The role of self-construal in the associations between differentiation of self and subjective well-being in emerging adults

Although emerging adulthood is an important period for the development of differentiation of self (DoS), the central concept within Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST), most of the previous research is concentrated on populations over the age of 25 and only few research on DoS has been conducted in emerging adults. Moreover, self-construal is another important construct which explains existing differences in the power of relationships between cultures. More research is needed to better understand the potential relations between DoS and subjective well-being, along with self-construal as an underlying mechanism between DoS and subjective well-being. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of self-construal between DoS and subjective well-being in emerging adults. The study was conducted among 370 participants, between the ages of 18 and 25, who were in emerging adulthood. Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire package consisting of measurements of differentiation of self, self-construal and satisfaction with life. Structural equation model (SEM) analyses showed a positive association between DoS and subjective well-being. Moreover, the independent self-construal and harmony-seeking interdependent self-construal mediated the relation between DoS and subjective well-being, while rejection avoidance was not a significant mediator between DoS and subjective well-being. Accordingly, some suggestions have been made for further studies and practice.