MFT National Exam 2023 Quick Study: Intergenerational Theory (Bowen) PDF

Quick Study: Intergenerational Theory (Bowen) Founder ● Murray Bowen Underpinnings ● ● Problems develop through a lack of intrapsychic and interpersonal differentiation. The inability to develop balance between intellect and emotion as well as self and others leads to anxiety. Theory of Change ●...

Quick Study: Intergenerational Theory (Bowen) Founder ● Murray Bowen Underpinnings ● ● Problems develop through a lack of intrapsychic and interpersonal differentiation. The inability to develop balance between intellect and emotion as well as self and others leads to anxiety. Theory of Change ● Anxiety is lowered within the current family system and between the current family and families-of-origin as a result of understanding multigenerational or current family dynamics and increasing differentiation of self. Role of Therapist ● ● ● ● Coach Maintains differentiated and non-anxious stance Non-reactive observer provides statements of opinion while avoiding interpretations Takes an “I” position Main Concepts ● ● ● ● ● Triangle: A three-person system that is considered to be the smallest stable emotional system. Triangulation: Occurs when two people under stress bring in a third person or thing (e.g., alcohol, church) in an attempt to minimize anxiety. Differentiation of Self: A main goal of therapy is to increase the level of differentiation of self. Refers to an individual’s ability to separate emotions from intellect in the face of anxiety. The less differentiation of self, the more fused a person and the greater dysfunction in the family. The greater the level of differentiation, the more a person is able to rely on their intellect while also enjoying intimacy of close relationships. High levels of differentiation from family of origin can be seen in individuals exhibiting healthy relationships with their family of creation (not fused, not distant). Differentiation of Self Scale: A 100-point scale broken into quadrants, with zero equaling no self (fusion) and 100 equaling realized self. Family Projection Process: The mechanism by which parental emotional issues are projected onto a child. For example, lower functioning parents tend to pass their low level of differentiation onto the most vulnerable child in the family. MFT National Exam © 2023 Therapist Development Center 1 ● ● ● ● ● ● Multigenerational Transmission Process: The concept of passing on patterns of behavior, roles, and levels of differentiation from one generation to the next, which perpetuates severe dysfunction in the family of creation. Nuclear Family Emotional System: (also referred to as undifferentiated family ego mass) Describes the dysfunctional emotional stuck-togetherness or fusion of the family that includes high levels of emotional reactivity and anxiety. Emotional Cutoff: Bowen’s term for flight from an unresolved emotional attachment to a person’s family of origin. It represents a false sense of freedom as the problems remain unresolved and continue to negatively affect the person attempting to disconnect. Emotional Fusion: A blurring of psychological boundaries between self and others. It is considered to be passed down from generation to generation. Genogram: Schematic diagram of the family system. Diagrams the family (typically three generations or more) to help determine critical turning points in the family emotional process, characteristics of family members, and provide an evolutionary picture of family. Sibling Position: The position of a child in the family relative to other siblings; oldest, youngest, middle child. Bowen believed that people who grow up in the same sibling position share important attributes. For instance, older siblings are more likely to seek out positions of leadership, and younger siblings are more inclined to be followers. Treatment Goals ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Distinguishing and choosing between intellect and emotion; increasing each family member’s level of differentiation. De-triangulation Decrease anxiety/stress and increase emotional neutrality. Help individuals learn more about themselves and their relationships, so they can assume responsibility for their own problems. Increase parents’ ability to manage their own anxiety/stress and thereby become better able to handle their children’s behavior. Repair emotional cut-offs Fortify the couples’ emotional functioning by increasing their ability to operate independently from their families-of-origin. Interventions ● ● ● ● ● Genograms Homework: Client gathers information on family dynamics; becomes a detective in their own family. Therapist as Coach or Teacher: Teach communication skills to the family. "I" Position: Teaching family members how to state their needs and thoughts without over-reacting. Processing Questions: The therapist asks questions to help clients clarify their role in the family’s emotional system. MFT National Exam © 2023 Therapist Development Center 2 ● Bibliography Phases of Treatment This is considered a longer-term treatment model and can last upwards of multiple years. Beginning: Create a family diagram of multigenerational emotional connections; assess individuals’ levels of differentiation and triangulation; identify dysfunctional patterns that have been passed along through the generations. Early/Middle: Teach and model differentiation through communication skill building; de-triangulation; encourage reunification of cut-off family members; teach the family members how to take responsibility for their feelings and thoughts. End: Review new skills and knowledge gained in therapy. MFT National Exam © 2023 Therapist Development Center 3