The family systems theory consists of ecological systems (Payne, 2002). The focus of this theory is how individuals act within their environment. Individuals are in continual transaction with their environment. Individuals exist within families, i.e., children and parents. Families exist within communities. Individuals, families, and communities exist in a political, cultural, and economic environment. The environment impacts the actions, beliefs, and choices of the individual. It is also known that systems are interconnected parts establishing an ordered whole. Each “part” impacts all other parts of the system.
The family systems theory helps one best understand how groups function because the this theory provides deep insight into the interaction between individuals and society and how this interaction affects those individuals psychologically and in other ways (Payne, 2002). In addition, this theory helps one to understand how the systematic methodologies by which societies function can affect different individuals in different ways based upon their socioeconomic status and the pressure resulting from the individual’s attempt to conform and survive within a given society can determine how this individual functions within their peer group, for example. The rationale for this theory seems to be the fact that the need to conform within the systematic mechanisms of a given society affects the way that individuals relate to society, as well as their relations to closer groups such as their family units and friends (Chambers, 2009). The family systems theory also helps an individual to realize how the systematic processes by which a given society works can be hurtful to some individuals while being beneficial to others, which will have a detrimental effect on the interaction in many situations (Cook, 2007).
The family systems theory concentrates on normalizing or creating an emotionally stable environment for the family as a unit. The focus is on allowing the client to manage his or her anxiety and monitor themselves within the systems. For example, Bowen’s theoretical perspectives assist clients in observing and reflect on their functioning and create options for change in the family system (Chambers, 2009). The goal for the client would be the reduction of behaviors (e.g., anxiety and anger). The family systems goal includes reducing triangles so that all family members are encouraged and begin to change patterns of interaction among the family members. According to Cook (2007), a child reared in a poorly differentiated family would be what Bowen referred to as “stuck togetherness” or fusion. This fusion limits the capability to deal with anxiety and results in differentiation. The assessment process from this perspective will be to reduce anxiety within the family as a unit. Bowen (1966) theorized that within families, anxiety regarding factors such as separation and loss or too much togetherness could be handled through conflicts, adaptation, reciprocal function, by triangles, and by cutoffs. Triangles are vital strategies for maintaining or promoting differentiation in the family. Based on Bowen’s system, differentiation indicates that the person develops an identity separate from the family (1966). One way of detecting increased anxiety in the system is to listen to the triangles (e.g., gossip, cliques, alliances, withdrawals and emotional outbursts).
Bowen, M. (1966). The use of family theory in clinical practice. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 7(5), 345-374. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0010-440X(66)80065-2
Chambers, M. F. (2009). Nothing is as practical as a good theory Bowen theory and the workplace a personal application. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 30(4), 235-246. https://doi.org/10.1375/anft.30.4.235
Cook, L. (2007). Perceived conflict, sibling position, cutoff, and multigenerational transmission in the family of origin of chemically dependent persons: An application of Bowen Family Systems Theory. Journal of Addiction Nursing, 18(3), 131-140. https://doi.org/10.1080/10884600701500495
Payne, M. (2002). The politics of systems theory within social work. Journal of Social Work, 2(3), 269-292. https://doi.org/10.1177/146801730200200302