Bowen Family Systems

Term Paper # 115861

Child, Youth Issues > Family Issues
Psychology > Social

An examination of the application and goals of the Bowen Systems theory.

1,870 words () | 12 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the definition of family and the family unit. The paper first looks at how the family role strongly influences one's place within society and how the personal belief structure of a family unit will define one's ability to interact with other family units. The paper then examines the Bowen theory, the application of the Bowen theory to persons with a detailed family history, and the goal of the Bowen systems theory.

From the Paper:

"This would also hold true for individuals who are affected by a lack of family structure - such as orphans. The triangular theory of Bowen's system states that the individual is conditioned to exist in society by its family unit. However a person who has never had a family unit can develop a strong sense of self and social differentiation. Reciprocally, one who has not done so would not find much help within the Bowen therapy, as there would be no family structure to evaluate, or discuss with the patient."

Sample of Sources Used:

Allan, David M. June 2006. Use of Between-Session Homework in Systems-Oriented Individual Psychotherapy. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration. Vol. 16(2). pp. 238 253.
"Bowen Theory". Bowen Center for the Study of the Family. Georgetown Family Center Online. 2006. http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/theory.html
Brooks, Clem. 2002. Religious Influence and the Politics of Family Decline Concern: Trends, Sources and U.S. Political Behavior. American Sociological Review. 67 (2):191--211.
Friedlander, Myrna L. April 1985. Content Analytic Comparison of Four Expert Counselors' Approaches to Family Treatment : Ackerman, Bowen, Jackson, and Whitaker. Journal Of Counseling Psychology. Vol. 32(2). pp. 171-180.
Friedlander, Myrna L. October 1984. A spatial view of the interpersonal structure of family interviews: Similarities and differences across counselors. Journal of Counseling Psychology. Vol 31(4). pp. 477-487.