Differentiation of Self and Its Relationship With Family Functioning in South Koreans

Abstract

This study examined relationships between differentiation of self and family functioning within the South Korean culture. The participants in this study were 235 Koreans residing in South Korea and ranged in age from 20 to 70 years. An analysis of variance revealed that older South Koreans had higher differentiation levels than younger South Koreans. Results of a multivariate analysis of covariance revealed there were significant differences between the high differentiation group and the low differentiation group across family functioning, family satisfaction, and family communication. The authors briefly discuss implications for clinical practice and future research.