Differentiation In The Berkman Family

Differentiation is the ability to maintain autonomous thoughts and feeling separate from others within a group. In the Berkman family, Joan is trying to achieve autonomy. She is pursuing her interest in writing which happens to be common interest of Bernie. She asks Bernie, who is a published writer, to review her work. Bernie offers input to how her story should end. When Joan does not re-write the stories ending based on Bernie’s suggestion, he becomes upset with her and tires to manipulate her to change the ending. Additionally, throughout the movie, Frank is establishing autonomy. He is open about his desire to become a professional tennis player. When Bernie tries to persuade him to focus more on a scholarly path interests, similar to