Family Systems
A Journal of Natural Systems Theory in Psychiatry and the
Sciences
Back Issues
Contents of Family Systems Volume 1, Number 1
ARTICLES
What Kind of System is the Family?
Polly D. Caskie, MMH
pp.7-19
The family movement's conceptual development has been influenced by three important systems
theories: cybernetics, general systems theory, and natural systems theory.
Careful examination of the basic assumptions, conceptual origins, and primary
goals of these theories reveal important differences which have
consequences for the future development of theory and research in the field of
family.
Darwin's theory of evolution by means of natural selection, a natural systems
theory, contains the basic premise that, despite our uniqueness, human beings
are a part of nature and subject to the same evolutionary forces as the rest of
the living world. That premise is the bedrock on which Bowen family systems
theory is built and is the vantage point from which Bowen developed a unique
view of the family as a natural system. This view of the family as a natural
system differs from other concepts of systems frequently applied to the family.
Differentiation in Cellular, Social, and Family Systems
John Tyler Bonner, PhD
pp. 20-32
There is a fundamental sameness in how cells group together to form a
multicellular organism, how individual animals come together to form a social
group, and how members of a human family form an integrated unit. It involves
the differentiation of members of the group so that they assume varied roles
that come to some sort of equilibrium. For each level two mechanisms are
involved: one is the result of the immediate environment that directly
influences the nature of the differentiation of the individuals, and the other
is the result of the innate make-up of all the individuals that leads to their
finding their proper role in the group.
Bowen Family Systems Theory and the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
James Hasselle, MD
pp. 33-43
Bowen family systems theory is used to conceptualize disorder and guide
behavior on an inpatient psychiatric unit. Bowen theory represents a natural
systems framework for considering function and dysfunction. The unit is
described, including the admission and evaluation process. The concepts of the
emotional system, differentiation of self, individual togetherness forces,
triangles, and societal emotional process facilitate understanding the
"identified patient" as a component of his own family emotional system. Also
considered are the patient's and the family's emotional functioning as a
component of the larger societal emotional system represented by the hospital.
An awareness of the emotional processes has the potential to reduce the risk of
unwittingly repeating in the treatment process and in the societal system those
components that have supported the dysfunction leading to hospitalization.
Neutrality in a Violent World
Stephanie J. Ferrera, MSW
pp. 44-56
Many theorists have
postulated an innate drive to explain aggression. Some have considered it a
destructive and dangerous drive. A natural systems view is more neutral. It
seeks to understand aggression both as a natural phenomenon, an adaptation
which evolved in many species due to its contribution to survival and
reproductive success, and as a systems phenomenon, a behavior which evolves and
is shaped and regulated in the context of relationship systems. Wilson views
aggressive behavior as a spectrum of responses rather than a single drive, and
delineates seven forms seen in animals and humans. De Waal observes that
fighting in primates is usually followed by reconciling, and believes that the
interplay of the two cements social bonds. Bowenås theory of the emotional
system and differentiation of self makes it possible to understand the full
spectrum of aggressive behavior, from the well-regulated level to the violent
level on a single continuum without invoking a unique or pathological drive to
account for violence. The effort toward a scientific and neutral theory of
aggression informs the effort to develop ethical principles for regulating this
behavior.
BRIEF REPORT
Addiction to Prescribed Medications
Roberta M. Gilbert, MD
pp. 57-66
Sixteen people were
seen in psychiatric consultation for addiction to prescribed medications.
Addiction to prescribed medication invariably involves a problem in the
physician/patient relationship as well as in the relationship system of the
patient. Using the theoretical framework of Bowen family systems theory, the
consultant understood the relationship problem as an
overfunctioning/underfunctioning reciprocity. The relationship pattern is
outlined and described as are the theoretical principles applied in the
relationship dilemmas. Theory was used to point the way out of the
difficulties. Patients were in charge of planning their own treatment.
Psychotherapy and, for some, biofeedback training, were utilized. Fifteen
patients were able to withdraw themselves from prescribed medications and
function better in relationships.
FACULTY CASE CONFERENCE
Abuse as a Symptom of the Family System
Presenter: Kathleen B. Kerr, MSN, MA
pp. 67-80
This clinical case report is based on a presentation at a Faculty Case Conference
in November 1993. Identifying data has been altered to protect confidentiality.
The main purpose of this presentation was to discuss a topical area --abuse-- from the
perspective of Bowen family systems theory rather than to present a
comprehensive family evaluation.
BOOK REVIEWS
Sex and Friendship in Baboons
Barbara Boardman Smuts
reviewed by
Margaret G. Donley, MSW
pp. 81-84
The Diversity of Life
Edward O. Wilson
reviewed by
Daniel V. Papero, PhD, MSSW
pp.85-91
The Biology of the Naked Mole Rat
Paul W. Sherman, Jennifer U. M. Jarvis, and
Richard D. Alexander, editors
reviewed by
Michael E. Kerr, MD
pp.93-96
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