Family Systems Theory Paper

Nuclear family emotional system is a concept describing four primary relationship patterns of emotional functioning, which are matrimonial conflict, dysfunction in a spouse, impairment in children, and emotional detachment (Haefner, 2014). Family reactions to such are imitations of previous generations, as well as predictors of how future generations will react. The family projective process is when children inherit the strengths and weaknesses of their parents, such as emotional issues (Haefner, 2014). Multigenerational transmission is the progression of family ideals and traditions to multiple generations, which are either supportive or detrimental (Haefner, 2014).

In The Family Crucible, Augustus Napier and Carl Whitaker’s form of therapy was strongly influenced by family systems theory, a burgeoning theory of the time. General systems theory examines relationships between elements that constitute a whole (Andreae, 2011, p. 243). When applied to families, this theory views the family as an emotional unit and uses systems thinking to describe the complex interactions in the unit (The

More importantly, newer research has investigated the importance of family-based therapy for adolescents who practice drug abuse. Research by Liddle et al. suggests that multidimensional family therapy reduces substance abuse, delinquency, risks for future problems, and encourages the protective processes more than group treatments over the course of one year (21-22). Although previous research on family-based

The systems Perspective sees human behavior as the outcome of interactions within and among systems with interrelated and interdependent parts; as defined by its boundaries. Changing one part of the system affects other parts and the whole system, with predictable patterns of behavior (Hutchinson, 2015). The family system has been a widely used theory of family interventions and assessment. The family systems theory is focused on the family dynamic, involving structures, roles, communication patterns, boundaries, and power relation (Rothbaum, 2004). Many theorist such as Bowen, developed the systems theory that focuses on how a

The objective of any counseling intervention is to create efficacy with their client in their ability to stop using substances to in order to meet and adhere to personal goals and values in pursuit of enjoying life within society constructs. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interview (MI) are two therapies used to assist individual and families with changing behavior and actions with adults and adolescent displaying substance use disorder (SUD). Consequently, many psychosocial, mental health care approaches have shown encouragement in reducing SUD adolescent and family therapies. CBT offers a logical approach for administering methodology that may show congruency for adolescent SUD given the high-risk behaviors and maladaptive

In terms of a system, the meaning is a consistent arrangement of things connected to form unity or to operate as a whole. These systems are dated back in origins to the 1950’s and 1960’s. In this theory we must understand an individual’s family and how it works for that family daily in the community, neighborhood, social aspect, and etcetera. When one part of the system changes, the whole system changes. When everything is balanced it is said to be in equilibrium or homeostasis which seemingly is a good thing (Poorman, 2003). There are many skills

Data analysis from this one interview revealed the following about Mexican American Families. The decision to immigrate to the U.S. involves several push and pull factors that influence people to make this choice. In the case of Jane Doe she felt that it was necessary because “tienes que salir adelante” (Interview, 2015), which translates to you have to get ahead. She talked about how the U.S. offered great promises of work and a better life for her and her two children. Reoccurring themes through out the interview is the reliance on family and friends, personal space, emotional support, and tradition.

Family dynamic and Education. There are multiple generations who are living in the Twin River housing. We need to stress the importance of education and empire the younger generation to be more self-reliant to be able to break the cycle. Although children are going to school, it is at home and the surrounding neighborhood that also teaches life lessons. Being isolated and surrounded by homeless, drugs, and gang members will promote bad behaviors and violence that the children may learn from watching. Parents are sometimes helpless not being able to shield their children from the harsh reality. Children acting out in school from learned behavior at home or around the neighborhood may cause them to be in trouble with the law or drop out of school. This isolated community will soon have a new life. The socialization of different class will have a great benefit to the younger generations overall wellbeing and health. According to Healthy People 2020, “For a community to improve its health, its members must often change

Murray Bowen, an American psychiatrist, began developing what would become known as the family systems theory during the mid-20th century. He believed that the family was an emotional unit and that it could be best understood by looking not just at current family interactions but the interactions of prior generations as well (Helm, 2009). His focus was on using theory, not therapy, to treat the patient and the cornerstone of that theory is that human behavior is based on a person being able to “maintain intimacy with loved ones while differentiating themselves sufficiently as individuals so as not to be swept up by what is transpiring within the family” (p. 205).

Subsystems are smaller systems within the larger system (Rogers, 2016). For example, a family system may include the mother, father, and two children. A subsystem would consist of the relationship between just the mother and father within the context of the family and how their relationship affects the family functioning. The relationship between siblings could also be a subsystem within the family. The interactions between members of the subsystems affect the larger system and vice versa. Attachment, emotional closeness, and communication occurs within the subsystems and helps to promote individual development and influence behaviors (Thomlison, 2010). Healthy family subsystems help support

The family systems theory originated in the 1950’s by a man named Murray Bowen. He was a believer that within a family there is an emotional component that exists which influences the degree of separateness (differentiation of self) and togetherness (fusion) (Nugent, p. 179). According to Bowen, the differentiation of self is crucial for the entire family. A family that is dysfunctional becomes emotionally dependent on each other, in essence fusing together, and allowing them opportunities to lose their individual identities. He believes that this chokes their growth, maturity, and feelings for each other. Though, a family that is emotionally mature creates an effective balance of differentiation which allows togetherness to be maintained (Nugent, p. 179). When this happens, individual family members can show their individuality without becoming fused and still maintain consideration for others. Bowen further states how fusion can lead to the development something he calls triangles. Triangles are when two members of a family align, while a third becomes an outsider and a scapegoat (Nugent, p. 179). It is explained as two fused family members arguing with each other with one or the other bringing in a third family member to settle a locked conflict. The third member ends up taking sides with one of the arguing members and ends up becoming the scapegoat. Once the conflict becomes unbearable, a fourth person maybe drawn in to it forcing a realignment of the triangle. Bowen

When family members are a part of an individual’s treatment process, it can be an essential factor. One of the unique characteristics of having families partake in addiction treatment is the resiliency (Van Wormer & Davis, 2013). Every family member can benefit from treatment. Family members can work on communication skills, underlying emotions, and acceptance (Van Wormer & Davis, 2013). The family as a whole can build resiliency and overcome the disease of addiction.

Positive parental practices and direct involvement in an adolescent’s substance abuse treatment is “best practice” and will increase the adolescent’s rate of success in substance abuse treatment. Parents that are actively involved in their child’s life reduce the risk of adolescent drug and alcohol abuse. Data has been documented through research that the parents who are active participants in their child’s treatment is a “best practice” method. This specific type of research has not existed in a consistent manner over the last decade, but is becoming increasingly noticed as more treatment centers are incorporating holistic approaches to treatment, including parent interactions as a main key. Using a holistic approach, positive parent influence has specifically been related to a decrease in substance abuse in adolescents into early adulthood. Substance abuse continues to be a wide-spread problem amongst adolescents who do not receive proper treatment through a holistic approach, including parents and family members. Critical evidence has shown that family involvement in the treatment process is effective and will increase the adolescent success rate in recovery from addiction (Beaudoin, 2013, p. 28). Early detection of alcohol

Another important approach to helping adolescent with substance abuse is family and community support. Family therapies can help strengthen the family relationship and help improve communication. According to Horigian, Anderson, and Szapocznik (2016) they concluded from their research that family therapy has been the most effective approach to help adolescent with substance use disorder. This may allow the adolescent to have a place to reach out to for help and provide a network of support. The community, including school, friends, peers, and mentors are also a great source of support and encouragement that can help the adolescent abstained from drugs.

Murray Bowens family systems theory focuses on ordering and defining relationships and conceptualizes the potential for growth within humans (Metcalf, 2011, p. 39). With this is mind this report aims to explore the history, concepts and principles of Murray Bowen’s family systems theory as well as apply these concepts to a case study regarding the Aleppo family. Firstly this report will explore the historical origins of Bowen’s theory followed by a description of the 8 main concepts and the key principles of the approach of this method. Secondly the report will link the applications of Bowen’s theory to the Aleppo case study and explore how a therapist would interact with this family when utilizing Bowen’s approach. Lastly an evaluation of the strengths and limitations of this approach will be explored.