Masters Theses

Date of Award

3-1984

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Child and Family Studies

Major Professor

Priscilla White

Committee Members

John Ray, Gary Peterson

Abstract

The concepts of separateness and connectedness traditionally have been addressed by theorists and clinicians primarily in terms of dysfunction of the individual. Empirical literature concerning these issues is scarce although some attempts have been made recently to extend the investigation of these concepts to include a focus on health in individuals and families. Of primary consideration for this study were perceptions about the processes of meeting individuals' needs for separateness and connectedness within the family.

In-depth interviews with women in their thirties with preschool children were conducted. Questions were asked of these women about 1) their needs for separateness and connectedness as well as their families' tolerance for meeting these needs; 2) ways in which their families functioned in decision making, expression of opinions, and coping in response to stress, and 3) their own definitions of these concepts. Brief questions were included about support beyond their families and the rewards and satisfactions experienced in their adult lives as well as those anticipated for the coming decade.

The importance of meeting needs for both separateness and connectedness was expressed strongly by these women. The most frequently mentioned element in their definitions of both of these concepts was the dimension of time: time for self (separateness) and sharing time with others (connectedness). Balancing the demands of the work and family systems without being dominated by either was recognized as crucial for the preservation of their sense of identity as well as their sense of family togetherness.

Primary conclusions of this study included the fact that neither separateness nor connectedness alone was sufficient for the well-being of these women, especially in terms of their family relationships. In addition, the idea that identity precedes intimacy was called into question by these results. Implications included the need for a theoretical link between, a research focus on, and a clinical and educational sensitivity to the interrelatedness of separateness and connectedness issues for individuals as well as for families.

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