Murray Bowan “We are able to change behaviors based on awareness…” Family Systems Theory Murray Bowan “We are able to change behaviors based on awareness…”

Awareness Understanding impact of present and past family patterns of behavior on the choices we make Can lead to intentional desire to make changes Refusal to continue cycle

Family Nuclear family of origin Includes family history/relationships Single emotional unit of relationships that intermingle over generations Family Dynamics – key to understanding current behaviors Behavior determined by many factors of holistic being

Behavior Preceded by feelings that to some degree can be controlled by the ability to think Ability to predict our own patterns of response based on an awareness of our family dynamics

Level of Differentiation Behavior and Relationships Degree to which one defines “self” in terms of values and beliefs Directly correlated to anxiety felt in response to stress Solid self - behavior based on internal convictions and principles Pseudo self - behavior reflects outside influence or locus of control

Reaction to Anxiety/Stress Solid self Adaptable Flexible Copes more effectively Pseudo self Less adaptive Less flexible Relies on external sources to cope

Relationships Tend to seek partners of similar differentiation Open family system – Made up of persons with predominantly solid selves Closed family system – Willing to compromise values when pressured by outside sources How would these relationships differ?

Closed Family System Dysfunction Fusion Rigid standards of control and loss of self Increased anxiety within family

Dysfunctional Family System Emotional distancing Conflict Eventual dysfunction of one or more family members Triangles Projection to family members creating spiral effect

Application – Structuring Family Systems Nuclear family system What role does each member play? What were the relationships? Was it an open or closed family system? Was it a flexible environment? Were children allowed to voice opinions? What type of relationships have developed out of this family? How has this affected where you are today?