ABSTRACT
The degree of emotional separation between a developing child and his family influences the child’s ability to differentiate a self from the family. … In a poorly differentiated family … the high intensity of emotionality and togetherness pressure does not permit the child to grow, to think, feel, and act for himself. … When the child leaves home, he replicates some version of the family relationship patterns with others. … Having achieved little emotional separation from his family, he achieves little in other relationships.
