Family Systems TheoryFamily Systems Theory

IntroductionIntroduction

SymbolsSymbols

InterlocksInterlocks

Dr Murray Bowen1913-1990

IntroductionIntroduction

Working on Freud TheoryWorking on Freud Theory

Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas from Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas from 1946-19541946-1954

Georgetown University in 1959Georgetown University in 1959

Symbols of Family TreeSymbols of Family Tree

A man/boyA man/boy

A woman/girlA woman/girl

FusionFusion

Dead PersonDead Person

Cutoff /DivorceCutoff /Divorce

8 Interlocks of Bowen Theory8 Interlocks of Bowen Theory1.1. Differentiation of SelfDifferentiation of Self

2.2. TriangleTriangle

3.3. Nuclear Family Emotional ProcessNuclear Family Emotional Process

4.4. Family Projection ProcessFamily Projection Process

5.5. Multigenerational Transmission ProcessMultigenerational Transmission Process

6.6. Sibling PositionSibling Position

7.7. Emotional CutoffEmotional Cutoff

8.8. Emotional Process in SocietyEmotional Process in Society

1. Differentiation of Self1. Differentiation of Self

The ability to separate feeling and thinking.The ability to separate feeling and thinking.

2. Triangle:2. Triangle:• A triangle is a three-person relationship A triangle is a three-person relationship

system.system.• A two-person system is unstable A two-person system is unstable

because it tolerates little tension before because it tolerates little tension before involving a third person.involving a third person.

Looking for a girl

They get married

Looking for a boy

Find each other In same level of differentiation

Unstable Marriage

She gets pregnant

System gets anxious

3. Nuclear Family Emotional Process:3. Nuclear Family Emotional Process:

The concept of the nuclear family emotional system The concept of the nuclear family emotional system describes four basic relationship patterns that govern describes four basic relationship patterns that govern where problems develop in a family.where problems develop in a family.

1.1. Marital conflictMarital conflict

2.2. Dysfunction in one spouseDysfunction in one spouse

3.3. Impairment of one or more childrenImpairment of one or more children

4.4. Emotional distanceEmotional distance

4. Family Projection Process:4. Family Projection Process:

The family projection process describes the The family projection process describes the primary way parents transmit their emotional primary way parents transmit their emotional problems to a child.problems to a child.

1.1. the parent focuses on a child out of fear that something the parent focuses on a child out of fear that something is wrong with the child;is wrong with the child;

2.2. the parent interprets the child's behavior as confirming the parent interprets the child's behavior as confirming the fear; andthe fear; and

3.3. the parent treats the child as if something is really the parent treats the child as if something is really wrong with the childwrong with the child

5. Multigenerational Transmission Process:5. Multigenerational Transmission Process:

Describes how small differences in the Describes how small differences in the levels of differentiation between parents levels of differentiation between parents and their offspring lead over many and their offspring lead over many generations to marked differences in generations to marked differences in differentiation among the members of a differentiation among the members of a multigenerational family.multigenerational family.

6. Sibling Position:6. Sibling Position:

people who grow up in the same sibling people who grow up in the same sibling position predictably have important position predictably have important common characteristics.common characteristics.

7. Emotional Cutoff: 7. Emotional Cutoff:

people managing their unresolved people managing their unresolved emotional issues with parents, siblings, emotional issues with parents, siblings, and other family members by reducing or and other family members by reducing or totally cutting off emotional contact with totally cutting off emotional contact with them.them.

8. Emotional Process in Society8. Emotional Process in Society

Describes how the emotional system Describes how the emotional system governs behavior on a societal level, governs behavior on a societal level, promoting both progressive and promoting both progressive and regressive periods in a society.regressive periods in a society.

References:References:

Bowen, M. Kerr, M. (1978). Family Therapy Bowen, M. Kerr, M. (1978). Family Therapy in Clinical Practice. Jason Aronson, Inc.in Clinical Practice. Jason Aronson, Inc.

www.biofeedbackandcounselling.comwww.biofeedbackandcounselling.com

Ali Hooman 29Ali Hooman 29thth Oct., 2010 Oct., 2010

WWW.alihooman.9f.comWWW.alihooman.9f.com

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