Question

Post (using two concepts of Bowen’s family theory) a discussion and analysis of the events that occurred after Alec moved in with his grandmother up until Helen went to the hospital. If you used the concepts of structural family therapy, how would your analysis of the situation be different? Which family theory did you find to be most helpful in your analysis? Finally, indicate whether Satir’s or Minuchin’s model is the more strength-based model. Why?

Answer 1

Bowen family systems theory is a theory of human behavior that views family as an emotional unit . It  uses the systems thinking to describe the complex interaction in the unit.

System thinking means it states that a family fuction as system where in each member play a specefic role and must follow ceratain rules.Based on the roles within the family system people are expected to interact with and respond to one another in a certain way. Patterns develop within the system,and each members impact the other members in predictable ways. These behavioral patterns can lead either balance or dysfunction - or both at various points of in time,

The family systems theory is composed of eight interlocking concepts.

1. Triangles

A triangle in the family systems theory is a three -person relationship and is considered as the" building block" for larger family systems. These relationships are seen as the most stable because a two- person relationship is too small and tension easily builds.With an additional person in the mix , the tension can be shifted around between three people,so non of the relationships become too explosive. While shifting tension one thing is to note that ,nothing gets resolved and thus tension continue to build . But at the time shifting tension can reduce stress and pressure on a relationship.

Another truth in this concept is despite the fact that triangles are more stable than a dyad, there can always be an odd man out.That is sometimes the two closer people (or the insiders) will choose the third person as an outsider. At the same time when tension or any disputes begin between the two closer people one of them may choose to become closer to the outsider or third person.

2. Differentiation of self.

Differentiation of self is core concept of system theory. Even within the family unit every person is unique.It is the manner in which a person is able to

1. differentiate his/her thoughts and feelings

2. respond to anxiety

3. cope with the variables of life

An individual with highest differentiation of self is  able to maintain individuality at the same time is able to maintain adequate emotional contact with other people. He/ she will be less inflluenced by others and does not try to push their personality on to other people..

A person with low differentiation of self may experience emotional confusion, highly capable to be influenced by others and will easily fall victim to groupthink mentality.

3..Nuclear Family Emotional Process

There are four types of pattern of behavior nuclear family leading to family problems.

a) Marital conflict.

b) Dysfuction in one of the spouses

C) Impairment of one or more children, - that is the parent may focus all their anxieties one or more of their children.

d) Emotional distance. - to avoid family tension, family members may distance themselves from one another .

4. Family progection process.

This concept describes how parents may transmit their emotional problems onto their children. In this family projection process there are three steps.

1. The parent give extra attention or focus on a child .out of the fear that there is something wrong with the child .

2. .The parent  finds something in the child's action or behavior that they perceive as confirming their fear.

3.The parent than treats the child as if there is something truly wrong with them.

later the parent's fear will shape the "problems" they perceive in their child.Thus their fears shape achild's behavior and personality.

5.Multigenerational Transmission Process

Accoding to this concept certain behaviors and conditions are passed on through generations.A couple where each partner has a low level of differentiation may have children who have more lower level of differentiation than the parents, and as when the generation passes it the differentiation becomes even more lower. When one of the individual increase his/her level of differentiation this pattern will break..

6.Emotional cutoff

Emotional cutoff occurs when people attempt to manage their unresolved problems with family members by totally cutting off emotinal contact.It does not necessarily  mean cutting of communication,but it invoives distancing oneself from family members to become more emotionally independent. Eg; Moving far away from home. avoid going home, staying in home but no conversation with other family members.Etc.

7..Sibling Position.

There tend to be a certain type of  archetype of the older siblings, middle siblings and younger siblings.Eg: older siblings tends to me leaders while younger sibling fall in ti the follower role. Sibbling position and associated personality traits can impact family relations aspecially when it comes to marital couples. Eg when two people of the same sibling position marry , there is a higher chance of butting heads over resposibilities.The two may argue over "who is in Charge."

8. Socital emotional process

This concept of family system theory not only applies to families but also non family groups such as workers in an office. Even outside the family .emotional processes influence behavior and lead to progressive and regressive periods in society.