Differentiation of Self, Couple Adjustment and Family Life Cycle: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This study explores differentiation of self (DoS) and its association with couple adjustment across the family life cycle, in a sample of Spanish individuals (n = 506). Individuals in stage VII (nearing the end of life) revealed significantly lower levels of DoS than those in other stages, except for V (moving on at midlife). Individuals in stages V and VII also revealed lower couple adjustment than individuals in stage II (couple formation). DoS was positively associated with couple adjustment across all stages, particularly V-VII. Longitudinal studies will confirm the trend for decrease in DoS and couple adjustment. Implications for therapy are discussed.

Keywords:

• Differentiation of self
• couple adjustment
• family life cycle

Notes

1 The use of roman numerals to identify stages was intended to facilitate correspondence with previous studies.