The Effectiveness of Training in Developing Iranian-Culture-Based Self-Differentiation on Dyadic Perfectionism and Differentiation in Women

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of training in developing Iranian-culture-based self-differentiation on dyadic perfectionism and differentiation in women. The research method was semi-experimental and was based on pre-test, post-test, and follow-up test with control group. The statistical population consisted of all women who referred to community houses of Tehran's District 1. The women were summoned by advertisements that were posted in the community houses of Tehran's District 1. Among them, 20 women who gained the higher than average score in Self-Differentiation Scale (SDS), and lower than average score in Dyadic Perfectionism Questionnaire (DPQ) were selected by available sampling, and according to entrance-exit criteria  were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (10 members in each group). The data were collected using SDS and DPQ. The experimental group participated in eight 90-minute self-differentiating training sessions. The experimental and control groups were evaluated in three stages: pre-test, post-test and follow up using the mentioned tools. The results were analyzed using Mixed Analysis of Variance. The results showed that teaching self-differentiation on Iranian culture basis has increased differentiation and its components. This training has also reduced the discrepancy (perfectionism subscale) but has not had any significant effect on the other perfectionism subscale, the high standards. In general, it can be concluded that teaching self-differentiation on Iranian culture basis, as an effective way to increase differentiation and reduce perfectionism, should be considered by consultants and family therapists.