Differentiation of self: an examination of the concept

Differentiation of self is a concept that has been used interchangeably with the similar concepts of individuation and psychological differentiation. The construction of a sound empirical knowledge base for differentiation of self has been hindered by the lack of conceptual-operational fit found in many studies. Using a modification of the concept analysis approach proposed by Walker and Avant (1988), a detailed description of differentiation of self is presented, delineating it from similar concepts. Differentiation of self is defined as the ability to distinguish between thoughts and feelings in an emotional relationship system. As the cornerstone concept in the Bowen theory (1985b), knowledge about differentiation of self has important clinical implications for nurses and other health professionals who strive to improve the assessment and intervention process in their work with individuals and families.