Is Blood Really Thicker than Water? Extrafamilial Social Supports as a Moderator in the Relationship between Family Distancing and Differentiation of Self

This study examined how family distancing was associated with differentiation of self, and how that relationship was moderated by sources of social support outside the family of origin. Research in family systems suggests that poorly differentiated individuals have unresolved emotional tensions with their family of origin, resulting in a diminished ability to balance emotional intimacy with personal autonomy. However, alternative research exploring family distancing has suggested that limiting or fully ending communication with one’s family of origin can sometimes be necessary and healthy for individuals, with research also suggesting that individuals may create their own sense of family in the face of distanced or estranged family relationships. Therefore, this study explored the extent to which individuals may rely on social relationships beyond the family of origin to maintain high levels of self-differentiation in the face of distanced relationships. A convenience sample of 122 individuals above the age of 18 was recruited for participation. Analysis of survey data revealed 1) that more family distancing predicted poorer DoS, and 2) that the relationship between family distancing and DoS was moderated by social supports depending on educational status; social supports buffered the negative relationship between family distancing and DoS for college/university students ( n  = 89), but exacerbated this negative relationship for participants not attending college/university ( n  = 33). Theoretical and methodological implications of the findings are discussed.