Dyadic Splitting in Partner Relational Disorders

The defense mechanism of splitting appears to underlie many interpersonal problems that are presently classified within the category of relational disorders of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( American Psychiatric Association, 1994 ) and, accordingly, bridges individual an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of family psychology 2006-09, Vol.20 (3), p.418-422
Main Author: Siegel, Judith P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Couples
Couples Therapy
Defense Mechanisms
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
Domestic violence
Dyadic relationships
Dyads
Female
Human
Humans
Interpersonal problems
Interpersonal Relations
Interpersonal Relationships
Intimate Partner Violence
Male
Mental Disorders
Mental Disorders - psychology
Narcissism
Personal relationships
Psychological splitting
Psychology
Spouse Abuse - psychology
Spouse Abuse - statistics & numerical data
Spouses - psychology
Spouses - statistics & numerical data
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Summary:The defense mechanism of splitting appears to underlie many interpersonal problems that are presently classified within the category of relational disorders of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( American Psychiatric Association, 1994 ) and, accordingly, bridges individual and family psychology. It is suggested here that certain relationships are marked by specific patterns and characteristics that can best be regarded as dyadic splitting. This article presents an overview of splitting in individuals and couples and reviews empirical studies establishing norms and validity of dyadic splitting, as measured by the Dyadic Splitting Scale. Research with samples of men who batter, battered women who return to their abusers, and couples clinically assessed as being narcissistically vulnerable demonstrates the presence of dyadic splitting in these populations. The notion of a defense mechanism influencing relationship dynamics strengthens the appreciation of mutuality between individual and relationship disorders and holds promise for treatment.
ISSN:0893-3200
1939-1293
DOI:10.1037/0893-3200.20.3.418