About Murry Bowen

A psychiatrist, Bowen had dedicated his life to the “human cause,” producing a remarkable new theory of human behavior, family systems theory, also known as Bowen theory. The new theory has the potential to replace most of Freudian theory and to radically change treatment approaches, not only in psychiatry, but in all of medicine. Potential applications of Bowen theory extend beyond the human family to nonfamily groups, including large organizations and society as a whole.*

*Gilbert, Roberta M. (2011-03-14). Extraordinary Relationships . Leading Systems Press LLC. Kindle Edition.

8 Concepts of Bowen Family Systems

Links to The Bowen Center

Triangles

When there are three people in a relationship. Triangles are neither good nor bad - they are. Triangles sometime have one person on the outside when the other two are strongly connected causing tension.

More: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/concepttri.html

Differentiation of Self

Strong grounding in personal guiding principles where a person does not depend on the approval of others for decisions. Each person in a group emotional system thinks for themselves rather than opting in to the will of the group in what's called "group think."

More: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/conceptds.html

Nuclear Family Emotional System

The basic family unit is where we learn patterns and behaviors. By observing our family, we learn about ourselves and gain abilities to observe other emotional systems.

More: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/conceptnf.html

Family Projection Process

We all inherit problems and strengths from our parents who have projected their fears and hopes to us. Observing these patterns frees us the be independent and function in basic self.

More: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/conceptfpp.html

Multigenerational Transmission Process

We all posses learned behaviors that have been taught to us knowingly and unknowingly through multiple generations. Response to these emotional triggers results in less differention of self. Observing these patterns allows us to make good decisions staying true to our basic self.

More: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/conceptmtp.html

Emotional Cutoff

This is where we avoid or minimize contact with people with whom we have unresolved tension. Often, we establish new relationships as a substitute with the same issues appearing over time. Meanwhile, the tension continues with the original person creating unresolved anxiety.

More: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/conceptec.html

Sibling Position

Bowen continues the research of Walter Tomin on the patterns of sibling position. Being aware of our position as well as the position of others in our emotional systems.

More: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/conceptsp.html

Societal Regression/Societal Emotional Process

There are parallel patterns in society and family systems. Observing these patterns of regression and progression can inform us about our personal relationship patterns in families and in irganizations.

More: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/conceptsep.html

Links:

8 Bowen Concepts on the Bowen Center Site: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/theory.html

Books on Bowen Syetems:

Extraordinary Relationships: A New Way of Thinking About Human Interactions http://amzn.to/HuEHlG