DIFFERENTIATION OF SELF OR THE I POSITION: Notes for a 1970 Videotape Lecture Series on Family Systems Theory Produced at the Medical College of Virginia.

  • Published In: Family Systems: A Journal of Natural Systems Thinking in Psychiatry & the Sciences, 2025, v. 19, n. 2. P. 149 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Bowen, Murray 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on Murray Bowen's family systems theory, particularly the concept of "differentiation of self" and the "I position," as discussed in a 1970 videotape lecture series. Bowen explains the importance of emotional autonomy within family dynamics, contrasting differentiation with mere emotional distancing. He emphasizes that true differentiation allows individuals to maintain connections with family while reducing dependency on the family emotional system, which he describes as the "undifferentiated family ego mass." The article also outlines the predictable reactions families exhibit when one member attempts to differentiate, highlighting the role of the therapist as a coach who helps facilitate this process without becoming emotionally entangled. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Family Systems: A Journal of Natural Systems Thinking in Psychiatry & the Sciences. 2025/03, Vol. 19, Issue 2, p149
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:1070-0609
  • Accession Number:185803100
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Family Systems: A Journal of Natural Systems Thinking in Psychiatry & the Sciences is the property of Georgetown Family Center, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.