Relational Ethics and Differentiation of Self: An Empirical Study of the Key Constructs of Contextual Theory and Bowen Family Systems Theory

Contextual therapy, concerned with equity of responsibility and relational balances, seeks to reintroduce the truth of personal uniqueness and genuine dialogue in meaningful relationships by establishing a bridge between individual therapy and family therapy. Bowen family systems theory, on the other hand, is an approach that considers differentiation as a concept involving the degree to which a person becomes individuated from the parents. This process emerges from relational-family experiences, in accordance with the regulation of the emotions experienced and the balance achieved between the forces of autonomy and togetherness. We analyzed the connection between relational ethics and differentiation of self, as well as comparing these variables in a non-clinical sample (N = 1230) and a clinical one (N = 241) to whom we administered the Spanish Relational Ethics Scale and the Differentiation of Self Inventory. The empirical results suggest that relational ethics and differentiation of self are highly interconnected and linked to health and to the achievement of mature individuation, contributing to our empirical knowledge of the two constructs. Our findings suggest that these two frameworks and their respective constructs may be viewed as mutually supportive, offering a potential opportunity to thoughtfully integrate them into clinical practice where appropriate.