Family Systems Theory

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1. Family Systems Theory
In 1966, following decades of psychoanalytic work, his directorship of the Family Project (1954–1959) at the National Institute of Mental Health
(citation), and driven by a belief that psychodynamic theory failed to provide conclusive scientific support to the etiology of emotional symptoms
(Innis, 1996), Dr. Murray Bowen (1913–1990) published what some regard as one of the first theories examining family functioning, the Bowen Family
Systems Theory (renamed Bowen Theory in the mid–1970's).
Bowen Theory: Foundations and Theory Concepts
Influenced by emerging theories of cybernetics and social influence (Kaslow, 1996) coupled with his interpretations and classifications of the
interpersonal dynamics and behavioural patterns of in–patient...show more content...
Consequently when two individuals exhibiting low levels of differentiation form a family they continue or replicate the patterns of family structure,
roles, responsibilities (Multigenerational Transmission Process) as well as three emotional mechanisms in response to relational anxiety (Nuclear
Family Emotional System concept) as would have been employed within their family of origin (Bowen, 1966; Brown, 1999). Furthermore, Bowen
explains spousal conflict or dysfunction of parents does not necessarily conclude with impairment to child(ren), instead he attributes the parents
projection of their relational anxiety upon the child(ren) (emotional triangle) as resulting in any impairment (Bowen, 1966). In addition, Bowen
includes the processes and use of genograms, detriangulation, relationship experiments, coaching, the "I" position, multiple family therapy, and
displacement stories (Charles, 2001, p.280) as both elements within the theory and as processes to be examined within
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2. My Family Systems Theory
This week students were asked to analyze their families' genogram by picking a theory which critically examines their family social and
psychologically functioning through a theoretical standpoint. Social workers use genograms to determine relationships, kinships, and stressors within
the family. Families are considered genetically networked units that descend from one common ancestor. To begin one must look at their family tree and
find patterns that may be passed through generations. After analyzing my family genogram, I noticed there were patterns within my family which lead
to certain diseases that have affected my family members throughout 3 generations. In this case, I chose the family systems theory to reflect my
families' genogram.
Furthermore, the family system theory is a is a theory of human behavior that views the family as an emotional unit and uses systems thinking to
describe the complex interactions in the unit. The theory believes the nature of family members are intensely connected emotionally (). This theory
insists families are affected by other member thoughts, behaviors, and in my case diseases. Families are seen to work in interdependence state, which
involves working in a cohesive unit and requires the family to work together to help protect, shelter, and feed members of the family. Moreover, I
chose the family systems theory because it incorporates the eight concepts which interlock knowledge of the human species working as a family unit ().
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3. Attachment Theory And Family Systems Theory Essay
When a parent is incarcerated, we often think about the negative impacts that it leaves on the child. However, what is often overlooked are the negative
effects that the incarceration of one partner can have on the attachment and parenting styles of both partners. When a father is incarcerated the mother
becomes the primary caregiver, causing a stress. This stress often impacts the mother's attachment with her child and the parenting style. Likewise, the
father begins to feel a loss of control, lower self–esteem, and feel powerless in the situation. Attachment theory and Family Systems theory relates to
the issues that arise when a parent is incarcerated. Attachment theory is based on the idea that children's sense of contingent on the relationships
formed with their caregivers. How assured they are in this security predicts the their development of cognitive and social skills continuing into
adulthood (Makariev & Shaver, 2010). Family systems theory explains how everyday functioning develops, either in roles, behaviors, rules, goals, and
how families adapt to change. Not only does it describe the everyday functioning, but it describes the relationships within the family subsystem. They
describe this relationship between parent and child to be bidirectional meaning that influences are two ways. This direction begins to evolve, as the
child grows older (Binger & Gerhardt, 2014). There are programs within prisons that use these theories, and help to alleviate some of the
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4. What Is Family System Theory?
In my paper I decided to focus on the concept of family systems theory which is taught from the textbook as well as the class lecture. The family
experience that I will be relating to this theory is the time when my father had several heart attacks and strokes that were caused by a tumor growing
inside of his heart. The reason I choose this experience that my family and I had by reason of showing what the family system theory states. What the
family system theory says is that "everything that happens to any family member has an impact on everyone else in the family" (Olson, DeFrain,
SKogrnand, 2014). The impact that this tumor had on my family was huge, not only did it change my father's life, but it also changed the families life.
Considering
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5. Essay on Family Systems Theory
The family structure is made up of individuals living together in intimate groups with the purpose of caring and supporting each other. Rules and
boundaries, spoken and unspoken, are developed by the family members. Family rules and boundaries change and shift over time in order to evolve
and grow as a family unit. Some changes are subtle, but some events force major change within the family system. This paper applies the concepts of
systems theory to the family system in the movie Sweet Home Alabama. Reese Witherspoon (Melanie Smooter) and Josh Lucas (Jake Perry) star in
this heart–warming film telling a story of a young woman who flees from Alabama to reinvent herself in New York City as a high fashion designer.
She leaves behind...show more content...
The second family consists of a mother–son system. The mother is a wealthy, prominent Judge in New York City and her son is the cities most
eligible bachelor running for political office. The second system's boundaries are ridged; other systems have a difficult time being accepted by and into
the family. Family information is guarded and the family system is difficult to penetrate.
Open Systems In the examples given above, two family systems exist. Both are considered to be open systems, however, one is more open than the
other. Each system has a boundary which is open to some varying extent. This openness makes it possible for other systems and information to pass
into and out of its system. Input from within a family or from other systems puts pressure on the family to make changes. Sometimes these changes are
not wanted and disrupt the family dynamic.
Closed Systems "If not enough change is allowed to occur, the system is said to be closed."(Becvar & Becvar, 1999, p. 23) While there is no type of
system which is entirely closed, there are some systems that lack beneficial energy or input to stay balanced.
Entropy
Entropy is a term used to describe a force that is present in all family systems. If the system is lacking a sufficient amount of social exchange, the
family relationship tends to weaken and breakdown. Melanie and Jake are a perfect example of entropy. They
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6. Family Systems Theory
Chapters 1 in 2 in Extraordinary Relationships gave a good introduction on how crucial relationships are and what to expect from future chapters. One
statement that stayed with me is "In the realm of the purely personal–after food, water, and shelter–the quality of relationships most often determines
the quality of life" (Gilbert, 1992, p. 3). This statement sums up how crucial and necessary human relationships are in life and how they lead to a
well–balanced life. There were many concepts presented throughout the chapters. Two concepts that stood out to me were family systems theory by Dr.
Murray Bowen and the Individuality and togetherness forces. Dr. Murray Bowen had a unique way of thinking, he had an idea that "the basic unit of
emotional...show more content...
After a while he began to see a pattern with these families (Gilbert, 1992). Bowen discovered that a family's origin was greatly linked to many issues
and challenges that families faced. Because of this Bowen began to draw family diagrams to better understand the family. By doing this he learned that
families can be arranged on a spectrum to determine the functionality of the families (Gilbert, 1992). Ultimately Bowen created a theory that includes
completely the whole nuclear family. Gilbert (1992) sums up Bowens family system theory best by stating "Bowen family systems theory opens up a
vast new vista on human behavior and human relating that makes older theories seem like looking at the night sky through a knothole in comparison
with looking through a telescope" (p. 10). There are two basic urges that humans have struggled on balancing; these urges are the drive of being an
individual and the drive of being together with others (Gilbert, 1992). This is where the individuality and togetherness forces come into play. The
individuality force urges us to establish our own identity and become independent without being dependent on others. The togetherness force urges us
to create relationships that lead to attachment and the
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7. Family Systems Theory Essay
Theory
Family systems theory is useful when working with families who are impacted by an ASD diagnosis. The family systems theory focuses on the shift
of an individual perspective to a family systems perspective. Family is the most important support system for a child. Family is looked at as a unit,
therefore by using the familysystems theory the professionals are able to identify the family's influences on the individual. The family system impacts a
child's development as family members affect the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of one another (Paylo, 2011).
Discussion
The goal of this review was to examine ASD and how it has impacted families. The literature was consistent in its findings, which stated that, Autism is
a complex disorder that is diagnosed in childhood and has a wide range of symptoms. Many of the studies showed that children with ASD have the
same symptoms such as hyperactivity, anxiety and self–injurious or aggressive behavior. The initial autism diagnosis leaves parents and siblings
confused and they may have a hard time accepting that the child/sibling they were anticipating is not the child/sibling they expected. This
transformation in their family can impact the relationship in the family, as feelings of fear and worry overwhelm the family system. ASD impacts
parents and siblings as it changes the dynamics of the family. It is significant for families to find coping mechanisms that work for them as they...show
more content...
Another limitation was to find out the effect of ASD on fathers. Finally the last limitation in this research was in reference to detailing the ethnicity of
the participants. Autism Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) indicated that ethnicity plays a role in the autism diagnosis. ASD is more
prevalent in non–Hispanic white children than it is in non–Hispanic black children and Hispanic children (Rice & CDC,
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8. Family Systems
The universal qualities of Family Systems theory are useful in appealing to a wide range of clients from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds
because of the fact that it is human nature to come from and be a part of a family. Almost everyone in the world can identify as a member in a family,
and their experiences with that family are what shape them as who they are as individuals. Although everyone can be said to be part of a family, it is
extremely important for family systems therapists to be knowledgeable when it comes to the family customs and traditions of all the different cultures
that they may encounter (Rothbaum et al., 2002). In John's case, the therapist must also be aware of the gender differences that may occur. Due to John's
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9. Family Systems Theory Paper
Human Behavior and the Social Environment The theory that will be used in this case is the Family Systems Theory. The family systems theory was
originated by Murray Bowen. Bowen researched how the family system affects the individual and family functioning across the life–span. According to
Bowen, individual functioning shapes family systems and can create pathology within the individual (Haefner, 2014, p. 835). The family systems theory
maintains that boundaries, roles, communication, and family structure have a major impact on how the family functions (Haefner, 2014, p. 835) .
According to the family systems theory "individuals cannot be understood in isolation from one another, but rather as part of their...show more content...
Her father was on drugs and left home when Cynthia was only 2 years old. Cynthia currently has a strained relationship with her mother. Cynthia has
lived a riotous life since her teenage years. She has had several boyfriends, which resulted in her having four children under the age of 8. As a result
of a recent theft felony charge she obtained for being an accomplice with her boyfriend; the court has granted Cynthia's mother temporary custody of
her two older children. The two older children were said to have been left home alone while Cynthia "ran errands" for money and food. Cynthia did not
have a good father figure throughout her childhood; the client grew up without the most natural triangle, the father, mother and child or the
"two–helping–one" triangle (Haefner, 2014, p. 835). After the client Cynthia's father left, the mother had to take on both parent responsibilities. Cynthia
began seeking male attention through sex at an early age. The second concept addresses the client's dependency on others for acceptance and approval.
The client is seeking her father's attention in the advances of male counterparts. Cynthia is searching for acceptance and approval in an unhealthy way.
The third concept of family systems theory is the nuclear family emotional system (patterns inside the relationship that depict where family issues
originate from in the family (Haefner, 2014, p. 835). The client's emotional state obviously diminished as a result of the violence, drug abuse and
eventual abandonment by her father. The next basic concept of the Family Systems Theory, is the family projection process, it is easily seen that the
client has learned a behavior of violence, drinking and abandonment from her father (Haefner, 2014, p.
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10. Case Study : Family Systems Theory
A family rarely enters therapy with the clear–cut idea of where exactly it's problem lie, and the therapist's job during the first interview is to organize
the facts and the characteristics of the family and analyze the emotional process in a way that locates the trouble spots in the relationship system. The
choice of a particular method of evaluation depends on the ideology of the therapist, as well as the state of the family that enters therapy. In family
systems theory, the family is viewed as a homeostatic system, and a change in the functioning of one family member results in a compensatory
change in the functioning of other family members. Symptoms in one family member, which can also be referred as an identified patient, indicate
dysfunction in the family system as a whole. Bowen family systems theory was developed by psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Murray Bowen. Bowen
was the first to realize that the history of our family creates a template which shapes the values, thoughts, and experiences of each generation, as well
as how that generation passes down these things to the next generation. Bowen believed that family problems result from emotional fusion, or from an
increase in the level of anxiety in the family (Goldenberg, 2012) One of the goals of his family therapy was to reframe the presenting problem as a
multigenerational problem that is caused by factors beyond the individual. Questioning the family and constructing a family genogram was a basic
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11. Family System Theory Essay
Family System Theory
Introduction
Murray Bowen's family system theory was one of the first comprehensive theories of family system functioning. It was developed in 1974 and it
believed the family can be defined as a set of interacting individuals who are related by blood, marriage, cohabitation, or adoption and who
interdependently perform relevant functions through roles. Relevant functions of the family include values and practices placed on health system theory
is used to explain patterns of living among the individuals who make up the family systems (Edelmen, 2006).
Describe the theory In system theory, behaviors and family members responses influence the family pattern and life. Meanings and values are vital
components of the...show more content...
They dictate what will be an influential part of the family system and what the family system will give back. The hierarchy is the deciding factor of
what boundaries interact and what one do not (Bryannan, 2000). Each family and each relationship has inputs and outputs within it. Inputs are received
and used by the system to perform its designated function or achieve it goal. Outputs are outcomes or by–products of the system's activity that are
returned to the environment. In other words, inputs are the impressions, experiences and interactions a family has ever day. Outputs are the results that
are created from those experiences, impressions and interactions that are returned to the environment. Every input directly impacts the output, thus
making it very important to expose oneself to positive outputs (Bryannan, 2000). Rules of operation are very important in the function of a family
system. Rules of operation are guidelines that prescribe what is expected, allowed, and prohibited in a given set of circumstance. The rules of
operation dictate what should happen and what should not happen . They create structure within the system that all members are to follow. Every
single family has a different set of rules of operation, but every family at least has a small network of rules (Brown, 1999)
Use the theory to assess a family The family that I am going to do my assessment on is the Rudolph family. This is a family that lives three houses
down from
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12. Family Systems Theory
According to Richard Charles (2001) "the effectiveness of family systems theory rests not much on empirical research but on clinical reports of positive
treatment outcomes, the personal benefits experienced by the families that underwent this kind of treatment, and the elegance of Bowen's theory" (p.
279). Bowen's family systems theory views the family as an emotional unit and is a theory of human behavior. Systems thinking are used to describe
the complex interactions in the unit. However, the client's ability to differentiate himself/herself from the family of origin is the basis for Bowen's
family systems theory. In addition, the primary focus for growth within the emotional system is differentiation of self. Differentiation of self...show
more content...
With this in mind, a critical element in determining whether a church is able to accomplish its stated mission is the average level of differentiation of
a congregation. Differentiation decides how much of the church is affected by the reactions and complaints of key people in church as well as to what
extent a church is influenced by social, cultural, political, or economic pressures (Ronald Richardson, 2005). "Differentiation is what allows us
individually to fulfill our Christian calling more closely, to choose our principle, ethical and moral stances with clarity, and to act with courage in
fulfilling them" (Richardson, 2005, p. 389). It allows for people to relate to others in a loving way, without taking part in the 'party spirit' Richardson
(2005) suggests that destroys ministry and church life. Also, Richard (2005) suggests: It allows us the emotional flexibility to stay in contact with all
important constituencies in the church, hear all points of view and understand them without being aggressive or defensive, retaliating when hurt, or
accommodating in response to emotional pressure from key others in the system (p. 389).
Church systems can be more or less differentiated. Churches with less differentiation will have many weak symptoms. The church community's level
of differentiation is an average of all the people in it, in particular
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13. Family Systems Theory : The Family System Theory
Family Systems Theory
Columbia College
Katie Jasper
Mrs. Terri Carter
Abstract
The attached paper is an overview of The Family Systems Theory. Which is based on the work and research of Dr. Bowen. This is an significant
theoretical approach within group counseling and therapy. It focuses on the role and impact of the person 's original family to identify negative patterns.
Evidence is used within the paper to showcase the appropriate usage and application of the theory.
" Unresolved issues with our original families are the most important unfinished business of our lives (Chen,2004)."
Group work and their related therapies are no easy task. As our text indicates "... dynamics of groups challenge even the most seasoned therapists
(Chen,2004)." Thankfully there are tools to utilize; it is these tools that allow group counseling to do its work. Several theoretical approaches are
outlined in our text. The focus of this paper will be on that of the Family Systems Theory.
The Family Systems Theory is based on the work of Dr.Murray Bowen as well as other theorists (Chen,2004). Dr. Bowen was a psychiatrist from
Georgetown University, it was his research and experience that led to a great understanding of the family and its role. According to Bowen every
family member has a fixed role that they play (Bradshaw,1995). These roles are consistently maintained within families, so that the system may strive
for

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15. Family Systems Theory Vs Family System Theory
I think that the Family System Theory and the Ecological System Theory are two important basic beliefs about children, families, and family
involvement. The system in the family system theory is a system of people connected together and if one part isn't working things fall apart.
The elements that make up The Family System Theory are structures, rules, and boundaries. Structures have to deal with behavioral patterns that are
repeated made by the family. Rules are used to agree and deal with situations. Each family has certain rules that are self–regulating and work for certain
families. Boundaries are special rules that govern the interactions between subsystems in the family. It helps families function well.
In order to understand a student,
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16. The best theory that was able to help me assess this family was the Family System Theory. The reason why I chose this theory was because it contains
different concepts that goes over some of the issues that my clients are having as a family. Two of these concept are the family triangle and the
multigenerational transmission process. In this case, both of these concepts go hand in hand with each other. The family triangle talks about there being
a triangle of communication in a family. A lot of the time the triangle exist between the parents and their child. This can become a positive thing or it
can affect the child in different ways. This relates to my client Oliver because Oliver's parents rely on him to find out information about each other.
For example, they both ask him questions about the things that go on in each others household instead of talking to one another about it. The parents
also talk to Oliver about each other in a negative way and Oliver is forced to tell each other what the other person said. Usually Oliver's mother is the
main person speaking bad about Luke and this changes the relationship Oliver has with his dad because he believes his mother is being the most
rational. This ties into the multigenerational transmission process because in the article "Separations: a personal account of bowen family system
theory" by Martina Palombi (2016) she stated that "the mother–child relationship is an influential factor in the development of the child's self but
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17. Family Systems Essays
Family Systems and Healthy Development
Liberty University
Family Systems and Healthy Development In today's world, families are dynamic and interdependent systems. The developmental processes of the
children in the family are deeply affected by how the family system operates. However, a family's structure does not determine whether it is a healthy
family system or not. Today, families consist of single parents, stepparents, divorced parents, remarried parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. They
are all able to contribute to a healthy functioning family system by meeting each family member's needs and encouraging positive communication
(Jamiolkowski, 2008). Unhealthy family systems have negative and possibly...show more content...
A healthy family system makes a child feel cared for, validated and valued.
Supportive parenting is a term used to describe parents whose authoritative parenting style is firm, with clear and consistent limits, but with warmth,
proactive teaching, interest and involvement in their child's peer activities, as well as calm discussions while disciplining. Authoritative parents tend to
be firm and set clear and consistent limits. Although strict, they are loving and supportive, and communicate to the child the rationale for their
punishment, along with an explanation for why they should behave a certain way. This encourages independence in the child (Feldman, 2014).
Research has shown that healthy friendships in which close ties emerge are developed when parents provide a warm and supportive home environment
(Feldman, 2014). Children emulate positive social interactions and roles, which they learn from the adults in their lives who they model after. Children
living in healthy family systems develop a strong and positive relationship with their parents or caregiver and will encourage positive relationships with
others.
Unhealthy Family Systems
The parenting style in the home will result in differences in the children's behavior. For example, an authoritarian parent is controlling, punitive and
strict. Their rules are not flexible and do not tolerate expressions of disagreement. These
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18. Family System Theory Essay
Family System theory and the Jamie case study
Family systems theory represents the aspects of a particular family member. Jamie is a teenager; he lives with his family who resembles many of the
functions that a family needs to be safe and happy. Jamie has been intrigued by the new reveal of drugs in his environment. At home Jamie shows no
evidence of abuse, but he can feel isolated and scared. In the FamilySystems theory, they look at the specific Macro view points, and what could have
been the reason for what was a tragic ending in this situation. Family System Theory looks at who Jamie was interacting with, what impact it has on
other family members and the different rules that were set in place by the parents.
The Family system theory looks at the Interaction that Jamie could have been apart in. When Jamie was feeling isolated and felt like there were no
rules set by his parents. Jamie could have possibly got himself involved into a group of friends, who could have influenced him to smoke marijuana.
When Jamie felt like he belonged and felt protection by his friends, he distanced himself from his family. Because the...show more content...
Overt Rules are given and explained in detail to help others understand what the rule is, and why it's in place. Covert Rules are not explained, but are
expectations from the parents, that should already be known without stating. In Jamie's household there were many Covert rules. Jamie was not aware
of the rules against smoking, as there were no verbal or written rules in effect. It was an expectation from the parents that Jamie should have known
not to smoke. Jamie's parents should have talked to Jamie about the effects of smoking and why it is not allowed in the family when it was the
appropriate time. The proper parenting style according to the Family System Theory should incorporate overt rules, Clear boundaries and to give
positive
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19. Family Systems Theory : Family System Theory
Family Systems Theory In many ways family systems theory can be seen as a broad field where there many different implications that make up the
system, it is a system. A system is a set of objects that are bound together by a relationship, which are based around the attributes of the objects as
drawn upon by (Janet.BB, 1982). Family systems theory addresses the many different ideals and values that make up a typical family, these include the
roles each member of the family, the power relations either from the male of the family or both parents of the family, the boundaries that are set within
the family to ensure that the structure of the family is secure, in both individualistic and collectivist families this can be seen (Fred Rothbaum, 2002).
Abraham Maslow 's Hierarchy of needs
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs model is implemented off a hierarchal pyramid which is renowned as one the most motivational theories, it is
mainly incorporated with business dynamics, and it can also be used when relating to cultural diversity. Maslow 's hierarchy outlines in a hierarchal
order as drawn upon by (Patrick.A.G, 2003) quoted by Maslow that the needs are ' 'Physiological, safety, social, self–esteem, and self–actualization ' '.
The physiological needs are the basis that an individual will attain such as, basic human needs which incorporate survival, food and shelter. After the
physiological needs have been met, safety and security is the next priority need on the hierarchy,
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20. Family Systems Theory : Family System Theory
Within every family exists a system within itself. Family systems theory proposes that each family member affects the other, which contributes to the
overall dynamic of the family system. In every family, there are three concepts that govern how a family functions, whether positive or negative.
Homeostasis is how members attempt to keep order and control, feedback is how they communicate and bond with each other, and boundaries are how
the family creates clear lines of contact between each other and the outside world (Lander, Howsare, & Byrne, 2013). When events occur within each
family, members adapt to maintain order and cohesion, and consequences are inevitable.
Every family has its own dynamics, but within the Brutoco nuclear family...show more content...
"Darya required a lot of attention because of her learning disabilities, she was needy. Rinaldo (Darya's father) thought she had Fetal Alcohol Syndrome"
(L. Brutoco, personal communication, October 10, 2017). Darya was the ninth child born to an alcoholic mother and institutionalized from an early age.
Necessary attachment bonds were missing, contributing to the confusing feedback the daughter received in early childhood. Risk factors of
institutionalization, attachment dysfunction, and behavior difficulties all contributed to the shifting dynamic of the Brutoco family unit.
Consequently, communication styles of parenting and marital conflict ensued when parents were triggered by their incompetence in handling the
behavioral difficulties of the adopted child. Authors Chasnoff, Farina, & Leifer found there were strong correlations between levels of insecure
attachment in children, who displayed behavior difficulties resulting from institutionalized care, and parenting stress leading to externalizing blame
onto the child (Chasnoff, Farina, & Leifer, 2004). "Rinaldo believed Darya was causing the disruption in the family. His anger and rage was frequently
triggered by her manipulative behaviors" (L. Brutoco, personal communication, October 10, 2017). To maintain homeostasis within the marriage, the
father focused his frustration onto the child with significant behavior difficulties.
Parenting styles
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