8 Major Theoretical Constructs of Bowenian Family Therapy – Flashcards

Core concept; Client is more independent and able to think through situations without being drawn to act by either external or internal pressures.

Counterpart of differentiation; the tendency for family members to share emotional responses. This is the result of poor interpersonal boundaries between family members. " Fused Families" offer little room for emotional autonomy.

Emphasizes the connection of current generations to past generations as a natural process. Gives the present a context in history.

Network of relationships among three people. Relationship can remain stable until anxiety is introduced. It is impossible for two people to interact without triangulation.

The most basic unit in society. Describes 4 basic relationship patterns that govern where problems develop in a family.4 basic relationship patterns 1.MArital conflict;2.Dysfunction in one spouse;3.Impairment of one or more children;4.Emotional distance. Overall concern over the degree to which emotional fusion can occur in a family system.

Factor in determining personality. Birth order influences how he/she relates to parents and siblings. Birth order determines the triangles that clients grow up in.

Manifested by problems such as depletion of natural resources.

Describes the primary way that parents transmit their emotional problems to a child. Three step process 1.Parent focuses on the child out of fear that something is wrong with the child;2.The parent interprets the child's behavior as confirming the fear'3.The parent treats the child as if something is really wrong with the child.