Bowen Family Systems Theory's central construct, differentiation of self (DoS), is one of the most recognized constructs to systemic researchers and psychology professionals. The present study reviewed the available evidence on DoS from the inception of the construct until July 31, 2020. A scoping review was conducted and a total of 295 primary studies were eligible for inclusion. Literature was categorized according to the hypotheses postulated by Bowen regarding: the associations between DoS and psychological and health outcomes and how DoS stability and similarity in partner levels operate within family systems. Descriptive data regarding studies on the measurement of DoS and in the area of psychotherapy were also compiled. Results revealed that there is ample support for DoS as a predictor of psychological health and marital quality, and that there are positive associations between DoS and better physical health and intergenerational relationships. Results of this review show that there continue to be underexplored hypotheses and a paucity of longitudinal or causal research designs to test the stability of DoS, the intergenerational transmission of DoS, and the efficacy of clinical interventions in modifying DoS to promote optimal well-being. Recommendations and next steps for researchers and practitioners are outlined.

Bowen Family Systems Theory 的核心结构，即自我分化 (DoS)，是系统研究人员和心理学专业人士最认可的结构之一。本研究审查了从构建开始到 2020 年 7 月 31 日的 DoS 可用证据。进行了范围审查，共有 295 项主要研究符合纳入条件。文献根据 Bowen 提出的假设进行分类：DoS 与心理和健康结果之间的关联，以及 DoS 稳定性和伴侣级别的相似性如何在家庭系统中运作。还汇编了有关 DoS 测量和心理治疗领域研究的描述性数据。结果显示，有充分的支持将 DoS 作为心理健康和婚姻质量的预测指标，并且 DoS 与更好的身体健康和代际关系之间存在积极的联系。本综述的结果表明，仍然存在未充分探索的假设，并且缺乏纵向或因果研究设计来测试 DoS 的稳定性、DoS 的代际传播以及临床干预在修改 DoS 以促进最佳健康方面的功效。概述了针对研究人员和从业人员的建议和下一步措施。以及临床干预在修改 DoS 以促进最佳健康方面的功效。概述了针对研究人员和从业人员的建议和下一步措施。以及临床干预在修改 DoS 以促进最佳健康方面的功效。概述了针对研究人员和从业人员的建议和下一步措施。