Značaj diferencijacije selfa u psihološkoj i interpersonalnoj dobrobiti mladih kroz teoriju i praksu porodične sistemske terapije
The significance of self-differentiation in the psychological and interpersonal well-being of young people through the theory and practice of family systems therapy

Author(s): Elma Avdić
Subject(s): Psychology, Sociology, Social psychology and group interaction, Health and medicine and law, Family and social welfare
Published by: Fakultet političkih nauka - Univerzitet u Sarajevu
Keywords: Self-differentiation; psychological and interpersonal well-being of young people; family systems theory; systemic family therapy;
Summary/Abstract: During the developmental transition, young individuals face challenges related to taking responsibility for themselves, leaving their family of origin, developing intimate relationships with peers, differentiating the self, and establishing a degree of independence. Self-differentiation is a developmental process that begins in early childhood and progresses through adolescence, and it can be a crucial variable influencing how young people shape their behavior, which directly affects their quality of life. Greater self-differentiation leads to higher interpersonal competence, emotional maturity, and lower psychological stress, enabling better modulation of emotional arousal experienced during challenging interpersonal situations. It involves the ability to balance two factors: emotional and intellectual influences on cognitive functioning, as well as intimacy and autonomy in relationships. Bowen’s theory emphasizes the importance of understanding emotional dynamics within the nuclear family, how these patterns are transmitted across generations, and highlights the role of differentiation in managing emotional fusion and the various mechanisms families use to cope with internal stress and anxiety. By recognizing these patterns, individuals and therapists can contribute to reducing their negative impact on family members, especially children and young people. Bowen’s family systems theory is a valuable form of therapy for families, couples, and individuals. Helping individual members and systems increase their basic self-differentiation is one of the important goals of family systems therapy. Through this work, we aim to highlight the possible effects of counseling and therapeutic treatment in family systems therapy on increasing the level of self-differentiation.

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