Family Systems Theory Paper

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

Family System Theory (FST) is defined as a social unit in which each member of the family cannot be understood in isolation from one another, but rather as a part of their family (Family System Theory, n.d.). Consequently, In order to be a system, the behavior of each family member should be in a pattern as well as repetitive. However, all family systems are unique; in conjunction with differentiation among individuals in each family. Equilibrium in a family system is maintaining the same patterns and behaviors, disruption results in imbalance. In order to maintain homeostasis each family member must enforce their role.

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

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.

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

Systems theory is a lens with which to view human behavior in relation to interactions with different systems, such as family, school, work, and community (Rogers, 2016). Assessing how families function through a systems theory lens allows social workers to examine and understand the different systems that affect the family and the individual. It is a necessary tool in identifying how a family functions in relation to the systems in which it exists as well as identifying what influences are affecting the family. Recognizing these many influences will allow the social worker to understand strengths, weaknesses, and issues of the individual members of the family, as well as the family system as a whole (Thomlison, 2010).

The short film, ReMoved did a great job in producing an emotional illustration of a child experiencing the chaos that is the foster care system and child maltreatment through domestic violence and neglect. The film was informative enough to address popular theories regarding the subject. I believe the family systems theory applies to the story being told; the textbook states, “The theory looks not at the individual but at family interactions. It fixates on how each person is part of a wholes system and on how each family member affects all other members.”(text) The concepts introduced by this theory are shown in the film itself. For example, the girl exhibits a rule by not informing anyone around, of her abusive parents. Also, each family member

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.

After a thorough review of the textbook and the course material, the specific family system approach that I choose to explore is the Bowenian Approach for this literature review. This specific family system approach is also known as the Bowen Family System Theory as well (D.V. Papero, 2006). The Bowen Family System Theory was established by Murray Bowen, a theorist and psychiatrist who specialized in treating children who were deranged and had schizophrenia (Rockwell, 2010). In the 1950s, Bowen wanted to explore a new venture so he decided that he wanted all of the family members of each child to be involved in an therapeutic process at the same time (Rockwell, 2010).

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.

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.

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

1. Discuss several ways in which family systems theory can help clients understand their behavior. The Family systems theory helps the therapist and the client to understand any strengths and weaknesses of the client by investigating the family dynamics, rules and roles. Families helps to shape and form our self-identity and how we view ourselves which affect our lives directly.

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