Bowen Family Systems Theory

Paper Summary:

The paper explains that the Bowen family systems theory (BFST) regards the family unit as a single entity; if there are malfunctions with the family, BFST identifies that there are problems inherent within some aspect of the family. The paper identifies four components of BFST and addresses a case study in which these components are applied and used to asses the status of an affected individual from a troubled family background.

Outline:
Introduction
Four Components of BFST
Analysis of the Case Study

From the Paper:

"Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) regards the family unit as a single entity; much like the components of the body form the whole of the person, in BFST the individual family members form the whole of the family (Searight, 1997; Titelman, 1998). If there are problems or malfunctions with the family, BFST identifies that there are problems inherent within some aspect of the family (Searight, 1997; McGoldrick, Serson, & Shellenberger, 1999). This could be indicative of problems held by one family member that is beyond the scope of immediate family life (e.g.: conflict for a parent in the work environment) or could suggest issues that are localized within the immediate family setting itself."

Sample of Sources Used:

• McGoldrick, M., Serson, R., & Shellenberger, S. (1999). Genograms (2nd Edition). New York: W. W. Norton & Co.
• Searight, H. 1997). Family-of-Origin Therapy and Diversity. New York: Taylor & Francis, Inc.
• Titelman, P. (1998). Clinical Applications of Bowen Family Systems Theory. New York: Haworth Press.

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