Family Systems
A Journal of Natural Systems Theory in Psychiatry and the
Sciences
Back Issues
Contents of Family Systems Volume 6, Number 1
ARTICLES
Complexity, Variability, and Change in Symbiotic Associations
Mary Beth Saffo, PhD
pp. 3-19
Symbiosis-the intimate association between two or more species-is a surprising biological phenomenon, because the presence, in all organisms, of defense mechanisms against “nonself” would seem to preclude the persistence of intimate, protracted interspecies associations. Nevertheless, symbiosis is a very common way of life. This paper reviews several examples of this evolutionarily and ecologically important interaction, illustrates some of the complexities of symbiosis dynamics, and introduces some questions and methodological issues of symbiosis research. Five generalizations about symbiotic dynamics are addressed: (1) The evolutionary consequences of symbiosis often defy simple definition. (2) The dynamics of symbiotic interactions change over time. (3) Symbiotic life has a cost. The cost/benefit balance of symbiotic associations can be affected by environmental changes. (4) The most important aspects of interspecies interactions may not be the most obvious ones. (5) Symbiotic interactions reflect both the conflicts and the connections between species individuality and species partnerships.
Suicide: A Family Emotional Regression
Hal DeShong, PhD
pp. 21-44
When an individual suicides, an anxiety storm sweeps through the family system and overwhelms objectivity. In calmer moments, those involved perceive that many individuals and variables have played a part; but when the pressure is on, the seductive tendency is to explain what has occurred through reductionistic speculations and conclusions. Members of the family system are drawn toward blaming a person, a relationship, a substance, an event, or a simplistic combination of these. The interactive broader picture is lost in the effort to subdue enormous anxiety.
Suicide, viewed from a Bowen systems perspective, is a manifestation of a family emotional system in disorder. This paper examines the facts in one family’s regressive emotional system. It is hoped that this examination will stimulate interest in the question: If a family had a way of understanding emotional processhow the functioning of each member influences the system, particularly how certain positions collect uneven portions of chronic anxiety, and how the functioning of each member either promotes or undermines this processcould a regression be slowed enough to reduce the lethality of the situation?
The Family as a Source of Nongenomic Heritable Variation
Robert J. Noone, PhD
pp. 47-66
The study of the family and recent developments in the neurosciences raise interesting questions for evolutionary biology regarding the nongenomic transmission of characteristics over multiple generations. Observations relevant to these questions will be presented along with some discussion about their relevance to evolutionary biology.
BRIEF REPORTS
Triangles: “The Glue” of Bowen Family Systems Theory
Patricia A. Comella, JD
pp. 67-76
Bowen family systems theory is a descriptive theory about emotional process in the human species. The theory describes several interlocking concepts. This paper presents a brief discussion of the concept of the “triangle,” which was critical to integration of the theory. Until Bowen “saw” the centrality of triangles to emotional process, integration of the theory eluded him. Once Bowen saw triangles, he “became a different person.” The paper also offers several comparative examples from the realm of human and nonhuman behavior to illustrate the concept of the triangle.
FACULTY CASE CONFERENCE
Multiple Family Therapy
Presenter: Kathleen B. Kerr, MSN, MA
pp. 77-96
A presentation at a Faculty Clinical Conference in April 2001 is the basis for this presentation of multiple family therapy at a local court¹s Family Services Unit with three families. Approximately thirty-one years ago, this multiple was established for staff training. Dr. Francis Andres was the consultant who did the multiple. In 1998, the court contacted the Family Center for a new consultant since Dr. Andres was moving from the area. The presenter began doing the multiple in July 1998. It is the only court-sponsored therapy for the families that participate, although they may be doing outside therapy for any number of reasons. It is exciting to see how the multiple format potentiates change in three families who are making substantive change in their functional if not basic level of self.
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