“…Of the various constructs that compose Bowen Theory, differentiation of self is the most critical to mature development and psychological health. Higher levels of differentiation of self have been linked with better psychological adjustment in adulthood (e.g., Bray, Harvey & Williamson, 1987;Greene, Hamilton & Rolling, 1986;Jenkins, Buboltz, Schwartz & Johnson, 2005), greater capacity for emotional self-regulation, self regulation of attention and behavior, adult attachment security (e.g., Skowron & Dendy, 2004;Skowron, Holmes & Sabatelli, 2003;Thorberg & Lyvers, 2006;Wei, Vogel, Ku & Zakalik, 2005), and fewer psychological symptoms and relationship difficulties (e.g., Bartle-Haring, 1997;Bartle-Haring & Gregory 2003;Peleg, 2002;Schwartz, Thigpen & Montgomery, 2006;Skowron, 2000;Skowron & Friedlander, 1998;Skowron, Stanley & Shapiro, 2009). Studies have also shown that higher levels of differentiation of self are linked to greater marital satisfaction among heterosexual and same-sex couples (e.g., Kosek, 1998;Montes-Berges, 2009;Parsons, Nalbone, Killmer &Wetchler, 2007;Peleg, 2008;Skowron, 2000;Spencer & Brown, 2007), and adults who report greater differentiation of self are at lower risk for engaging in child abuse and other forms of family violence (Skowron, Kozlowski, & Pincus, 2010;Skowron & Platt, 2005).…”