Special Issue: Bowen family systems theory editorial

Abstract

A common thread woven throughout the diverse papers in this special ANZJFT issue on Bowen family systems theory, or Bowen theory, is the recognition that focusing solely on symptoms obscures the intricate emotional processes within families that underlie symptom development. At its core, Bowen theory is distinguished from other psychological frameworks in its embodiment of the natural and evolutionary sciences. Bowen theory posits that the family functions as the unit of treatment. Triangles – the three-person configurations managing anxiety, conflict and connection – serve as the smallest unit of treatment, interconnected within the broader family system.

Bowen theory's emphasis on growing emotional maturity amidst challenging relational dynamics in one's own family underscores its transformative potential in guiding individuals through adversity and addressing distressing symptoms within familial contexts. The articles in this special issue highlight this, speaking authoritatively to the endurance and relevance of Bowen family systems theory, forged through the pioneering work of psychiatrist, scientist and visionary Dr Murray Bowen.

Now, 25 years after its seminal articulation in 1999, Jenny Brown and Lauren Errington's article, ‘Bowen family systems theory: Illustration and critique revisited’, emerges as a pivotal update. This second edition not only provides a comprehensive overview of Bowen theory's conceptual framework but also explores its innovative developments, including the role of differentiation in therapeutic practice and introduces many clinicians to how coaching with an individual constitutes family therapy with one person. Moreover, it addresses misconceptions surrounding Bowen theory and offers clarity on its nuanced approach to balancing emotion and intellect within the family system.

Dan Papero's acute understanding of the mechanisms that underly the family emotional system is highlighted in his article, ‘The family emotional system’. Papero discusses the togetherness–individuality equilibrium, that delicate balance that exists between what it takes to belong and care for other members of the group, which may mean suspending or sacrificing one's individual goals or wishes in order to maintain belonging and how this is counter-weighted with the move for more autonomous and self-directed functioning. A more equal ratio between these forces equates with greater differentiation of self - autonomy in connection. When this ratio leans too much towards togetherness, this more often contributes to symptom development in one or more family members – regression more than progression, despite the apparent harmony that pervades the system. The paper stresses how understanding these processes can inform clinical practice and how work on differentiation of self can foster family resilience.

Anne McKnight's ‘Two perspectives on family rifts: The concepts of estrangement and cutoff’ provides a much-needed delineation between these two notions. According to Bowen theory, cut-off between family members reflects the way in which conflict is managed in a family trans-generationally. It provides information about the degree of anxiety and level of differentiation that is available to the family system. Estrangement, on the other hand, is a mechanism by which contact is reduced in order to manage emotional issues and/or perceptions of toxic or negative parenting. McKnight emphasises how understanding and engaging with patterns of cut-off and distance across generations is pivotal to any differentiation effort. This Bowen theory approach fosters more mature functioning and a broader, less reactive view of the emotional process of the family and contrasts with estrangement, which, if continues, puts increasing pressure on existing relationships, making them vulnerable to symptom development and reducing access to other resources the wider system can provide.

Treating a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder as a maladaptive symptom of the entire family system has had very positive effects on the wellbeing of the client and the whole family, according to Sydney-based family therapist, Martina Palombi. In her case study presentation, ‘Borderline personality disorder: A symptom of the family system’, Palombi demonstrates how concentrating the therapeutic effort on enhancing differentiation contributes to a reduction in severe symptoms in the most compromised person in the family and also increases the functioning of other family members. This important application of Bowen theory to a very challenging diagnosis highlights how the client's increasing capacity to function more autonomously and with more self-regulation involves an understanding of how symptoms are inextricably connected to family relationships. The differentiating effort for this client also involved ‘de-triangling’ from the pull of the family togetherness force, shifting symptoms and improving outcomes.

The paper ‘Intimate partner violence and Bowen family systems theories: Promoting safety and expanding capacity of families’ by Katherine Burke and Amie Post broadens the lens of a response to family violence to encourage the clinician to actively consider the role of the wider family unit in increasing or ameliorating the risk of polyvictimisation. When any reactivity to the threat of violence is high, the authors argue that important data may be obscured that may better evoke opportunities for sustained change and increased agency. They emphasise how a focus on differentiation of self, on being curious about the facts of the wider system's responses to challenge and the family emotional process over two or three or more generations can create conditions that allow for more thoughtful action in both the client and the clinician in the face of risk. The authors also argue that in maintaining emotional neutrality, clinicians are able to engage with families in a way that fosters understanding and change without exacerbating harmful dynamics or minimising the seriousness of violence.

The theme of the family as the emotional unit continues in the article written by Joanne Wright, Robyn Milligan and Michelle Varcoe titled ‘Reducing risk: Navigating emotional triangles in clinical work with youth suicidality and self-harm’. In the complex arena of child and adolescent mental health, these clinicians focus on how negotiating and intervening with the ebb and flow of the transfer of anxiety in triangles can mitigate the potential for tragic outcomes when faced with severely symptomatic at-risk presentations. The often much more compelling focus on the very worrying symptoms of the child can disguise the emotional divide and persistent insecurities that exist between parents that are contributing to the young person's symptoms, which reduce their capacity to be able to better regulate their own emotions and grow in independence both psychologically and developmentally. Through clinical vignettes, the paper demonstrates how therapists can step out of these triangles, facilitating a shift towards self-focus in parents, thereby reducing anxiety and fostering healthier family dynamics, ultimately aiding the therapeutic process and mitigating risk.

Carrie Collier and Ashley Mader's study ‘The language of nature in Murray Bowen's writings: How connection to nature informs Bowen theory and is essential to human survival’ is a very important addition to this special issue. Bowen's upbringing on a farm influenced his perspective, emphasising connections between human behaviour and natural systems. Analysing Bowen's professional letters, the study finds his writings grounded in nature-based language, highlighting the importance of family-of-origin work and understanding family patterns. Bowen advocates for a science-based understanding of human behaviour and predicts the evolution of his theory towards greater scientific grounding. He views emotional cut-off in families as akin to a tree losing its roots, stressing the need for families to reconnect with their origins. Bowen also addresses environmental challenges, advocating for human adaptation and a re-evaluation of our relationship with the earth. This study suggests that Bowen's theory offers insights into societal change, emphasising the importance of emotional connections and maturity in addressing environmental challenges. Bowen's work underscores the interconnectedness of family, humanity and the natural world, promoting a more integrated approach to individual, familial and environmental wellbeing.

Couple and family therapist Katherine White, from Living Systems Counselling in Vancouver, outlines her clinical framework in her article ‘Moving around the system: A way of working clinically using Bowen family systems theory’. The specific phases - observation, action and client agency – underpin her approach, which encourages clients to observe their behaviour across various contexts. Guided by this framework, therapists may be better able to assist the client towards greater self-awareness and expanded perspective about their dilemmas and facilitate more opportunities for the client to move towards more principle-driven behaviour. While challenges exist, this Bowen theory-guided approach avoids many of the pitfalls inherent in therapeutic work, which often invites overwhelm and over-responsibility in the therapist.

The paper by family therapist Peggy Chan from Hong Kong, ‘Bowen theory, culture and therapeutic applications to Asian families’ specifically focuses on Bowen theory and its applicability to Asian cultures. Bowen theory, rooted in research on Western families and emphasising individual autonomy, often faces scepticism related to its application to collectivistic cultures, despite its focus on the family as the emotional unit, not the individual. In this paper, Chan argues that Bowen theory's core concepts, such as the regulation of families by emotional processes, are biological and universal, making the theory applicable across cultures. Applying Bowen theory to non-Western families can enhance cultural sensitivity and promote the development of mature and flexible practices that are aligned with cultural values and nevertheless contribute to healthier family functioning.

Victoria Harrison's groundbreaking ‘Observations of change in physiology and family’ project is discussed in the interview with Linda MacKay. Harrison's project explores the physiological changes occurring during efforts to improve differentiation of self within families. By tracking physiological markers like muscle tension and brainwave activity, she uncovers the intricate connections between emotional processes and biological responses within family systems. Harrison talks about her earlier research, which extends beyond individual families to broader societal issues, such as the impact of relationships on reproductive health. A core concept of her work and application of Bowen theory is the significance of the emotional triangles within family systems. Triangles serve as the fundamental building blocks of relationships, influencing stability, symptoms and personal growth. By emphasising the importance of maintaining open person-to-person relationships within triangles, Harrison advocates for purposeful engagement with challenging family members and exploration of family history, and individuals can foster personal growth and alleviate symptoms. This interview highlights the transformative potential of Bowen theory in guiding both clinical practice and research endeavours.

No discussion of Bowen family systems theory would be comprehensive without acknowledging the work of psychiatrist Michael Kerr, who was closely mentored by Bowen and co-authored their book Family Evaluation (1988). In ‘A personal reflection on Bowen family systems theory’, Kerr discusses the intersection of theory with recent scientific findings on mind–body connections and illness in an interview with Linda MacKay. He highlights his continuing fascination with research, indicating that stimulating brain regions associated with positive emotion and motivation can influence healing processes, shedding light on the role of the emotional process and differentiation of self in physical health. Kerr also reflects on societal regression and the potential for Bowen theory to provide insight into societal dynamics and its ongoing relevance in understanding human behaviour and relationships and poignantly cites personal experiences and insights gained from his collaboration with Dr Murray Bowen.

The enduring legacy of Bowen family systems theory lies not only in its conceptual richness but also in its practical applications across diverse clinical contexts. From Dan Papero's exploration of the family emotional system to Anne McKnight's delineation of family rifts, each contribution to this special issue underscores the theory's capacity to illuminate complex relational dynamics, a capacity that moves well beyond cause-and-effect thinking that pervades other systemically informed family therapy theories. Furthermore, as evidenced by Martina Palombi's case study on borderline personality disorder and Katherine Burke and Amie Post's analysis of family violence, Bowen theory continues to offer profound insights into the interplay between individual symptoms and family dynamics. As practitioners navigate the intricate terrain of family therapy, Bowen's emphasis on differentiation, emotional processes and systemic interconnectedness remains indispensable in fostering resilience, promoting growth and improving functioning and wellbeing across the multi-generations of a family.