The Healthy Self: Variations on a Theme

Family Interaction and Individual Psychological Health

“…In agreement with Lawler (1990) and others (e.g., Gilligan, 1982), we propose that assessment of healthy functioning must address both intra-and interpersonal dimensions, which include a person's (a) approach(es) to coping with stress and solving problems and (b) sensitivity to and empathy for the complex interpersonal field in which one's coping and problem-solving behavior occurs. Although no current model specifically focuses on the complementary relationship between these two domains, each has been addressed in relative isolation.…”

“…Progress in this area, however, has been limited by the lack of a clearly defined, research-based concept of psychological health. Recently, Lawler (1990) noted that many descriptions of healthy functioning focus on the separation-individuation process and, thus, emphasize intrapersonally focused characteristics such as autonomy and control as indicators of health. As she pointed out, this incomplete model minimizes explicit recognition of the interpersonal context in which individual development occurs.…”

Gender and Wellness: A Multidimensional Systems Model for Counseling

“…In this article we have attempted to incorporate theories of holistic health (Eberst, 1984;Hettler, 1984;Lucas, 1985), multidimensional assessment and treatment (Lazarus, 1981;Schwartz, 1982), systems properties (Bertalanffy, 1968;Caple, 1985), and gender differences (Markides, 1990;Rodin & Ickovics, 1990;Travis, 1988aTravis, , 1988bVerbrugge, 1989;Wingard, 1984) into a multidimensional systems model for wellness. In addition to the multidimensional, systems aspects of the model, moderating variables such as gender differences must also be addressed by the counselor in assessment and treatment of individual clients (Good, Gilbert, & Scher, 1990;Hotelling & Forrest, 1985;Lawler, 1990).…”

“…Consideration of gender differences in development and in help-seeking attitudes and behaviors will aid the counselor in setting appropriate treatment goals. Men and women may have similar overall assessments, but an understanding of the differences in development is necessary to determine the most effective interventions (see Cayleff, 1986;Lawler, 1990). To know that men are more apt to deny problems and to resist seeking help should alert the counselor to the possibility of understated needs of male clients.…”

Multicultural Gender Issues

“…It is tempting to look at these gender differences in terms of who is doing it right and who is doing it wrong. If we can resist the temptation to make such judgments and, instead, simply perceive the differences in development as leading to different strengths and weaknesses, then we are in a position to see the two styles as parts of a "counterpoint," to use Lawler's (1990) provocative term. Men tend to be proficient at functioning alone but may lack intimacy skills; women, who often have high intimacy skills, may have trouble functioning alone or in conflict.…”