The Relationship Between Differentiation of Self, Self-Compassion, Moral Injury and Anxiety Among Military Veterans
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to add to the research surrounding veterans and anxiety disorders. Previous literature has primarily focused on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the negative consequences for veterans. The following study investigates the relationship between differentiation of self, self-compassion, moral injury, and anxiety in veterans within the context of combat exposure and multiple deployments. The current study approached the topic from a holistic framework andutilized the basic tenets of Bowen’s Family Systems Theory, which purports that differentiation of self and anxiety is diffused through families in a multigenerational process. The sample consisted of participants who were at least 18 years of age and identified as a veteran (N = 80). The survey included questions regarding differentiation of self, self-compassion, exposure to morally injurious events, anxiety symptoms as well as demographic questions. Data were analyzed using a multiple regression model. Findings indicated that level of differentiation of self was significantly associated with anxiety. The regression model was found to be significant. These results indicated that when the participant perceived themselves as having low differentiation of self their level of anxiety was negatively affected.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Edwards, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Behavioral psychology
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