Bowen Systems Theory Paper

A conscious level can be teaching other family member whereas an unconscious level is emotional behaviors or reactions (Bowen Theory, 2014). Parents actively shape their children while children respond to their parent attitudes, moods and actions. The consequence of parents shaping their children is parents cause their children to have the same level of differentiation as the parents. The children may then seek out mates with the same level of differentiation as mentioned in nuclear family emotional process. The levels of differentiation becomes more distinct over multigenerational as the differentiation is repeated through generations (Bowen Theory, 2014). The different levels of differentiation can affect the whole life functions of a multigenerational family from marital stability, longevity, health, reproduction, educational success or failure, and occupational success (Bowen Theory, 2014). The transmission occurring through multigenerational not only affect an individual’s sense of self but how the interact with other people.

The goal of Bowen’ theory is to review developmental patterns within the familial system and the stress centered around the anxiety caused by closeness or the lack thereof (Penny, 1999). Bowen’s theory works to facilitate a decline in stress and anxiety by enabling the clients with education as to how the emotional system works and focusing on how to modify self perceptional behaviors instead of working to change others within the system (Penny, 1999).

Nuclear family emotional system is a concept describing four primary relationship patterns of emotional functioning, which are matrimonial conflict, dysfunction in a spouse, impairment in children, and emotional detachment (Haefner, 2014). Family reactions to such are imitations of previous generations, as well as predictors of how future generations will react. The family projective process is when children inherit the strengths and weaknesses of their parents, such as emotional issues (Haefner, 2014). Multigenerational transmission is the progression of family ideals and traditions to multiple generations, which are either supportive or detrimental (Haefner, 2014).

Although families may not always feel this connectedness, it is always there. The emotional climate of the family is interdependent of what is going on in the family as a whole. If one unit of the family is distant emotionally, it can have a great affect on the whole family. These attitudes are reciprocated throughout the entire family. It is important that most family members are able to stay healthy emotionally and have that ability to communicate their feelings to one another. Problems arise when individuals don’t fulfill their roles that are needed from all family members. Michael Kerr, explained this idea in an article he wrote to explain the family system theory. He explained that “heightened tension can intensify these processes that promote that promote unity and teamwork, and this can lead to problems” (Kerr,

The theory itself allows us to understand the dynamics of family and how the changes of relationships are influenced by life experiences. Such theory can aid families in understanding what they may endure during the specific life stages

The family system theory is a theory developed by Doctor Murray Bowen. It is a theory of human behavior that holds the view that a family is an emotional unit. The family system theory also uses system thinking to explain the complex interactions that exist in the family unit. According to Bowen, people have a tendency to feel disconnected from their families now and then. However, the feeling is just a feeling and not a fact. Bowne also acknowledges that family members have the potential to affect and influence each other to the extent that they appear to have the same emotional dispensation. Family members seek attention, approval, and support from each other thus the existence of a form of interdependence. Bowen, while developing the family system theory, looked at how families develop patterns so as to diffuse anxiety. According to Bowen, too much closeness or too much distance can trigger feelings of anxiety in the family (Titelman, 2014). External stressors and sensitivities can affect the family’s ability to think and respond to relationship dilemmas.

Bowen family systems theory and therapy techniques are one in the same with regards to conceptualization. Theory and therapy operate on a continuum and not as a dichotomy. According to Bowen family system theory, patterns are repeated throughout past generations and continue in the present, which is termed multigenerational transmission process. It is important to examine and correct patterns otherwise they are continuously repeated in future generation. Early life experiences with bonding and attachment are relevant to the memories and patterns of interaction between family members and are influential to current levels of functioning.

With respect to human behavior, Bowen family systems theory observes the family as an emotional unit as well as using organized thinking in order to define the multifaceted connections within the family unit. Similarly acknowledged as transgenerational family therapy as well, Bowen family therapy is simultaneously geared toward the present, despite its accent on family history. With that being said, “Bowen clearly recognizes the physiological and psychological aspects of family relationships, as well as the need for balance” (Van Ecke, Chope & Emmelkamp,

Dr. Murray Bowen, a psychiatrist, offered us the family systems theory. This theory views the family as an emotional unit, further providing a thinking systems approach to describe the complex interactions in the unit. Bowen offered, “A change in one person’s functioning is predictably followed by a reciprocal change in the functioning of others” (Kerr, 2000). If one person within the family unit is having a difficult time, it effects everyone within the family unit. An example of this would be a father who is the primary breadwinner for his family suddenly loosing his job. Prior

Bowen family systems theory is based on the view that the family is an emotional unit. The theory uses systems thinking to describe the interactions and relationships within the family. Given families are deeply

The identity and emotional development of the members of a dysfunctional family are often inhibited

The Bowen family systems theory can utilize to understand the Gillison’s family dynamics. According to the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family (2016) the Bowen family system theory views family as an emotional unit that utilizes systems thinking to comprehend the complexity of the interactions within the unit. The theory describes families as having a major influence on their member’s thoughts, feelings and actions, which leads them to feel as if they are composed of the same “emotional skin”. The members of families, according to this theory, are driven by each other’s attention, approval, and support. The members therefore, react to each other’s expectations and wants and needs. The family is therefore interdependent. One change in one member’s function leads to a change in the functioning of the others. This is evidence in the case of the Gillison family.

In today’s modern society, there is no more “normal” families. Normal can no longer be defined because what we use to see as a typical family of a mom, dad, and kids is not the kind of family that most kids are being raised in. Today we have a variety of functioning families such as two same sex parents, and minority families. According to our textbook, how a particular family functions will depend on several variables. Starting with the culture in which the family originated from, the subgroup of that culture, the individual characteristics of family members, how the family adapts to stress, and how the family functions within their culture.

In system theory, behaviors and family members responses influence the family pattern and life. Meanings and values are vital components of the

According to Ana 's case the best approach between the Bowen Family Systems, Structural, & or Strategic Model Theory would best have an advantage for Ana is the Structural theory. The Structural theory main focus is to engage in psychotherapy to help individuals feel differently be able to change their thinking and behavior. This treatment can best benefit Ana both for herself and her family through therapy. The process through Structural theory can lead therapy approaches to understand hers and other human behavior, and to treat emotional and psychological difficulties in her life.