The family is quite complex, and there are many theories as to how it operates. The human mind itself is an enigma, and when you put multiple minds together, their interactions can be quite complicated. As a result, different theories about the family have popped up, and one of those is called family systems theory.
In this post, we’re going to look at family systems theory, how it can affect you, and more.
What is Systems Theory?
In order to understand what family systems theory is, we need to first understand what systems theory in general is. This is a social science theory that involves viewing certain elements, how they are arranged, and how they relate to as a whole. For example, a country may be looked at as a whole by looking at all the people and politics it has in it.
What is the Family Systems Theory?
This is a theory that looks at the family as a whole. How one behaves can be traced back to one’s family, and family systems theory helps to explain that. Family systems theory comes from Murray Bowen, who saw that many therapists had a hard time separating an individual from their family. Bowen believed that if one person’s behavior could affect the family as a whole, and vice versa. Indeed, family is important, but it is more important than you think.
Family Systems Theory Concepts
The theory has eight concepts, and each is connected. Let’s look at them.
Sibling Position
If there are multiple children in the family, the children may have certain roles. Different siblings can have certain expectations. Some siblings may have had more discipline than others. For example, a younger sibling may not have as much discipline as an older one. How siblings behave and what roles they play can affect the whole family.
Societal Emotional Process
This is how society can affect how the family behaves. When the world is being affected, it can affect society as a whole. For example, if there is a depression, it can affect the family’s spending habits. Overpopulation may affect how many kids a family has. These are just a couple of examples.
Nuclear Family Emotional Process
The nuclear family, which consists of two parents and a child, has their own emotional processes. Partners may have conflicts or behaviors they need to deal with. There may be certain anxieties that the family must face if they want to function as much as possible.
Emotional Triangle
This is the smallest amount of people that can be stable in a family. Two people can work as well, but they may become less stable when one person is dealing with an issue, without a third person to mediate. Three people are said to make up the best system, being able to have the most resources and lessening the overall feeling of anxiety.
Transmission
Also known as the family projection process, this is when a parent projects their problems onto a kid. This can happen when a parent has anxiety and the child picks up on it. This can also occur when a parent’s emotions are affecting how they raise a child. When one person is being affected in a family, other members can be affected as well, and transmission is a great way to explain that.
Multigenerational Transmission Process
This is a family genetics theory that involves the chances of someone in the family being different. If you seek out someone similar to you, your kids may be similar as well. And if those kids grow up and look for people who are similar, their kids will be even more of the same. On the other hand, if someone opens up their horizons, the opposite can happen.
Emotional Cutoff
This is when someone distances themselves from the family when they are having emotional struggles. Some people perform emotional cutoff as a way to tackle certain stresses or deal with issues that are affecting them. However, without any emotional support, they may end up making the problem worse. Sometimes, you may need to distance yourself from the family in order to deal with your own personal problems, but quite often, you may end up feeling worse.
Is This Correct?
Any theory is going to be up for scrutiny, and family systems theory has its own criticisms. Let’s first start off by saying it is a popular theory, and it has helped many people. However, there isn’t too much evidence for it. This isn’t to say that there is no evidence or a mountain of negative evidence, but there isn’t enough to seal the deal.
With any family theory, there are going to be various approaches to it. Many people will agree or disagree on how a family operates, and there are some theories that may contradict this one. This doesn’t mean one is fully right and the other is fully wrong. It’s always important to read up on all the family theories to get the bigger picture.
How Does This Affect Me?
Family systems theory is quite complex, and you may be wondering how it can affect you. The reason is because the family systems theory is what is based on family systems therapy, a type of therapy that has been used to treat many family issues. Family systems therapy can work with both families and individuals and is used for various issues.
Besides family problems, family systems therapy may help with:
- Substance abuse. How the family behaves can affect your dependence on substances, and how you behave can affect your family.
- Various mental health problems like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and more.
- Eating disorders. Body image is often connected with how the family views you.
- Any other issue you may have, whether it relates to your family or not.
In conclusion, family systems theory is quite fascinating, and it may be able to help you understand your family just a little bit more.
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