Bowen family systems
theory, developed by Dr. Murray Bowen, beginning in the 1950's, and
developed throughout his life, is a new way of thinking about the
human phenomenon. In it, the nuclear family, rather than the
individual, is seen as the emotional unit. Several concepts grow out
of that basic understanding, including, among others, the scale of
differentiation of self, emotional cutoff and the importance of the
generations to functioning of people in the present.
The tremendous usefulness of the theory in the
lives of individuals and families gave rise to a new and more
effective psychotherapy. Organizations such as businesses and
congregations have used the ideas with great benefit. Leadership
training based on Bowen theory is proving to have effectiveness for
those in religious, business, educational and other types of
organizations.
His major papers are found in his book,
"Family Therapy in Clinical Practice," Aronson, New York, 1978
Publisher Jason Aronson.
Here are some quotations from Dr. Bowen's
work:
"If
society functioned on a higher level, we would have a higher
percentage
of
people oriented to responsibility for self and others.. . ." p 449
". .
. what man thinks about himself , and what he says about himself, is
different in many important ways from what he is." P.158
"As
families move from the compartmentalized, less mature world of
secrets and foibles which they assume they are keeping under cover,
and into the world of permitting their private selves to be more
open and a possible example for others to follow, they grow up a
little each day." P. 520
"The goal is to be as much of a 'self' as is
possible. . .and to permit the others as much latitude as possible
toward developing their selfs." P 463
"Any time one key member of an organization
can be responsibly responsible for self, the problem in the
organization will resolve." P.463
"There is a fine line between accepting the
responsibility for the part self plays in a situation and accepting
the 'blame' for it." P.464
