The theory of family systems by Bowen has extensive explanations on the development of issues to do with psychology from a procedural and multigenerational view. Bowen came up with this theory after long research relating to a family as an emotional unit. Bowen suggested that emotional problems among humans happen along a continuous way of functioning. Bowen thought to be true that families differed on a continuum from a fusion emotionally to how different they are. Family growth is speculated to happen when members of a family are different, worries are less, and the parents have good relations with other parents of their origin. Emotional attachment amongst spouses has similarity to attachments in families of the same origin. Family development refers to the process of enlargement, contraction, and realignment that sustains the coming in and leaving and the growth of family members (Palombi, 2016). The main parts of this theory are;(a)self-differentiation(b)emotional process of the nuclear family(c)the transmission process involving several generations(d)process of family projection(e)interlocking triangles(f)the cutoff emotionally(g)position of the sibling. The named concepts relate to both the family psychological system and individual psychological system.
Bowenian theory carefully describes and extensively views the human behavior and challenges of the approaches in the theories in a family system. The primary assumption of the Bowenian theory is that the society, individuals, and family are based on the theory of natural systems that derive from natural sciences and is set upon principles of repetition and self-organization. Bowenian model emphasizes the thoughts of every family member and the more significant connection of family relations that design lives of members of the family. Bowen did show that there is a desire for coming together and of separation. Differentiation is possible when an individual can maintain his uniqueness and still be in the family unit. There are essential constructs in the Bowen family theory. First, we have self-differentiation which refers to the force that leads individuals to feel, think and act on their own, propelling every human to be a separate person. Different individuals have realistic dependence to other individuals. Such an individual is seen as one with courage in a family setting. Respect for peoples opinion and modification of their own opinions is also portrayed by such people.
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Secondly, we have the emotional process of the nuclear family. When a nuclear family setting is very emotionally fused, there is a possibility of having instability in the system, therefore, making the members look for Ways to reduce the anxiety and get back to stability. Members may result in drugs and symptom development (Haefner, 2014). The bigger the fusion of the nuclear family, the higher the probability of instability and anxiety, and the urge for getting resolution through means such as distancing, the low functioning of a partner and fighting. Undifferentiated persons may have challenges managing stress and anxiety. Thirdly we have the process of multigenerational transmission which is described as transmission of the dynamics of the family through projection. It’s a representation of the severity of intensity and the nature of emotional reactions passed across various generations. Values, behavior, attitudes, and beliefs can be passed from parents to children over a long time. Specific behavior, therefore, can be amongst a family across multiple generations.
Fourthly, we have the process of family projection. Commonly, it happens when an individual attributes his unacceptable feeling and ideas to another individual. Mainly parental projections are the primary source of transmission of the anxiety. Differentiation levels vary through generations based on differentiation levels of partners during marriage. When the capability of parents gets through stress or intense emotions, fusion may occur emotionally, therefore, projecting anxiety to children. Children are attached emotionally to their parents, therefore, becoming parental objection objects thus differentiation level is lower. Therefore, due to low differentiation level of parents the higher the reliability on process of projection for stabilization of the system, increasing the possibility of emotionally impaired children. The fifth one is on the transmission of the intergenerational process. It's inclusive the feeling, emotions, and values transmitted from generation to generation. Based on dynamics for example sibling position, triangulation and emotional cutoff the outcome can differ across individual members.
Bowenian theory gives a unique approach to working with families and individuals in need. Remarkably it’s useful in assessment and counseling. A counselor acts as a coach in such a case. Bowenian theory has goals in a counseling approach. Emphasis is put into comprehending the past relationship and triangulation (Palombi, 2016). Moreover, there is need to increase self-differentiation to keep in touch with the family members and teaching and clarifying the relations amongst family members. Most importantly, the client should be taught on taking the meta position. The counseling techniques used include first, gaining insight through genogram. Bowen approach indicates that dysfunction is due to emotional system of family over various generations. Family mapping of structures and patterns could be very helpful. Genogram indicates a vital tool for assessment of families. A genogram is a representation of family structure, composition, relationships and member characteristics visually. It indicates challenges on paper are making it easy for a person to notice pattern in the history of the family.
Secondly, we have the calm questioning; it’s where the counselor lowers anxiety by slowing people down and helping members of the family to think. It’s mainly used when the conflict is high (Haefner, 2014). Thirdly there is focusing on one specific role in family problems that are critical. While counseling, the coach may join the emotional system of family, therefore, emphasis must be put on differentiation of therapist.
In conclusion, it is important for the counselor to maintain a non-anxious presence. The counselor should help the members of the family to maintain a one to one relationship. The therapist should ensure clear well-connected relationship amongst the members of the family by reinforcing that every member of the family speaks for themselves. Direct communication amongst the members is therefore pursued.
References
Palombi, M. (2016). Separations: A Personal Account of Bowen Family Systems Theory. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy , 37 (3), 327-339. doi:10.1002/anzf.1170
Haefner, J. (2014). An Application of Bowen Family Systems Theory: Issues in Mental Health Nursing , 35 (11), 835-841.
doi:10.3109/01612840.2014.921257
