ABSTRACT DYSFUNCTIONAL INDIVIDUATION POST EMERGING ADULTHOOD Susan M Gardner Dr. Shimrit Keddem

Dysfunctional individuation describes the maladaptive outcomes for identity, autonomy and relatedness following the separation-individuation processes, which is an iterative developmental process that is initiated by biographical transitions. Identity, autonomy and relatedness are the three domains of individuation. These domains are interrelated and work together to support psychological wellbeing. Minimal research has explored the presentation of dysfunctional individuation for adults after emerging adulthood. This study used qualitative and quantitative methods including descriptive-interpretive analysis to develop knowledge into how adults (N=148) in a US population over the age of 30 describe their identity, autonomy and relatedness, and how these descriptions vary by severity of dysfunctional individuation. Identity, autonomy and relatedness were described through statements related to the participants’ meaning making, outcomes of prior processes, traits and skills. As level of dysfunctional individuation increased, participants tended to offer more negative descriptions of domains, increased statements about domain non-achievement and reported higher numbers of references to maladaptive inter-relatedness amongst the domains. This study validates the continued impact of dysfunctional individuation throughout the life cycle. Clinical understanding of how the domains interact supports focused efforts to select or develop interventions that build on current functional domains, renegotiate maladaptive inter-relatedness of domains, and/or repair dysfunctional domains. Future research should continue to develop insight into the presentation and treatment of dysfunctional individuation across the life cycle. Keywords: Dysfunctional individuation, separation-individuation, identity, autonomy, relatedness, meaning making