Bowen Family Systems Theory, Essay Example

The Bowen Family Systems Unit is that based upon the human behavioural conditions contained within the family unit. It considers the family as an emotional unit and studies the complex interactions contained within that unit. At the core of the concept is that of an individual feeling disconnected from the family unit. Within the family there is a strong need for support, approval and attention from others. People within the family unit are quick to react in a change of another persons behaviour or distress.  Such changes are infectious and quickly spread amongst others in the family group. A change in one persons behaviour often results in reciprocal behaviours from others. Tensions heighten when the family members get anxious, hence as the anxiety increases the emotional standards of the family get even more distressed. (Bowen Center for the Study of the Family)

A good example of this might be that of a four family unit ( Father, Mother, Son and Daughter). The son interacts with an external social group and starts taking drugs. The daughter gets to hear of this and is stressed about the health of her brother deteriorating. She becomes further stressed by feeling the need to report this to her parents. The Father gets stressed and adopts a strict disciplinarian stance and forbids the son further interaction with the group and to obtain immediate medical treatment. The mother take a more conciliatory approach trying to harmonize the family unit. Eventually this leads to one or more of the family becoming overwhelmed, isolated or losing control. Hence, in our example we see : 1) The son is isolated  2) Daughter is overwhelmed 3) Father loses control 4) Mother is overwhelmed.

There are eight interlocking concepts to Bowens model and these are illustrated in the model to the right. ” Maintaining the same pattern of behaviours within a system may lead to balance in the family system, but also to dysfunction ” (Genopro, 2010).

Dr Bowen was amongst the first to acknowledge that a family or group is ‘ greater than the sum of its parts’.  Hence families generate a unique energy field and this influences every member within that family unit.  Patterns generate in families throughout the ages. Hence if you felt abused as a child, then there is a strong likelihood that other children in previous families were equally abused.  Many adults have studied ancestry in order to obtain a better understanding of the longevity of the family unit and subsequently more about themselves. (Bryannen, 1999)

Works Cited

Bowen Center for the Study of the Family. (n.d.). The Bowen Theory. Retrieved 3 23, 2010, from 2010: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/theory.html

Bryannen, L. (1999, 2 1). Dancing in the Shadows. Retrieved 3 23, 2010, from homestar.org: http://www.homestar.org/bryannan/family.html

Genopro. (2010). Family Systems Theory. Retrieved 3 23, 2010, from Genopro: http://www.genopro.com/genogram/family-systems-theory/