Bowen theory, a natural systems
theory of the family, provides a conceptual framework for recognizing the
impact of relationships between family members, within organizations and
in society on human biology and behavior. Bowen theory can
help identify factors that impact health and reproduction and guide the
application of knowledge in ways that are specific to the family and to
the relationship of influence. To learn more about utilizing the
Bowen theory as a resource , see the Calendar
of Events for upcoming conferences or contact Victoria Harrison,
vh@vaharrison@sbcglobal.net.
The first educational programs in Bowen
theory were developed by Murray Bowen himself, as he came to see human
behavior as a part of evolution, governed by natural forces evident in
the rest of life. Those of us who study Bowen theory, ourselves and
our families, or aspects of human nature that are addressed in our work
are indebted to research and teaching at Georgetown Family Center established
by Dr. Bowen in Washington, D. C.
Bowen Theory
Murray Bowen (1913-1990) developed
a new theory of human functioning based upon what was considered scientific
in the work of Freud upon studies in evolution and the natural sciences
and upon his own research. First called "family systems theory",
Bowen theory is a natural systems theory distinct from general systems
theory, from the individual theories of psychiatry, medicine and psychology,
and from group theories in sociology and sociobiology.
During his study of psychiatry at
The Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas from 1946-1954, Bowen read extensively
in biology and the study of evolution. His changing view of human
functioning led to development o a research project at the National Institute
of Mental Health in which families with a schizophrenic member were studied
over a five-year period. The nuclear family process came alive.
From 1954 to 1959, Dr. Bowen began to define concepts about the family
as an emotional system that governs the biology and behavior of individuals.
The first chapters in Family Therapy in Clinical Practice describe
early work in defining the difference between conventional theory and this
new view of the human as part of a family emotional system.
By the time Bowen came to Georgetown
University in 1959, the basic concepts of theory were organized into eight
interconnected variables: the emotional system with its variation in the
counterbalance between togetherness and individuality; levels of differentiation
of self; mechanisms of reactivity in the nuclear family; triangles; multigenerational
transmission process; sibling position; anxiety, chronic and acute; and
emotional cut off. no one concept could be explained by another concept.
No one concept could be eliminated or isolated from the theory. Clinical
families, Bowen's own family system, and all of human society were studied
within the framework of theory.
Bowen theory is not a theory about
pathology, but about the interaction of variables that produce variation
in human functioning. Instead of reducing the explanation of physical
illness, for example, to one cause and the effect, natural systems theory
outlines related variables to predict individual variation in health.
Any symptoms, be they physical, psychiatric, behavioral, social or societal,
are studied within the same broad theoretical framework. Both biology
and behavior are considered under the influence of the same variables.
Symptoms and stability are the outcome of the same variables.
It became obvious early that theoretical
differences afforded new avenues and approaches in psychotherapy, medicine,
and health care. The theoretical foundation provides the direction
for therapy rather than diagnostic categories, techniques, or emotional
reactions of the therapist. Bowen theory does not focus on the number
of family members in the room but upon the thinking of the therapist.
Decisions about who to see are based upon assessment of levels of differentiation
of self, and upon determining strengths and leadership within the family.
In this theory, one therapist best consults to the most motivated and responsible
family member or to a variety of family members rather than referring family
members to different mental health professionals, an individual therapist,
a couple's counselor, a child psychologist, etc.
References
Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice, 1978.
Michael Kerr, Family Evaluation, 1988.
Daniel Papero, Bowen Family Systems Theory, 1990.
Roberta Gilbert, Extraordinary Relationships, 1993.
Family Systems, the Journal of
Natural Systems Thinking in Psychiatry,
Georgetown Family Center, 4400
MacArthur Blvd. NW, Suite 103, Washington, D. C. 20007
