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Individuation: From Fusion to Dialogue
Author(s) -
KARPEL MARK
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
family process
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.011
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1545-5300
pISSN - 0014-7370
DOI - 10.1111/j.1545-5300.1976.00065.x
Subject(s) - individuation , conceptualization , context (archaeology) , perspective (graphical) , psychology , variety (cybernetics) , process (computing) , rotation formalisms in three dimensions , cognitive science , epistemology , cognitive psychology , psychotherapist , computer science , artificial intelligence , philosophy , mathematics , paleontology , geometry , biology , operating system
Growing interest in concepts of fusion and individuation within a number of different theoretical systems of psychotherapy suggests an emerging shift in perspective in the conceptualization of psychopathology and psychotherapy. This shift may represent a first step in the integration of individual and relational dynamic theories. A theoretical framework for the exploration of processes of fusion and individuation is presented, with suggested applications for the study of problems experienced by adult couples. The process of individuation from fusion to dialogue is outlined in the description of four modes of relationship. In this context, the paper suggests ways in which a variety of problematic relational patterns seen in couples may be viewed as reflecting the partners' struggles to move from fusion to dialogue.