Explore The Relationship Between Birth Order and Level of Differentiation of Self

Abstract

Family systems theory plays a primary role in the clinical development of family therapy. This study was conducted to explore the relationship between the variables, level of differentiation of self, and birth order. The researcher wanted to understand and explore the applicability of family systems theory in collectivistic cultures like India. Data from 136 participants from India, aged 18-29 was collected. DSI(R), a self-reporting questionnaire was filled up by the participants along with their demographic details and birth order. The results inferred that there was no significant relationship between the studied variables, indicating there are other confounding variables to be considered. The limitations of restricted time, unequal representation of gender, and birth order concluded that this study cannot be generalized to the overall population. However, this is one of the first studies conducted in India with the variable of differentiation of self, which can be considered for future research with multiple other variables.