The most important characteristic of the emotional triangle is that they can be formed between three people, two people, and a conflicting subject, or even between one person and two conflicting subjects. As a result, emotional triangles are everywhere (Titelman, 2012; Titelman, 2014). The second characteristic is that though emotional triangles start with three entities, their impacts and consequences radiate out. McGoldrick demonstrates this in the video using an emotional triangle between a father and his two sons (McGoldrick, n.d.). When the father is angry with one son, the son might think it's because his brother is the preferred one and might decide to cut off his father. However, cutting off the father also impacts his relationship with his grandmother, his sister-in-law, and nephews and nieces. Furthermore, the son's wife and children are more likely to grow up not knowing their father's side of the family.
It is, therefore, important to observe and address emotional triangles because first, they influence how people interact (Haefner, 2014). For instance, if a child repeatedly asks for ice cream, but the parent says no every time and calls them annoying, the label might affect the child. It might be that the child was recently called annoying, and their parent confirmed it. Therefore, without knowing it, the parent entered into an emotional triangle, and it affected their interaction with their child.
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Secondly, understanding and addressing emotional triangles help to remain objective with interactions. For instance, another person's opinion might hit closer to home, but understanding that it is due to an emotional triangle, objectivity can be maintained. If it is not possible to remain objective, then recognizing emotional triangles can lead to asking clarifying questions, which leads to addressing the problems. In other words, emotional triangles are found everywhere, and their impact is greater than what lies on the surface.
References
Haefner, J. (2014). An application of Bowen family systems theory. Issues in Mental Health Nursing , 35 (11), 835-841.
McGoldrick, M. TRIANGLES AND FAMILY THERAPY: STRATEGIES AND SOLUTIONS . Psychotherapy.net.tcsedsystem.idm.oclc.org. Retrieved 3 November 2020, from http://www.psychotherapy.net.tcsedsystem.idm.oclc.org/stream/tcs/video?vid=389.
Titelman, P. (2012). Triangles: Bowen family systems theory perspectives . Routledge.
Titelman, P. (Ed.). (2014). Differentiation of self: Bowen family systems theory perspectives . Routledge.
