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Bowen Theory: Differentiation Of Self

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Differentiation of self The second concept that I want to talk about is Differentiation of self. This concept is viewed as being the cornerstone of Bowen Theory. It describes how people can cope with life’s demands and find ways to deal with life on a continuum from most adaptive to least. I believe this is essential because Christians should at least attempt to be aware of what symbolizes some very important Christian ideas: “God living in us, we are God’s children and he loves us and the idea of One Body). According to Bowen, “Differentiation of self describes the level at which an individual is able to integrate the opposing and basic drives between thinking and feeling, and separateness and togetherness”. (M. Bowen, Family therapy in clinical …show more content…

I am not referring necessary to having success in life, (money, riches), but referring to a person ability to deal with life’s problems and challenges and still be satisfied under considerable stress and anxiety. People with higher level of differentiation can manage to remain calm, and be always themselves in times of trouble, and ultimately deal with problems in a healthy manner. On the other hand, individuals with lower levels of differentiation need help in order to function or deal with conflicts and they are significantly changed and negatively impacted by stress, anxiety and troubles. In my attempt to integrate faith into this model, I wonder if there is any correlation between faith and a higher level of differentiation. Taking into account the Christian belief and its teachings, a person could decide to become confident and remain calm in times of stress and anxiety, trusting that God will help them. In a way, is it possible for couples who create the triangle (husband-wife-God) to have also a higher level of differentiation or is it the actually a lower one? …show more content…

I believe people struggle with this tension of individual autonomy and societal heteronomy, the fight for balancing ones need for individualization and the need for participation. We could look into depth at this and try to observe the correlation between individualization and one’s relationship with the Church/Community and God, but the time does not allow us. Christians try finding their identity in Christ and considering themselves brothers and sisters with the rest people from the congregation. The Bible speaks about God as being a father to all the humanity and that we were created to belong to him and worship him. “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him”. (Colossians 1:16,

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