The Two Faces of I-Position: A Network Analysis of Self-Differentiation and Marital Satisfaction in South Korea

This study uses network analysis to examine how self-differentiation sub-factors relate to marital satisfaction among 400 married adults in South Korea, a society undergoing rapid cultural transition. A network model was estimated to map the relationships between differentiation components (e.g., Emotional Reactivity, I-Position, Fusion) and marital satisfaction items. The analysis identified Emotional Reactivity and Emotional Fusion as the most central drivers of marital dissatisfaction. In contrast, a rigid "I-Position" (self-assertion) was negatively associated with marital satisfaction, suggesting its role is complex within a cultural context that prioritizes relational harmony. This may reflect "reactive individualism" against traditional suppression. The findings highlight a dynamic interplay between emotional regulation and culturally shaped self-expression, demonstrating network analysis's utility for developing targeted, culturally sensitive clinical interventions that promote a balanced sense of self.