeostatis
f. functionalism
g. pseudomutuality
h. multigenerational transmission of psychopathology

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Differentiation of Self

The concept of differentiation of self in family therapy refers to the ability of individuals to balance emotional and intellectual functioning, to maintain a sense of self while in emotional contact with others, and to manage anxiety within relationships.

Original Research Program:
Study 1: Rationale: To confirm or disconfirm the validity of the concept of differentiation of self in understanding families or family therapy, a longitudinal study could be conducted to examine how levels of differentiation of self in parents predict the emotional and behavioral functioning of their children over time.
Operational Definitions/Measurement of Variables: Differentiation of self can be measured using the Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI), and children's emotional and behavioral functioning can be measured using standardized assessment tools such as the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).
Description of the Sample: The sample would consist of 100 families with at least one parent and one child between the ages of 6-12. Families would be recruited from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and family structures.
Hypotheses: Higher levels of differentiation of self in parents will predict better emotional and behavioral functioning in their children over a 5-year period.
Limitations: The study may be limited by potential confounding variables such as family dynamics, external stressors, and genetic factors.

Study 2: Rationale: To further confirm the validity of differentiation of self in family therapy, a qualitative study could be conducted to explore how individuals with high levels of differentiation of self navigate conflicts within their family systems compared to individuals with low levels of differentiation of self.
Operational Definitions/Measurement of Variables: Differentiation of self can be measured using the Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI), and conflict navigation can be assessed through in-depth interviews and observations of family interactions.
Description of the Sample: The sample would consist of 20 families with diverse backgrounds and family structures, with a focus on recruiting individuals with varying levels of differentiation of self.
Hypotheses: Individuals with higher levels of differentiation of self will demonstrate more adaptive and effective ways of navigating conflicts within their family systems compared to individuals with lower levels of differentiation of self.
Limitations: The study may be limited by potential biases in self-report measures and the subjective nature of qualitative data analysis.

Choose One of the Following Theoretical Concepts