Abstract
Abstract How does one leave the family of origin? This study researches two concepts of Bowen theory: emotional cutoff and sibling position. Bowen (1978) employed the concept of emotional cutoff to mean “the process of separation, isolation, withdrawal, running away or denying the importance of the parental family” (p.382). Roman Catholic seminarians in Canada were asked why they left home. Those stating they left home to “get out of the house” scored lowest on the Intergenerational Individuation scale of the Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire-College Version (PAFS-QVC) (Bray & Harvey, 1989: Williamson, 1991). No significant differences were found regarding sibling position. Emotional cutoff seems to indicate a lack of differentiation (Bowen) and personal authority (Williamson) as theorized. Implications for counseling are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
