Bowen Theory: An Examination Of Myself In The Family

Bowen Theory views the family as one type of natural system. It is characterized as “an emotional unit consisting of interlocking relationships best understood within a multigenerational and historical context”. (Kerr & Bowen, 1988). It provides a conceptual framework for understanding the impact of relationships among family members and the influence to health. It is constructed with 8 interlocking concepts. Through seeing, feeling, and naming the anxiety present in ourselves, others, and the larger system, we can manage our behavior and make some changes, and the 8 concepts become the tools by which we can learn to construct a better self. This paper aims to demonstrate to examine myself in the family by using Bowen theory. I will not apply

We stayed in physical contact but avoided sensitive issues. “Cutoff is the reverse of fusion, and occurs when individuals are unable to manage unresolved issues with family of origin members” (Kerr, 2003). I experienced that I can manage the relationship better when I cutoff the relationship with them although the problems are prominent and unresolved. “The more a person cuts off from family of origin, the more he/she looks to his spouse, children, and friends to meet his needs” (Rovers et. at., 2007). When I was studying in university, I spent much time on engaging with friends and relationships. It can help me reduced the anxiety experienced from my family. When I went to India for 6-months voluntary work, my brother got furious at me and blamed him for upsetting my parents. Since I moved out from my parents, I try to stabilize the relationship with my parents by creating social relationships and work

For example, meeting or making contacts with other family members of my nuclear family like uncle and Aunt, looking for family photos and reading diary of my grandparents. I believe making multigenerational contacts can provide opportunities to activate the triangles in the family system and detriangling of self for the family. Furthermore, I needs to develop objectivity. Knowing more about my previous generation can provide me with more understanding about the development of their self differentiation. I can explore how people in my family mutually influenced each other’s functioning and help preventing passing the anxiety from parents to children through generations.
CONCLUSION
I have discussed the 4 interlocking concepts of Bowen theory including Triangle, differentiation of self, emotional cutoff and sibling position by using me in my nuclear family and extended family as the example. I have suggested the ways to enhance my differentiation of self which also the ways to help me applying Bowen theory in my work too.