Case Report

Review of A Case Study in Light of Bowen Theory: Differentiation of Self

Volume: 3 Number: 5 June 30, 2019
TR EN

Review of A Case Study in Light of Bowen Theory: Differentiation of Self

Abstract

The major purpose of this paper is to illustrate the theory, practice, and outcome of Bowen’s Family Systems Theory. Murray Bowen is a founder of the family systems theory and one of the pioneers in family therapy. Bowen defined the term “differentiation of self” as a capacity to gain a balance between emotional and intellectual functioning without fusion. Bowen established this term in light of the family system theory and he believed self-differentiation is closely related to an individual’s family life. With this term, Bowen addressed emotional maturity and maintaining independent thinking during emotional relationships. Bowen Theory has greatly influenced the world of family therapy and also studies demonstrated its effectiveness on individual therapy work. This article involves emphasizing the formulation of Bowen theory and application to a case example of an individual who struggles with differentiation. First, this paper will review the development of Bowen’s theory, then, it will illustrate Bowen’s eight interlocking terms. Finally, this paper will present a clinical example, applying family systems therapy to an individual who struggles with differentiation and discusses the outcomes. 

Keywords

References

  1. Bowen, M. (1966). The use of family theory in clinical practice. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 7(5), 345–374. http://dx.doi.org 10.1016/S0010-440X(66)80065-2
  2. Bowen, M. (1976). Theory in the practice of psychotherapy. In P. J. Guerin (Ed.), Family therapy: Theory and practice (42–90). New York: Gardner Press.
  3. Brown, J. (1999). Bowen family systems theory: Illustration and critique. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 20 (2), 94-103.
  4. Cook, L. (2007). Perceived conflict, sibling position, cut-off, and multigenerational transmission in the family of origin of chemically dependent persons: An application of Bowen family systems theory. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 18, 131-140. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10884600701500495
  5. Haefner, J. (2014). An application of Bowen family systems theory. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 35, 835-841.
  6. Jenkins, S. M., Buboltz Jr, W. C., Schwartz, P. J., & Johnson, P. (2005). Differentiation of self and psychosocial development. Contemporary Family Therapy 27(2), 251-261. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10591-005-4042-6
  7. Knutson-Martin, C. (1994). The female voice: Applications to Bowen’s family systems theory. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 20(1), 35-46.
  8. MacKay, L. (2012). Trauma and Bowen family systems theory: Working with adults who were abused as children. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy 33 (3), 232-241.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Psychology

Journal Section

Case Report

Publication Date

June 30, 2019

Submission Date

April 19, 2019

Acceptance Date

June 10, 2019

Published in Issue

Year 2019 Volume: 3 Number: 5

APA
Bridge, E. N. (2019). Review of A Case Study in Light of Bowen Theory: Differentiation of Self. Yaşam Becerileri Psikoloji Dergisi, 3(5), 65-72. https://doi.org/10.31461/ybpd.556080
AMA
1.Bridge EN. Review of A Case Study in Light of Bowen Theory: Differentiation of Self. Yaşam Becerileri Psikoloji Dergisi. 2019;3(5):65-72. doi:10.31461/ybpd.556080
Chicago
Bridge, Esra Nihan. 2019. “Review of A Case Study in Light of Bowen Theory: Differentiation of Self”. Yaşam Becerileri Psikoloji Dergisi 3 (5): 65-72. https://doi.org/10.31461/ybpd.556080.
EndNote
Bridge EN (June 1, 2019) Review of A Case Study in Light of Bowen Theory: Differentiation of Self. Yaşam Becerileri Psikoloji Dergisi 3 5 65–72.
IEEE
[1]E. N. Bridge, “Review of A Case Study in Light of Bowen Theory: Differentiation of Self”, Yaşam Becerileri Psikoloji Dergisi, vol. 3, no. 5, pp. 65–72, June 2019, doi: 10.31461/ybpd.556080.
ISNAD
Bridge, Esra Nihan. “Review of A Case Study in Light of Bowen Theory: Differentiation of Self”. Yaşam Becerileri Psikoloji Dergisi 3/5 (June 1, 2019): 65-72. https://doi.org/10.31461/ybpd.556080.
JAMA
1.Bridge EN. Review of A Case Study in Light of Bowen Theory: Differentiation of Self. Yaşam Becerileri Psikoloji Dergisi. 2019;3:65–72.
MLA
Bridge, Esra Nihan. “Review of A Case Study in Light of Bowen Theory: Differentiation of Self”. Yaşam Becerileri Psikoloji Dergisi, vol. 3, no. 5, June 2019, pp. 65-72, doi:10.31461/ybpd.556080.
Vancouver
1.Esra Nihan Bridge. Review of A Case Study in Light of Bowen Theory: Differentiation of Self. Yaşam Becerileri Psikoloji Dergisi. 2019 Jun. 1;3(5):65-72. doi:10.31461/ybpd.556080

Cited By

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