Frontiers in the Study of Individual Variation: Impact of Relationships April 22-23, 2006, Washington, DC

In recent years the question of individual variation in species has begun to be addressed more systematically. It has taken some time to establish average ways that species behave. That knowledge has to be in place before individual variation comes into view. As individual variation is increasingly studied, the impact of relationships on functioning becomes a focus. All members of a system influence each other. Relationships shape other relationships, especially through triangles.

Bowen theory’s concept of differentiation of self (DOS), is uniquely positioned to contribute to the discussion of how individuals, even from the same parents, turn out differently. DOS describes variation in lifelong functioning and accounts for it through differences in the individual’s degree of emotional separation from their original caretakers. The less emotionally separate, the more the individual is vulnerable to the influence of the group on their functioning. Bowen network participants bring an interest in connecting the variation they see within and between families to the natural sciences.

The time is ripe for another dialogue between Bowen theorists and researchers and natural scientists interested in understanding individual variation. At each of these conferences the presenters have pushed their research and thinking further, making this interdisciplinary conversation fresh and scintillating. There will be ample time for dialogue, questions, and comments. If the past is prologue, it will be a very stimulating two days.

Speakers include: Sue Carter, Lynn Fairbanks, Alison Fleming, Mark Flinn, Jeffrey French, Michael Lumpkin, Mary Beth Saffo, Barbara Smuts and Stephen Suomi. Discussants include Devra Kleiman and Barbara King.

For further information on this conference go to the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family website at http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/springconference.html or contact Marjorie Hottel, Bowen Center, (800) 432-6882 or (202) 965-4400, mhottel@thebowencenter.org.

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