Questions and Answers
Who developed family systems theory?
Murray Bowen
According to family systems theory, what is the basic common reality for all families that comes with living and expresses itself emotionally and physically?
anxiety
How does family systems theory define family?
as a system of interrelated, interdependent people whereby each person is intimately and intricately connected to others, like a living organism
What are the characteristics of family systems according to family systems theory?
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How is birth order relevant to family systems theory?
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What are the common characteristics of only children?
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What are the common characteristics of middle children?
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What are the common characteristics of firstborns?
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What are the common characteristics of last borns?
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How does the birth order researcher differentiate firstborns and later borns?
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What does it mean to describe the family as an ecosystem?
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According to family systems theory, what two basic forces does family functioning and development rest on?
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What happens to families with less effective methods of dealing with anxiety?
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What are some positive ways that families deal with anxiety?
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What are some negative ways that families deal with anxiety?
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Study Notes
Family Systems Theory Overview
- Developed by Murray Bowen, who was part of a large, close-knit family in Tennessee.
- Family systems theory emphasizes the influence of family dynamics on individuals.
Core Concepts
- Basic Reality: Anxiety is the foundational emotional experience for families.
- Family as a System: Families are interrelated and interdependent, similar to a living organism.
Characteristics of Family Systems
- Composed of interrelated elements that create a whole.
- Interactions occur in predictable patterns.
- Maintains a state of equilibrium.
- Establishes unwritten rules about openness and boundaries.
- The whole is greater than the sum of its parts (composition law).
- Contains subsystems with specific rules and alliances.
Birth Order Influence
- Birth order affects general patterns of behavior and personal strategies within the family hierarchy.
- Each child has a unique position that impacts their identity and relations with family members.
Characteristics by Birth Order
- Only Children: Highly motivated, thorough, cautious, fearful of failure, often prefer older or younger peers.
- Middle Children: Act as mediators, independent, nonconformist, and loyal to friends.
- Firstborns: Perfectionists, reliable, natural leaders, critical, and tend to be more serious.
- Last Borns: Charming, attention-seeking, engaging, affectionate, and often more liberal.
Firstborns vs. Later Borns
- Firstborns frequently take on leadership roles, with many U.S. presidents being firstborns.
- Later borns tend to be more innovative and adaptable.
Family as an Ecosystem
- Family members are interdependent, affecting each other's emotions and actions.
- Members rely on one another for emotional support and approval.
Forces in Family Functioning
- Balance between individuality (self-identity) and togetherness (family connection) is crucial.
- Healthy relationships arise from this balance; imbalance leads to dysfunction.
Coping with Anxiety in Families
- Positive Coping Mechanisms: Daily routines, humor, shared meals, and engaging in arts or sports.
- Negative Coping Mechanisms: Sarcasm, shaming, defensiveness, substance abuse.
Effects of Ineffective Anxiety Management
- Families that struggle with anxiety are more vulnerable to stress and chronic dysfunction.
Differentiation in Family Systems
- Differentiation: The process of developing a strong sense of self while maintaining emotional connections to the family.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Family Systems Theory with these flashcards. Learn about key figures like Murray Bowen and the foundational concepts of anxiety as it relates to family dynamics. Perfect for students or anyone interested in psychology and family studies.