Bowen Family Systems Theory Research Articles

Forgiveness as a mediator of the intergenerational transmission of violence.

Bowen Family Systems Theory and Social Learning Theory served as a framework for examining the potential role of offspring maternal forgiveness in the intergenerational transmission (IGT) of violence. Using 285 emerging adults, we tested the hypotheses that higher accounts of witnessed interpersonal violence perpetrated by either parent would relate to increased reports of dating violence, and that offspring's capacity to forgive mothers for current transgressions would mediate this relationship. Witnessing interpersonal violence perpetrated by either parent significantly related to offspring dating violence perpetration and victimization. In addition, witnessing violence perpetrated by either parent significantly related to offspring dating violence perpetration, via offspring's capacity to forgive. Contrary to expectation, offspring's capacity to forgive mothers did not mediate the link between father-perpetrated violence and dating violence victimization; however, it did serve as mediator in the association between mother-perpetrated violence and offspring dating violence victimization. Overall, the findings suggest that witnessing violence perpetrated by either parent explains a portion of the variance in offspring dating violence indirectly through offspring's capacity to forgive mothers for current transgressions. The present study contributes to previous research on the IGT of violence by identifying forgiveness as a mechanism in which intimate partner violence is transmitted generationally. Implications and future directions are discussed for researchers and clinicians.

커플모래놀이치료가 대학생의 자아분화와 이성관계만족에 미치는 효과

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of sandplay therapy for couples on the self-differentiation, and heterosexual relationship satisfaction, of couples who are college students'. The subjects were four couples who are college students living in Seoul with low self-differentiation and heterosexual relationship satisfaction. I carried out sandplay therapy on four couples for once a week for 10 weeks, and each session was 70 minutes long. In this study, the self-differentiation scale was modified for Korea on the basis of Bowen's family systems theory (1976), and it was used as a research tool. Yu (2000) and Lee (2000) made a scale to measure heterosexual relationship satisfaction after they adjusted the Korea Marital Satisfaction Inventory (K-MSI). The scale was also used in order to compare pre-therapy and post-therapy traits and identify any changes. In addition, the group's behavior and interactions were observed and recorded in each session throughout the process of sandplay therapy with the couples, and the behanior and interactions were analyzed along with the change flow in the sand trays. The study's outcomes are summed up as follows. First, sandplay therapy with couples advances the level of self-differentiation in college students. Second, sandplay therapy with couples improves the heterosexual relationship satisfaction on college students. Third, the trays used in sandplay therapy with couples showed positive changes as the therapy progressed. As the sessions continued, negative factors in the trays decreased and the trays converged into one. As the sessions proceeded, it was observed that the couples became closer, felt more comfortable with each other, compromised and reflected on their relationship. The study's results show that sandplay therapy with couples increased the level of self-differentiation in college students and heterosexual relationship satisfaction, thus proving the therapy's effectiveness.

A Bowen Family Systems Model of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Romantic Relationship Distress

Many individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) do not respond well to currently available treatments. Moreover, treatments are less effective when GAD is accompanied by romantic relationship distress. In order to develop effective treatments for GAD and relationship distress, it is necessary to conduct theory-based research to identify links common to both GAD and romantic relationship distress. Drawing on Bowen's family systems theory, the roles of family abuse/violence and differentiation in GAD and romantic relationship distress were examined using existing data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (n=2,312; 2005). As predicted, family abuse/violence was directly linked to both GAD and romantic relationship distress. Differentiation mediated the relationship between family abuse/violence and GAD, and partially mediated the relationship between family abuse/violence and romantic relationship distress. Findings suggest that current and past relationship processes may help maintain chronic anxiety and that Bowen's theory may be a useful framework for developing couple therapy treatment of GAD and romantic relationship distress.

Counseling Muslim Couples From a Bowen Family Systems Perspective

To date, there is very little literature to guide mental health practitioners working with Muslim couples and families in the United States. Cultural differences may be expected to limit the relevance of some approaches; but Bowen theory seems to have particular relevance for Muslim couples. Counselors practicing Bowen Family Systems theory serve as consultants engaging the couple in the processing and understanding of current patterns of dysfunctional behavior. This article reviews basic tenets of Bowen theory, summarizes some common experiences of Muslim couples living in America, and suggests ways in which Bowen theory can be applied in a way that is respectful to the unique values, history, and expectations of Muslim couples. A case study is provided.

복합틱장애 증상이 있는 딸을 둔 부부에 대한 가족치료 사례연구

This study deals with a counseling case in which a mother requested counseling due to the problems of her daughter, who suffers from multiple tic disorder. The participants of this study included five family members (grandmother, father, mother and two female children) and a total of 23 sessions were held from September 2006 to December 2007. Additional counseling (<TEX>$24^{th}$</TEX> counseling session) was conducted on April 1st, 2009. The data was based on recorded transcripts and notes from 24 family therapy sessions. The study used a constant comparative analysis, which uses matrix and network display as an analysis method suggested by Miles&Huberman(1994). The characteristics of the family of origin and the indifference of the husband had caused the wife stress. The couple had frequent conflicts due to dysfunctional communication methods, a clash of values, sexual dissatisfaction, and a lack of communication. This marital conflict became the primary factor of the daughter's multiple tic disorder. Intervention of the family therapist resulted in the setting of treatment goals based on MRI's communication theory and Bowen's family systems theory in order to solve the problem of the daughter's multiple tic disorder. Also, the therapist's intervention techniques included exploring experiences with the family of origin, shedding light on the multigenerational transmission process, exploring dysfunctional attempts at solutions, the therapist's self-disclosure, providing similar cases, dealing with resistance, and suggesting a new communication method. To solve the problem, the therapist helped the family separate the daughter spatially from her parents. Therefore, the therapist's intervention helped reduce the daughter's tics and improve relationships among the family.

Differentiation and healthy family functioning of Koreans in South Korea, South Koreans in the United States, and White Americans.

Inconsistent results have been found in prior research on the Bowen Family Systems Theory concept of differentiation of self and its application to individuals, couples, and families of different cultural backgrounds. In this regard, this study examined the impact of differentiation of self on healthy family functioning, family communication, and family satisfaction with 277 participants including South Koreans living in South Korea, South Korean-born citizens living in the United States, and White Americans living in the United States. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis identified the measurement invariance of a differentiation scale (DSI-R) used for the three study groups. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) found significant differences between White Americans and South Koreans with regard to the level of differentiation. Results of multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses found a significant association between differentiation of self and healthy family functioning across the three groups with the American group having significantly higher differentiation than the two South Korean groups." Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

The Self of the Christian Therapist Doing Sex Therapy: A Model for Training Christian Sex Therapists

Upon a thorough review of the literature, the authors failed to find sufficient information and resources for Christian therapists conducting sex therapy. Our intent is to provide a model for self-of-the-therapist work for both therapists and their supervisors. The model includes various worksheets for self-reflection and different considerations for the Christian therapist to review. The model is rooted in the theoretical tenets of Narrative and Bowen Family Systems theories. The authors use the ideas of understanding our dominant story and lenses from Narrative theory and differentiation and taking an I-position from Bowen Family Systems theory. We begin by giving a brief history of the relationship between Christianity and sexuality, highlight the importance of self-of-the-therapist work, and explain the rationale for use of Narrative and Bowen theories. Finally, we present our model, which includes several worksheets for use in supervision or independently by the therapist.

Dialogues from the ‘Coalface’:DSM‐5 and Emotional Process in a Clinical Setting

In this article, we propose that emotional reactivity can influence dialogue around theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM‐5) and the wider issues included in the debate. We explore this emotional process and the impact that it has on our clinical practice, our clients’ experiences, our experience of ourselves as clinicians and the ways we work with other professionals. We begin by presenting clinical scenarios, then briefly summarise key ideas from theDSM‐5 debate, and draw on Bowen Family Systems Theory to explore a number of ways that emotional reactivity to these ideas can manifest itself in multidisciplinary and collegial relationships. We conclude that it is helpful to increase awareness of our own emotional processes to best avoid becoming reactive to, or dismissive of, alternative paradigms or knowledge bases that may be of use to our clients. We describe a number of principles and ideas that we have found useful in this context and identify ongoing dilemmas in our practice.

PATIENTS AND CARERS EXPERIENCE OF LIVING WITH A COMPLEX AND RARE NEUROLOGICAL AND PALLIATIVE DIAGNOSIS

IntroductionA growing body of literature suggests that living with a complex, rare and/ or progressive neurological condition can have significant impact on a patient and families/ carer psychological and emotional...

Clinical Interventions With Adolescents Using a Family Systems Approach

The purpose of this article is to identify how Bowen family systems theory may be incorporated into individual counseling with adolescents when family involvement is not possible or contraindicated. Outcome and basic research supporting the application of Bowen family systems theory is reviewed. Specific clinical interventions for counseling adolescents that derive from Bowen family systems theory are provided, and a case study demonstrating these clinical interventions is presented.

The Family Genogram Interview

The purpose of the current study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Family Genogram Interview (FGI), a standardized genogram format theoretically grounded in Bowen Family Systems Theory. The sample consisted of 50 heterosexual, married women who had at least one child between 4 and 10 years of age, who completed the FGI with a trained interviewer. The results indicate the FGI has good interinterviewer reliability while construct validity assessments yielded mixed results. The results indicate the FGI is a positive step toward standardization and advancement of genogram interviewing in research and clinical applications. Limitations and directions for future studies are discussed.

Trauma and Bowen Family Systems Theory: Working with Adults Who were Abused as Children

Working with survivors of trauma is mostly challenging, exhausting, long‐term and often ‘messy’, when interventions that ‘should’ work, don't, or the unexpected arises. Nevertheless, explanations that speak to recovery from trauma more and more rely on neurobiological concepts to account for any positive change. Combining the family systems approach of Murray Bowen and recent research on the brain and trauma, post trauma symptoms are viewed as part of the ‘family emotional process’ even when traumatic events have emanated from outside the family system itself. Variations in responses to trauma, including dissociation and self‐harm are discussed in relation to chronic anxiety and ‘differentiation of self’.

Bringing Systems Thinking to Life‐Expanding the Horizons for Bowen Family Systems Theory: Reviewed by Eds. Ona Cohn Bregman &amp; Charles M. White

Review(s) of: Bringing systems thinking to life-expanding the horizons for Bowen family systems theory, by Eds. Ona Cohn Bregman and Charles M. White, Pub. Routledge, N.Y., 2011 Soft Cover, 392 pages.

A cultural perspective on codependency and its treatment

The construct of codependency evolved from the chemical dependency field. It has since been expanded to include excessively other-oriented caretaking traits and behaviors stemming from exposure to a chronically stressful or dysfunctional family environment. Based on current research findings and clinical observations, the purpose of this paper is to discuss codependency and its effective treatment from a cultural perspective. Characteristics of codependency typically found among college students and the influence of cultural values on the development of codependency in Taiwanese college students are discussed. Specific cultural considerations when using Bowen's family systems theory to conceptualize and treat Taiwanese college students with codependency are presented.

Bringing Systems Thinking to Life — Expanding The Horizons For Bowen Family Systems Theory: Edited by Ona Cohn Bregman, Charles M. White. Routledge

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family TherapyVolume 32, Issue 4 p. 358-360 Bringing Systems Thinking to Life — Expanding The Horizons For Bowen Family Systems Theory: Edited by Ona Cohn Bregman, Charles M. White. Routledge Moira Joyce, Moira Joyce Social Worker (private practice), West Croyden, South AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author Moira Joyce, Moira Joyce Social Worker (private practice), West Croyden, South AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 29 April 2013 https://doi.org/10.1375/S0814723X00001959AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume32, Issue4December 2011Pages 358-360 RelatedInformation

Licensing of Psychotherapists in the United States: Evidence of Societal Regression?

The idea of societal regression in Bowen family systems theory is illustrated with examples from the author's experience as a licensed psychologist, a student of the history of psychology in the United States, and the executive director of a Bowen family systems theory training center. An introduction to the fundamentals of Bowen family systems theory and its core concept of differentiation of self is presented followed by a consideration of characteristics of the concept of emotional process in society in Bowen theory, of which societal regression is a part. The author examines the question of whether licensing psychotherapists in the United States is evidence of societal regression and asks several questions: What was the threat that prompted the licensing of psychotherapists? Was this a real or imagined threat? What is the evidence? Two hypotheses are examined: (1) that the biggest threat was from incompetent, unqualified, unskilled, and unprincipled people pretending to be psychotherapists from whom the public needed protection and (2) that psychotherapists need economic protection. Drawbacks to licensing are considered followed by a consideration of the question, “If not licensing, then what?” A return to the core concept of differentiation of self in Bowen theory as one answer to this question concludes the article.

Family-of-Origin, Differentiation of Self and Partner, and Adult Romantic Relationship Quality

Bowen's family systems theory posits the importance of differentiation of self for functioning in adult romantic/marital relationships. His theory suggests that adults enter into marriages and marriage-like relationships with a basic level of differentiation of self developed largely in the parental home and this level of differentiation affects relationship quality. However, there has been limited research on these propositions. Therefore, we examine these ideas by hypothesizing that (a) a complex relationship exists between family-of-origin variables as they influence adult romantic relationship quality, (b) differentiation from negative family-of-origin processes is one means whereby the past carries forward into the present, (c) there is a actor-partner effect of differentiation of self on each partner's relationship quality, and (d) that gender differences are expected. We tested an SEM model with data from the RELATionship Evaluation (RELATE) (N = 1,839 couples). Results support the hypotheses and suggest the usefulness of Bowen's theory for understanding how family-of-origin processes from both partners carry forward via differentiation of self into adult relationship quality. Therapeutic implications and research needs are articulated.

Schema Therapy and Family Systems Theory: The Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Differentiation of Self

This study examined the relationship between aspects of differentiation of self in Murry Bowen's family systems theory and early maladaptive schemas in Young's schema therapy theory. For this aim, two hundred (100 male, 100 female, 28 missing) students from University of Tehran were participated in this study. All participants completed two questionnaires: the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF) and Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI). Correlational analyses indicated that the aspects of differentiation of self (emotional reactivity, emotional cut-off and fusion with others) were negatively associated with early maladaptive schemas. But I-position was positively associated with early maladaptive schema. Regression analyses indicated that the mistruth/abuse schema, emotional deprivation and self-sacrifice can predict I-position. Unrelenting Standards/hypercriticalness, dependence/incompetence and abandonment/instability can predict fusion with others. Emotional cut-off can predict by enmeshment/undeveloped self, abandonment/instability, emotional inhibition and unrelenting standards/hypercriticalness schemas. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Writing an Ethnic Identity between Worlds: Claiming and Maintaining a Franco-American Self

Euro-heritage immigrants of all backgrounds entering the U.S. at the threshold of the twentieth century experienced much the same religious, language, and ethnic oppression. Calling on facts about the author’s French-Canadian and Acadian families, this paper explores some reasons for the relative lack of visible success, prominence, and unity among Franco-American individuals and communities, when compared to Italian and Irish cohort groups. In seeking to identify what dynamics within the Franco-American community and psyche might have contributed this situation, the author explores two important differences between Franco-American and other cohort immigrant groups. These are the inherited, conservative French-Canadian policy of “la survivance” and the geographical proximity of Canada, the most recent Mother Country for French-Canadian immigrants. Calling on precepts of Bowen Family Systems Theory, Jungian Theory, and publications about Franco-Americans in the Northeastern U.S., the author offers a psychosocial perspective on these questions. Relevant excerpts from interviews with other published Franco-American poets expand the discussion. These excerpts focus on the issues of language and religious affiliation, which remain the two most contentious criteria for inclusion in the Franco-American community. The paper concludes with information on university and internet resources that create new opportunities for a more inclusive, visible, and viable Franco-American community and network within the United States, as well as between the United States and Canada.

From the Editor: Present Realities and Future Directions

At the Fall 2009 Annual Conference of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) I gave a plenary session entitled ‘‘Providing News of Difference: Family Therapy Through the Years.’’ In addition to looking at the history of the field as well as providing a consideration of present realities I was asked to focus particularly on future directions for family therapy. Indeed, being the editor of a journal enables me to have a perspective on trends of which I might otherwise not be aware. One of the first focal issues I named relative to the future was that of spirituality and religion. Noting the landmark article by Prest and Keller (1993), in which attention was called to the need for greater awareness of spirituality and religion in the context of therapy, I shared my perception that this was an area that is growing and will continue to do so as more and more researchers and practitioners engage in explorations related to this topic. Consistent with my assessment, the first half of this issue includes four unsolicited articles that are devoted to topics with a spiritual and/or religious orientation. What is more, several others are currently in the pipeline. In the first article, ‘‘Bowen Family Systems Theory and Spirituality: Exploring the Relationship Between Triangulation and Religious Questing,’’ Katie Heiden Roots, Peter Jankowski, and Steven Sandage focus on spirituality and seek integration relative to the concepts of differentiation and triangulation. In the second article, also utilizing a Bowenian perspective, Yeo Jin Ahn and Marianne Miller ask, and respond in the affirmative, to the question, ‘‘Can MFTs Address Spirituality with Clients in Publically Funded Agencies?’’ Next, focusing on the clergy and the larger religious context, Maureen Davey, Argie Allen, and Adam Davey have contributed an article entitled, ‘‘Being Examples to the Flock: The Role of Church Leaders and African American Families Seeking Mental Health Care Services.’’ The section on Spirituality/Religion then concludes with an exploration of a particular spiritual practice, which is described in the article, ‘‘Voices of Experienced Meditators: The Impact of Meditation Practice on Intimate Relationships,’’ authored by Eric McCollum and Irene Paz Pruitt.