Research

Murray Bowen considered conducting original research and connecting to the natural sciences to be as important for understanding and developing Bowen theory as one’s own family research.  CSNSF strives to provide resources and programs for research pursuits based in Bowen family systems theory

Dr. Ziegler is recently retired director of Assay Services at Wisconsin National Primate Research Center where she worked closely with Dr. Chuck Snowdon to teach and mentor students in the study of hormonal communication between mother, father, and offspring in marmoset and tamarin families.  Dr. Ziegler has presented on “The Regulation of Ovulation in Relationships” and other aspects of her work at the CSNSF Facts of Life conference series.

In this interview recording, Dr. Ziegler discusses The Research Process and how it is relevant to the study of Bowen theory.  She provided this outline for those who aim to pursue their own research projects: 

The Research Process

In this interview recording, Dr. Ziegler discusses The Research Process and how it is relevant to the study of Bowen theory.  She provided this outline for those who aim to pursue their own research projects:  (Can you put this list in a box?)

“Research is the process for discovery of new information. It tests hypotheses and adds to our database of knowledge.”

1. To perform research, a knowledge of the field and what questions would enhance knowledge in a specific field are necessary.

2. Define the Research question and test the hypothesis and the alternative.

3. Make Predictions that are subsets of the hypothesis.

4. Define the significance of the research

5. The project aims and novelty of the research project. What will your research contribute?

6. Methods

    • What is the population
    • Who are the subjects
    • Setup to test with statistics
    • Correlation or causation?
    • Experimental Design or Observational design
    • Data Collection

7. Define expected results and alternatives

8. Define the impact of your study and findings

Ongoing Research Projects at CSNSF

Observations of Change Project

This research project investigates changes in physiology and functioning that accompany working on differentiation of self, the basis for family systems psychotherapy based in Bowen theory. Participants Complete a multigenerational family history Monitor physiological...

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Health and Reproduction

Victoria Harrison has pursued research projects using Bowen theory to better understand symptoms that impact health and reproduction since 1980. The history of health problems in her own family and the opportunity to work with families experiencing infertility related to various diagnoses fueled what has become a life’s work.

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