Crossing Boundaries: Connecting Identity Theory and Bowen’s Family Systems Theory to Explore the Self
摘要
In this paper, we explore connections between identity verification (a concept developed with the sociologically oriented identity theory) and differentiation of self (a concept developed within the psychologically oriented Bowen’s family systems theory). We administered a survey to 1045 study participants to examine relationships among identity verification, differentiation of self, and anxiety. Our results indicate that (1) individuals are more likely to verify identities when they have a higher degree of differentiation of self and (2) individuals experience less anxiety when they simultaneously have a higher degree of differentiation of self and can verify their identities. We discuss how our findings contribute to a cross-disciplinary dialogue aimed at furthering our understanding of how social forces impact internal, psychological processes.