Ying Xue1,2, Zi-Yan Xu3, Charles Zaroff4, Peilian Chi4, Hongfei Du4, Gabor S Ungvari5,6, Helen F K Chiu5,7, Yun-Ping Yang1,2,8,2, Yu-Tao Xiang5,9. 1. Attending Psychiatrist at Mood Disorders Center, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, and China Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China. 2. Center of Depression, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. 3. Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Psychiatry II, University of Ulm and BKH Günzburg, Ulm, Germany. 4. Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China. 5. Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China. 6. Professor at School of Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, and a Professor at University of Notre Dame Australia/Marian Centre, Perth, WA, Australia. 7. Professor at Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. 8. Professor at Mood Disorders Center, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, and China Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China. 9. Associate Professor at the Unit of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To examine the levels and associations of differentiation of self based on Bowen's theory and adult attachment in a sample with anxiety-related disorders. DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred fourteen adults with anxiety-related disorders and 117 age- and gender-matched controls were recruited. Levels of differentiation of self, adult attachment, and trait and state anxiety were assessed. FINDINGS: Adults with anxiety-related disorders showed significantly lower global levels of differentiation of self after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics. Adults with anxiety-related disorders also displayed significantly higher levels of anxiety and avoidant attachment. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These constructs may be appropriate targets for intervention research in the study of anxiety-related disorders.
PURPOSE: To examine the levels and associations of differentiation of self based on Bowen's theory and adult attachment in a sample with anxiety-related disorders. DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred fourteen adults with anxiety-related disorders and 117 age- and gender-matched controls were recruited. Levels of differentiation of self, adult attachment, and trait and state anxiety were assessed. FINDINGS: Adults with anxiety-related disorders showed significantly lower global levels of differentiation of self after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics. Adults with anxiety-related disorders also displayed significantly higher levels of anxiety and avoidant attachment. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These constructs may be appropriate targets for intervention research in the study of anxiety-related disorders.