Bowen Family Systems Theory in Today's World
How Thinking about the Family Influences Your Behavior and Goals
Would you say that you are relationship-focused, or are you by chance more goal-directed? Your aptitude for perpetuating self-directed functioning amidst heightened emotional surroundings can say a lot about you. What is your functioning position in your current life situation?
The Role of the Family as an Emotional Unit
Even professionals have difficulty comprehending this idea. You’re the person with the problem, so it’s your problem, right? It’s an individual problem, after all. Not really.
Years of observation by researchers such as Charles Darwin, Murray Bowen, M.D., and Michael E. Kerr, M.D. have demonstrated that individual behavior and development is governed by family process. This can be seen in almost every type of nuclear family from bees to naked mole rats to domestic dogs to human beings.
The Eight Concepts of Bowen Theory
There are eight concepts in Bowen theory and each concept is a thorough idea that helps explain this well-developed theory of human behavior. They are: Nuclear Family Emotional System, Differentiation of Self, Triangles, Family Projection Process, Multigenerational Transmission Process, Emotional Cutoff, Sibling Position, and Emotional Process in Society.
Evolution and biology support these concepts and, therefore, the theory.
Your Goals and Family Systems Theory
Having a theory from which to operate helps clarify objectives. It ensures that genuine thinking is the order of the day. It can also mean the difference between mere thought and putting thought into action.
Being able to recognize the forces of togetherness and the notion of individuality and understanding how they compete for your attention can help you stay focused on your goal.
Much of what Dr. Bowen investigated had to do with thinking about thinking, and how the individual could define a self within the emotional surroundings.
How You are Likely to Behave
Many believe their individuality precludes their family structure. And yet a spoke is inoperative when unattached to the wheel. Thus, the balance of individuality and togetherness is crucial.
Family members can drive you to the brink of insanity and at the same time they can show you something about yourself that enables you to facilitate forward movement. These interactions are the epitome of family systems theory.
Your emotional responses can give you an idea of how you are likely to conduct yourself in a given situation. And those responses can determine your success or failure when it comes to setting your goals and reaching them.
Sources:
- Bowen, Murray. Family Therapy in Clinical Practice. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, 1978.
Murray Bowen, M.D.
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