Dr. Bowen Family Systems Theory

system is defined as “a connected set of things or parts forming a complex whole” (Webster). This definition has application to many things, even families. A family is considered a system because families are made up of interconnected components (people), they exhibit similar behaviors, they have regular interactions which may be positive or negative, and they are interdependent on one another whether realized or not. The basic premise behind Dr. Bowen’s Family Systems Theory is that the family is an emotional unit that is so emotionally integrated that the effects they can have on each other are enormous. Throughout this paper, we will explore the components of this theory and then compare and contrast how it does or does not apply to the story of Antwone Fisher as told in the 2002 film starring Derek Luke and Denzel Washington (cite).
According to Herbert and Irene Goldenberg, “the underlying assumption of premise in this theory is that chronic anxiety is and inevitable, omnipresent part of life and is the underlying basis for dysfunction” and it’s only antidote is resolution through differentiation” (Goldenberg and Goldenberg, from the book). Chronic stress and anxiety can take a very significant physical and emotional toll on membrs of the family unit, particularly those who tend to absorb the most tension. In order to address this Bowen created eight interlocking concepts. Each concept will be briefly explained and then applied to the story of Antwone Fisher. The concepts are as follows: triangling, differentiation of self, nuclear family emotional system, family projection process, multigenerational transmission process, sibling position, emotional cutoff and societal regression (Friedman text, pg