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Differentiation of Self and Psychological Reactance

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Abstract

This study examined the relationship between differentiation of self and psychological reactance. A total of 279 college students completed the Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire, the Therapeutic Reactance Scale, the Questionnaire for the Measurement of Psychological Reactance, and demographic questions. Results showed that three measures of differentiation (i.e., intergenerational individuation, peer intimacy, and peer individuation) significantly predicted psychological reactance. Implications of these results for therapists are provided.

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Johnson, P., Buboltz, W.C. Differentiation of Self and Psychological Reactance. Contemporary Family Therapy 22, 91–102 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007774600764

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