A Comparative Study of Psychological Differentiation among Cardiac Patients of Nuclear and Joint Families
Keywords:
Psychological differentiation, cardiac patients, nuclear family, joint family, family structure, GEFT.Abstract
The present study was conducted to examine psychological differentiation among cardiac patients belonging to nuclear and joint families. Psychological differentiation is an important aspect of cognitive and psychological functioning that reflects an individual’s ability to maintain independent judgment, organize perceptions, and rely on internal frames of reference while responding to environmental demands. Since family structure influences patterns of autonomy, interdependence, decision-making, and socialization, it may contribute to differences in psychological differentiation among individuals experiencing chronic illness. The study adopted a descriptive comparative research design with a quantitative approach. The population consisted of medically diagnosed cardiac patients receiving treatment in selected hospitals and cardiac care centres. A total sample of 200 cardiac patients was selected, comprising 100 patients from nuclear families and 100 from joint families. Psychological differentiation was assessed using Witkin’s Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT), while a Personal Information Schedule was used to collect relevant demographic information. Mean and standard deviation were employed for descriptive analysis, and an independent-samples t-test was used to compare the two groups. The findings revealed a significant difference in psychological differentiation between cardiac patients belonging to nuclear and joint families. Patients from nuclear families demonstrated comparatively higher psychological differentiation than those from joint families. The findings suggest that differences in family environment, autonomy, interpersonal dependence, and decision-making patterns may be associated with psychological functioning among cardiac patients. The study concludes that family structure should be considered an important psychosocial factor in understanding the psychological adjustment of cardiac patients and in planning appropriate counselling and rehabilitation interventions..
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