Relationship among differentiation of self, relationship satisfaction, partner support, and depression in patients with chronic lung disease and their partners

Postpartum depression and partner support during the period of lactation: Correlation research and its influencing factors

BACKGROUND

Postpartum depression (PPD) not only affects the psychological and physiological aspects of maternal health but can also affect neonatal growth and development. Partners who are in close contact with parturient women play a key role in communication and emotional support. This study explores the PPD support relationship with partners and its influencing factors, which is believed to establish psychological well-being and improve maternal partner support.

AIM

To explore the correlation between PPD and partner support during breastfeeding and its influencing factors.

METHODS

Convenience sampling was used to select lactating women (200 women) who underwent postpartum examinations at the Huzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from July 2022 to December 2022. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on the basic information (general information questionnaire), depression level [edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS)], and partner support score [dyadic coping inventory (DCI)] of the selected subjects. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between PPD and DCI in lactating women. Factors affecting PPD levels during lactation were analyzed using multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The total average score of EPDS in 200 lactating women was (9.52 ± 1.53), and the total average score of DCI was (115.78 ± 14.90). Dividing the EPDS, the dimension scores were: emotional loss (1.91 ± 0.52), anxiety (3.84 ± 1.05), and depression (3.76 ± 0.96). Each dimension of the DCI was subdivided into: Pressure communication (26.79±6.71), mutual support (39.76 ± 9.63), negative support (24.97 ± 6.68), agent support (6.87 ± 1.92), and joint support (17.39 ± 4.19). Pearson's correlation analysis demonstrated that the total mean score and individual dimension scores of EPDS during breastfeeding were inversely correlated with the total score of partner support, stress communication, mutual support, and co-support (P < 0.05). The total mean score of the EPDS and its dimensions were positively correlated with negative support (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the main factors affecting PPD during breastfeeding were marital harmony, newborn health, stress communication, mutual support, negative support, co-support, and the total score of partner support (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PPD during breastfeeding was associated with marital harmony, newborn health, stress communication, mutual support, negative support, joint support, and the total DCI score.

A new way to measure partner burden in depression: Construction, validation, and sensitivity to change of the partner burden in depression questionnaire

Depression occurs in an interpersonal dynamic and living with a depressed person can lead to a significant burden on the partner. Instruments measuring burden do not address couples and often measure caregiving for individuals with schizophrenic disorders. The partner burden in depression (PBD) questionnaire is a new instrument measuring PBD by asking individuals, (1) which symptoms they can observe in their depressed partners and (2) to which degree this burdens them. Hence, PBD combines measuring the awareness of observed depressive symptoms and the resulting burden. Additionally, it addresses aspects unique to couple relationships. Our German validation confirmed a one-factor model with 12 items. The PBD had good psychometric properties and was sensitive to change. Partner burden predicted self-reported depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) over time. PBD is short, easily applicable in research and practice and can add to the understanding of partner effects in depression.

Differentiation of self and its relationship with marital satisfaction and parenting styles in a Spanish sample of adolescents' parents

The present study aims to test some of the assumptions of Bowen's Family Systems Theory, specifically, to assess the relationships between differentiation of self (DoS), marital satisfaction and parenting styles, as well as the gender differences in these variables in a Spanish sample. The sample includes 140 Spanish non-single adults, over 30 years old, who have at least one adolescent son or daughter, aged between 12 and 19 years old. The instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Differentiation of Self Scale, the Warmth Scale-Parents, the Rules and Demands Scale-Parents and the Satisfaction subscale of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. The results show DoS is related to marital satisfaction, and parenting styles' dimensions. Regarding gender, women show higher emotional reactivity and warmth-communication than men do. Furthermore, marital satisfaction mediates the relationship between DoS and parental warmth-communication, criticism-rejection and inductive form. Finally, implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

Examining Differentiation of Self within Career Construction Model of Adaptation

The present study examined the role of differentiation of self (DoS) in the career construction model of adaptation (CCMA) using a total sample of 243 married adults. Specifically, career construction theory (CCT) was extended by integrating Bowen family systems theory (BFST) and incorporating DoS as an adaptivity construct into the model. The data displayed a good fit to the model, and all hypothesized associations were supported. The direct paths from DoS to career adaptability, job, life, and marital satisfaction were positive and significant, as were the paths from career adaptability to job, life, and marital satisfaction. Furthermore, the mediation effect of career adaptability between DoS and job, life, and marital satisfaction were also significant. Based on these results, the implications and future research directions were discussed.

Differentiation of self: A scoping review of Bowen Family Systems Theory's core construct

Bowen Family Systems Theory's central construct, differentiation of self (DoS), is one of the most recognized constructs to systemic researchers and psychology professionals. The present study reviewed the available evidence on DoS from the inception of the construct until July 31, 2020. A scoping review was conducted and a total of 295 primary studies were eligible for inclusion. Literature was categorized according to the hypotheses postulated by Bowen regarding: the associations between DoS and psychological and health outcomes and how DoS stability and similarity in partner levels operate within family systems. Descriptive data regarding studies on the measurement of DoS and in the area of psychotherapy were also compiled. Results revealed that there is ample support for DoS as a predictor of psychological health and marital quality, and that there are positive associations between DoS and better physical health and intergenerational relationships. Results of this review show that there continue to be underexplored hypotheses and a paucity of longitudinal or causal research designs to test the stability of DoS, the intergenerational transmission of DoS, and the efficacy of clinical interventions in modifying DoS to promote optimal well-being. Recommendations and next steps for researchers and practitioners are outlined.

Stressful Life Events and Physical and Psychological Health: Mediating Effects of Differentiation of Self in a Spanish Sample

The pathways between differentiation of self and health remain only partly elucidated. This cross-cultural study sought to test Bowen's hypothesis about the associations between differentiation, stressful life events, and physical and psychological health, in a sample of 466 Spanish adults. Results show that people with higher levels of differentiation were less prone to physical ailments (e.g., heart disease, cancer, or blood disorders) and psychological symptoms (e.g., depression or anxiety). Further, differentiation mediated the association between stress (i.e., perceived negativity of stress in the past year and number of stressful events across the lifetime) and physical and psychological health. The current research provides cross-cultural empirical evidence for the links between differentiation and mind and body health in a Mediterranean culture.

Die deutsche Version des Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI-G)

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Die Differenzierung des Selbst ist ein zentrales Konstrukt der Familiensystemtheorie, das häufig mit dem Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI) untersucht wird. Das DSI besteht aus den vier Unterskalen „Emotional Reactivity“ (ER), „Emotional Cutoff“ (EC), „I-Position“ (IP) und „Fusion with Others“ (FO). Bislang liegt keine deutschsprachige Version dieses Fragebogens vor. Fragestellung: Entwicklung und Evaluation einer deutschen Version des DSI (DSI-G). Methode: Eine autorisierte Übersetzung wurde N = 259 gesunden Erwachsenen vorgelegt. Da die Faktorenanalyse ergab, dass FO sich in der deutschen Version nicht abbildete und eine relativ geringe Reliabilität aufwies, wurde in einer zweiten Stichprobe ( N = 63) eine Neukonstruktion dieser Unterskala vorgenommen. Das DSI mit der neuen FO-Unterskala wurde mit einer dritten Stichprobe ( N = 215) evaluiert. Ergebnisse: Die neukonstruierte FO-Unterskala bildet sich zusammen mit den anderen drei Unterskalen in einer vierfaktoriellen Lösung ab. Das DSI-G korreliert in plausibler Weise mit Depression, Ängstlichkeit, Bindungsstil und Beziehungsqualität. Alle vier Unterskalen sind hinreichend reliabel. Schlussfolgerungen: Das DSI-G ist in Forschung und Praxis einsetzbar und könnte sich vor allem in der Therapie-Evaluation als nützlich erweisen.

A Content Analysis of Quantitative Research in Journal of Marital and Family Therapy: A 10-Year Review

We examined the trends of quantitative research over the past 10 years in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (JMFT). Specifically, within the JMFT, we investigated the types and trends of research design and statistical analysis within the quantitative research that was published in JMFT from 2005 to 2014. We found that while the amount of peer-reviewed articles have increased over time, the percentage of quantitative research has remained constant. We discussed the types and trends of statistical analysis and the implications for clinical work and training programs in the field of marriage and family therapy.

The Relationship Between Marital Satisfaction and Compatibility With Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Marriage is a legal pact between a man and a woman for participating in a social life together which can play an important role in dealing with difficulties.

OBJECTIVES

This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between marital satisfaction and compatibility with diabetes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study method was descriptive-correctional. The study sample included 160 diabetic patients (103 females and 57 males) who were randomly selected. The instruments used were Enrich marital satisfaction questionnaire and the questionnaire of compatibility with diabetes. In addition, the data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and analysis of variance by SPSS.

RESULTS

The result of the study revealed a significant correlation (P = 0.006) between marital satisfaction and compatibility with diabetes in women with type 2 diabetes (r = 0.26). However, this correlation was not significant in men with diabetes. Also, a significant relationship existed between the dimensions of compatibility with diabetes and marital satisfaction in both men and women with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Marital satisfaction affects compatibility with diabetes in women. Therefore, it might be possible to increase compatibility with diabetes in them by offering specialized interventions as family and couples therapies and giving consultations.

Psychometric properties of the Differentiation of Self Inventory-Revised in Turkish adults

The purpose of the current study was to examine the validity and reliability of (Journal of Marital and Family Therapy 2003, 29, 209) Differentiation of Self Inventory-Revised (DSI-R; Skowron & Schmit, 2003) in Turkish adults. The DSI-R was translated, independently back-translated, and revised. Two independent samples of adults over the age of 25 were used. The original 46-item DSI-R was not supported by the data derived from Sample 1 (n = 221). However, a revised 20-item, four-factor model fit the data well. This 20-item model was subsequently cross-validated with a second sample of Turkish adults (n = 187). Scale scores showed adequate internal consistency, 5-week test-retest reliability, and satisfactory convergent and criterion-related validity. It was concluded that Turkish DSI-R (DSI-T) is a valid and reliable measure to assess an individual's differentiation level. In light of the findings, implications for the use of the DSI-T and ideas for future research are discussed.

Validation of the Chinese version of Differentiation of Self Inventory (C-DSI)

Although the need to develop objective assessment tools in different cultures is well-recognized, there is a severe lack of objective measures about emotional functioning in the Chinese context. This project conducted three studies to validate the Chinese version of the Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI). Study 1 looked at the factor structure, internal consistency, concurrent validity, and construct validity of the C-DSI. Study 2 examined the test-retest reliability of the C-DSI. Study 3 tested the discriminant validity of the C-DSI in a clinical sample and in a nonclinical sample and examined its correlations with the General Contentment Scale (GCS). The study results suggested that the C-DSI possesses good psychometric properties. Findings also indicated implications of divergent cultures and hinted at treatment implications--taking the familistic orientation and the Chinese meaning of self into consideration to understand the differentiation of self in the Chinese culture context.

The Comparison of Self-differentiation and Self-concept in Divorced and Non-divorced Women Who Experience Domestic Violence

Background

A number of researches indicate that domestic violence (DV) causes abuse and vulnerability of women and children. Two components that can decrease violence and divorce are self-concept and self-differentiation.

Objectives

In this research, we compare self-differentiation and self-concept in divorced and non-divorced women that experience domestic violence.

Materials and Methods

To achieve the goal of the research, 80 divorced women with domestic violence were chosen through available sampling and equalized with 80 non divorced women with domestic violence in aspect of age and education. They respond to instrument of self-differentiation (Skowron) and self-concept (Rodgers). Data was analyzed between the two groups using independent t-test. The significant level was (P < 0.01).

Results

The findings indicated divorced women have more self-differentiation and self-concept than non-divorced women. In addition, there is a significant difference with respect to self-differentiation and self-concept in divorced and non-divorced women with domestic violence.

Conclusions

These results emphasize that self-differentiation and self-concept can be considered in premarital education (therapeutic interventions) to protective conditions against the occurrence of DV.