Nuclear Family Emotional System
Triangles
Differentiation of Self
Societal Emotional Processes
Emotional Cutoff
100
The concept of Nuclear Family Emotional System explains patterns of behavior expressed by families in an effort to manage this emotion.
What is anxiety?
100
This relationship system is less stable than a triangle.
What is a dyad?
100
Bowen believed that the focus of therapy is to help the person differentiate a self from the emotional system while remaining connected with this system.
What is family?
100
This famous historical figure once said, "A reduction in societal regression is similar to a reduction in family regression-one person moves towards individuality."
Who is Martin Luther King, Jr.?
100
Jane refuses to talk to her father because he was verbally abusive to her during childhood, but continues to visit her parent’s home. This is an example of which type of cut-off.
What is emotional cutoff?
200
Overt or Marital, this is characterized by family members externalizing anxieties and focusing on problems with one another.
What is conflict?
200
This term is used to describe when two family members focus on a child's problem instead of their own, which results in neither conflict being resolved.
What is triangulation?
200
This term is used by Bowen to describe family members who are highly dependent upon acceptance and approval by others.
What is undifferentiated?
200
Bowen said that society uses these kind of solutions to deal with societal issues.
What are Band-Aid Solutions?
200
David came to visit his parents. After talking for 30 minutes they began to argue about his choice to go to the military. Not wanting to discuss this issue he storms out of the house, which is an example of this type of cutoff.
What is physical cutoff?
300
When a family system exhibits patterns of projections of problems onto a child, the child often becomes more reactive to the attitudes and needs of the parents, and is often unable to do this- another of Bowen’s key concepts.
What is differentiate?
300
This concept involves when the practitioner disrupts one triangle and opens up the family members to new, more functional alliances or triangles.
What is detriangulation?
300
This range within Murray's scale of differentiation is characterized by a poorly defined self, but has the capacity to differentiate.
What is 25-50?
300
This term refers to when people act to relieve the anxiety of the moment rather than act on principle and a long-term view (Taking the easy way out on tough issues).
What is regression?
300
Bowen’s concept of emotional cutoff seeks to explain how individuals manage unresolved issues or conflicts with members of this group of people.
What is the family of origin?
400
Emotional distance in family systems can take many forms. It could involve one family member walking away, or leaving another, or it could involve this- the highest form of emotional distancing.
What is cutoff?
400
A triangle always leaves one outsider and two of these.
What are insiders?
400
Differentiation of self refers to the ability to separate these two things from one another.
What are thoughts and feelings?
400
Society's periods of regression and ________ influence the family system.
What is progression?
400
A person who practices emotional cut-off is more likely to have children who also cut-off, which can result in this in succeeding generations.
What is lower functioning?
500
Jen usually acts in a way to appease her partner, Greg. After they had their first child together, Greg strongly believed a mother should stay home with her child rather than pursue a career, and so Jen did. This caused significant feelings of loss for Jen, who had very much enjoyed her work, her relationships with coworkers, and feelings of financial independence. Jen might seek therapy services for this pattern of managing anxiety.
What is Over-Underfunctioning?
500
A person in a triangle can change their part by figuring out what position they are in and by moving to this position.
What is neutral?
500
Murray Bowen never worked with anyone within this range of his scale of differentiation.
What is 75-100?
500
As this has increased in society over the years, so has social regression.
What is anxiety?
500
Although appearances may be deceiving, individuals who emotionally cut-off from their family of origin will have relationships characterized by these.
What are unresolved conflicts or issues?
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