Family And Community Assessment : Family Systems Theory Essay

The systems Perspective sees human behavior as the outcome of interactions within and among systems with interrelated and interdependent parts; as defined by its boundaries. Changing one part of the system affects other parts and the whole system, with predictable patterns of behavior (Hutchinson, 2015). The family system has been a widely used theory of family interventions and assessment. The family systems theory is focused on the family dynamic, involving structures, roles, communication patterns, boundaries, and power relation (Rothbaum, 2004). Many theorist such as Bowen, developed the systems theory that focuses on how a

This research paper evaluates the Bowen Family Systems Theory and its impact on the practices of Marriage and Family Counseling. Dr. Murray Bowen is credited with being one of the founders of family systems theory. This paper will discuss the eight concepts which Bowen deemed causes anxiety within the family system. Also, the goals and practices which have been utilized by professionals within the psychology field relation to the Bowen Family Systems Theory. Analysis provides that anxiety is passed along through the family system by the triangle concept and when families are dysfunctional there are several outcomes based upon the concepts developed by Dr. Bowen. The therapeutic structure which is developed by Bowen allows clients to help themselves and lower levels of anxiety over time.

Rooted in systems theory, Murray Bowen’s Bowen family systems therapy acknowledges the family as a multigenerational emotional system (Nichols, 2013). This model perceives the family as an interconnected network of emotional reactivity that shapes family dynamics and interaction patterns. Bowen proposed eight interlocking concepts to elucidate familial patterns: differentiation of self, triangles, nuclear family emotional system, family projection process, multigenerational transmission process, emotional cutoff, sibling position, and societal emotional process (Nichols, 2013). It also views families through an individual and collective lens, assessing how members’ emotionally driven

The Bowen Theory is often seen as an effective starting point for a discussion on family systems therapy because it offers one of the original conceptual acknowledgements of the inherency of family in individual development. The Bowen Center (2009) catalogues the ideas of Murray Bowen, who was one of the first psychology scholars to effectively

The role of intergenerational patterns is often used when referring to negative behaviors that are profoundly repeated throughout different generation (Birkenmaier, Berg-Weger & Dewees, 2014). Papero (2009) on the other hand, specifically linked the term intergenerational to relationship patterns that are being transmitted from one generation to another. To bring to light the immersion of intergenerational patterns, a brief understanding of Bowen’s Family Systems Theory is imperative. Bowen’s theory comprises of eight concepts and a major variable known as anxiety (Papero, 2014). All seven concepts address the family system while the eighth focus mainly on the social function of the society (Papero, 2014). In fact, one of the eighth concepts in Bowen theory is multigenerational transmission process playing an important role with intergenerational patterns. While conducting a systematic analysis of three generations within Lani family system, specific behaviors that were demonstrated were dysfunctional boundaries, marital outcomes, anxiety and transmission of parenting style.

In social work, families are vital for understanding clients as they interact with one another and realize how the dynamics of the family are affecting one another. The explanation of these behaviors can set the stage for what the social worker will be addressing and helping with. In using the systems perspective, you can see how all areas of life effect one another. Families then, in regards especially to my own, get integrated in a variety of ways.

The core foundation of Bowen’s theory asserts that individual family members develop the capacity to think independently, act with flexibility and reason when faced with everyday issues (Nichols, 2003). In contrast, undifferentiated family members tend to become more emotional, become more reactive to problems and are less likely to recognize their autonomy within the family structure (Nichols, 2003).

To develop a family foundation that fosters resiliency and bonding between members we have set up several options for the family as a whole and for each individual. The family systems theory emphasizes the importance of each individual being affected by others in the system. This is why we have not only found programs that would benefit the family as a whole, but programs tailored to each member of the family. Our programs focus on developing a sense of self, building communication practices, creating a safe environment, and having the family members take time to learn about one another.

Mary Bowen developed the Family Systems Theory, which is based on the premise that inter-and intra-relational patterns are transmitted from one generation to the next (Martin, 2014). Bowen believes that the goal of achieving positive well-being is to find the balance between achieving personal autonomy and individuation while maintaining appropriate closeness with one’s family system (Martin, 2014, p. 69). An active and effective family system in a child’s life is an essential foundation for healthy development throughout the life span. Nevertheless, when children do not have access to a healthy family support or no support system at all that can have an extremely adverse effect on the child development that will transmit throughout his/her lifespan. For that reason, it is imperative to contemplate the positive impact of a family system during development and also the negative effects of not having a family system during development.

The influential theory emphasizes the family as an emotional unit or network of interlocking relationships best understood from a historical or trans-generational perspective (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2013). Bowen wanted to improve the intergenerational transmission process. Bowen suggested that that there was a significance in past family relationships on an individual and that it was important to focus on the family unit. Bowen believed that the members of the family responded in similar and repetitive ways (Kim et al., 2014. Murray Bowen believed that the underlying issue of all human behavior came from the flow of family life and that there was a simultaneous push and pull between family members for both distance and togetherness (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2013). Bowen believed that all humans struggled to balance family togetherness and individual autonomy. Bowen “considered family therapy a by-product of the vast theory of human behavior that he believed it was his real mission to develop” (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2013). Murray Bowen focused on patterns that develop in families and recognized that until emotional issues were resolved, the patterns would

What is a healthy family system and what is its relationship to a healthy development? Primarily, a healthy family system is the viewpoint, connection, and the productive relationship between groups of individuals that make up a specific family group. The (2015) basis of the family system to develop in a healthy manner is that all parts of an individual family are functioning as one and all parts of the family are linked and interrelated; they do not stand-alone. In order to understand the family system one must look inside the family structure to see how it is made up and how it interacts within itself and outside influences. The family system is distinctive and each family member’s development is original. The (2015) Family System concept views the entire family and its structure as one entity that is constantly learning, changing and evolving. This essay discusses the viewpoint, connections and relationship development dynamics that make up a family system. (Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. 2015).

One of the main premises of the Family Systems theory is the idea that to better understand the client’s issues is through assessing their interaction patterns among family members. That is, the behavior of one family member is influenced and interconnected with others in the family. Therefore, change in the client’s interpersonal issues is most effective when considering the family structure and the relationships between and among family members (Corey, 2010).

Family system theory is perspective which is prominent among professional working with families. It has grown out from the general system theory. According to this theory in a family all its members will be affected whatever happens in the family. These members will be the part of that family as a system and function as a system. Bowen family system theory which was developed by Murray Bowen was a pioneer of family psychotherapy who started to involve with schizophrenic patients and their mothers. Observation of relationship patterns of these families led to the emergence of family theory which later led to the development of family system theory. Bowen viewed family as system

Two fundamental concepts according to the Bowen Model in the video, Family Therapy: Universal and Unique Approaches to Solving Problems (Microtraining Associates, 2012) suggest a strong emphasis on the family of origin relationships and the use of a genogram as homework. When families connect through the matrimonial stage, commitment is the new couple’s major undertaking. Moreover, two whole systems of the relationship are changed. However, complications at the marital stage might appear to be mostly amongst the spouses, that often reflect a failure to separate from families of origin that put too much pressure on a couple (Nichols, 2012, p. 81). In viewpoint, there is a triangular relationship between Brian,

According to the family systems theory “individuals cannot be understood in isolation from one another, but rather as part of their