The purpose of the study was to explore the significance of the concept, differentiation of self (DOS), for understanding marital satisfaction. Also, the predictive validity of the Family Systems Personality Profile was explored. The sample was nonclinical in nature and was composed of 101 married couples from east central Indiana.Subjects responded to three questionnaires: Family Systems Personality Profile (FSPP), a psychometric instrument for measuring differentiation of self; the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), a psychometric instrument for measuring marital adjustment; and a demographic information sheet.A multiple regression analysis using marital adjustment as the criterion variable was conducted. The predictor variables were: Education level, income, age, years married, age at marriage, number of children, previous marriage, cohabitation, and FSPP total score. The .01 alpha level was necessary for statistical significance.Findings1. Contrary to the Bowen theory, there was not a significant relationship between spouses' levels of differentiation of self.2. Consistent with the Bowen theory, there was a statistically significant relationship between levels of DOS and marital satisfaction for males and females.3. As a predictor of marital quality, the FSPP contributed approximately 17% of the variability in DAS scores over and above that variance contributed by all of the demographic variables, for males and females.ConclusionsIn this nonclinical population of highly educated, middle class married couples, the FSPP was a useful predictor of marital quality. The mate selection hypothesis of the Bowen theory was not supported by this data. Thus, this study did not rule out the possibility that the FSPP could be measuring another psychological construct in addition to differentiation of self.

Thesis (M.S.)--Auburn University, 2007. / Abstract. Vita. Includes survey instruments. Includes bibliographic references (ℓ. 55-62)

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-79).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--School of Education. University of Missouri--Kansas City, 2007. / "A dissertation in counseling psychology." Advisor: Johanna E. Nilsson. Typescript. Vita. Title from "catalog record" of the print edition Description based on contents viewed Jan. 24, 2008. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 101-113 ). Online version of the print edition.

Thesis PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Columbia University, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis(M.S.)--Auburn University, 2005. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references (p.49-55).

Thesis(M.S.)--Auburn University, 2006. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references (p.45-50).

Thesis(M.S.)--Auburn University, 2008. / Abstract. Includes bibliographic references (p.38-43).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-83).