SPOUSAL SIMILARITIES IN SELF-DIFFERENTIATION AND CORPORAL SELF

The research aim is to verify the similarity that selected spouses demonstrate regarding their levels of self-differentiation and the strengths of their physical selves. Murray Bowen’s Family Systems Theory and Sakson-Obada’s model of corporal self constitute the theoretical basis for the examination. It is assumed that the level of spousal self-differentiation can be correlated; however, the spouses differ in this variable’s certain dimensions. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that partners are similar in the physical self’s strength with the exception of the attitude toward their own bodies. Research was conducted on 56 young couples married for five years or less. The hypotheses were confirmed to a large extent. The discussion focused on an analysis of dissimilar mechanisms used by wives and husbands in dealing with their marital tensions. In this context, possibly preventing marital dissatisfaction via supporting spouses in developing self-differentiation and deepening an awareness of their corporeity is also discussed.