When the separation-individuation process goes awry

Problematic separation-individuation has been conceptualized almost unilaterally as separation anxiety or as intolerance of being alone (i.e., dysfunctional dependence). However, as separation-individuation involves a dynamic interaction between independence and relatedness, it was argued in this study that disturbances in the separation-individuation process could manifest in at least two ways; that is, as dysfunctional dependence and as dysfunctional independence. In a sample of 232 emerging adults, we examined correlates and outcomes of the two types of dysfunctional separation-individuation. We found that both types were related in similar ways to depressive symptoms and a general measure of pathological separation-individuation. Yet they were associated differentially and in theoretically expected ways with: (a) dimensions of attachment (i.e., anxiety and avoidance); and (b) dimensions of personality that confer vulnerability to depression (i.e., dependency and self-criticism). In addition, person-centered results showed evidence for four groups of individuals with distinct profiles of separation-individuation (i.e., healthy, dysfunctional dependent, dysfunctional independent, and combined). Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.