(2015) 52nd Annual Symposium

SECTION ONE

Welcome and Introduction — Anne S. McKnight, EdD

I Love You – Let’s Have a Baby: The Evolution of Bi-Parental Care and the Primary Triangle — Margaret Donley, MSW

Perspectives that examine male-female interaction as a key ingredient for understanding parental care have recently gained traction. The involvement of the father in the care of the young sets the stage for the establishment of the mother-father-child triangle, often referred to in Bowen theory as the primary triangle. 

Family and the Intermix of Emotional and Intellectual Functioning — Robert J. Noone, PhD

Bowen theory posits that the development of emotional autonomy and the differentiation of the intellectual system are shaped by the family emotional system. Evidence and some speculation based on primate evolution will be presented which lends support to how the co-evolution of the family and the brain might have led to the integration of brain and family functioning found in the human. 

A System’s View of Trauma — Daniel V. Papero, PhD, MSSW

Currently mental health practice in the industrialized world displays an inordinate focus on the topic of trauma. Most of this, as far as I can tell, reflects a focus on the individual.

SECTION TWO

Viable Emotional Contact with the Extended Family and Family Functioning — Phillip G. Klever, MSW

This presentation describes a longitudinal study that has examined the influence of extended family relationships on nuclear family functioning. 

Observations of Change — Victoria Harrison, MA and Priscilla J. Friesen, MSW

Harrison and Friesen report changes in physiological reactivity, cortisol, and Differentiation of Self Inventory (Skowron) accompanying work on differentiation of self over two years in different learning settings. Facts about symptoms and functioning for participants and their families demonstrate the complexity present in change. 

Panel Discussion

SECTION THREE AND FOUR: DISTINGUISHED GUEST LECTURER

Social Regulation of Human Gene Expression – Part I — Steven W. Cole, PhD

This talk explores how external social and cultural processes can interact with the human genome to shape individual trajectories of health, development, and behavior. 

Social Regulation of Human Gene Expression – Part II — Steven W. Cole, PhD 

Panel Discussion

SECTION FIVE

Principles of Leadership: The Challenges of Differentiation — Anne S. McKnight, EdD

This presentation explores the concept of leadership through the lens of Bowen theory. In what ways does the concept of differentiation of self inform a leader on management of self, the nature of collaboration, and the challenges of engaging Bowen theory as a defined, but open, set of ideas? 

Differentiating a Self: Glimpses of Theory in the Letters of Dr. Murray Bowen — Carol P. Jeunnette, MA, MDiv, PhD

Relatively little of what Dr. Bowen wrote was published. Drawing on a treasure trove of letters and documents – the Williamsburg Collection – this presentation offers glimpses of Dr. Bowen working simultaneously on theory development and differentiation. 

What Does It Mean to Be a Team Player? — Laurie Lassiter, PhD, MSW

Mammals’ special friendships within their social group and support of the status quo raise questions about the limitations and potential of Homo sapiens as a team player.

SECTION SIX

Microbes and Me: Toward an Understanding of the Human Microbe Relationship System — Amie Post, MA

Microbes and humans form a relationship system in which a mutually influencing reciprocity exists. This presentation will provide a brief overview of some of the current knowledge of the human microbe relationship system and how, if at all, it informs Bowen theory. 

A View of the Emotional System: Man’s Relationship with Planet Earth — Ann V. Nicholson, RN, MS

This presentation will present an overview of the literature on climate change and society’s response to it and an overview of the emotional system as defined by Bowen theory. The challenges man is now facing are unprecedented in human history. 

Panel Discussion

SECTION SEVEN

Symptoms and Shift in the Family System — Laura J. Havstad, PhD

Four different relationship patterns in family units are systematic pathways that can stress specific family members into symptomatic states. Driven by undifferentiation, relationship patterns alter symptomatic states and the course of clinical disorders as they shift and change. 

Stress and Alzheimer’s Disease from a Systems Perspective — Mignonette N. Keller, PhD

A growing number of animal and human studies suggest that stress affects the memory and cognitive functioning of the brain, increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Family systems theory expands the discussion from the physiology of the stress response to an understanding of its variability. This presentation extends the focus to include emotional factors within the family relationship system mechanisms that influence the vulnerability to Alzheimer’s disease. 

A Systems View of Chronic Illness — Eileen Gottlieb, MEd

Understanding the family emotional process as a fundamental part of chronic illness may be a way through the enormous challenge it poses for the family.

SECTION EIGHT

Within-Family Variability: The Adoptive Family Study — Laura Brooks, MSW

This presentation provides an update of the Adoptive Family Study, a study of the impact of functional interdependence and of the family projection process on individual family members.

Guide Dogs and Inmates: Bowen Theory in Action — Kathleen Cotter Cauley, MEd

This presentation will describe the establishment of the IMPACT program (Inmates Practicing Animal Care and Training) in a federal prison. Bowen theory was used in the decision making of one of the leaders of the program.

Panel Discussion