Family Systems Issue 2.1

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Table of Contents: 2.1

FROM THE EDITOR
Michael E. Kerr, MD

ARTICLES: Journal articles reflect natural systems thinking or are relevant to it. These may include concept papers as well as research studies.

FAMILY CONSTELLATION THEORY REVISITED | PART 2
Walter Toman, PhD
After a brief historical introduction the theory of family constellation is presented in a simple paradigm, followed by a review of the empirical data from our comprehensive research including double and triple checks where possible. Research of others in pertinent aspects of the theory is also reviewed. Basic and more complex sibling positions, their combinations in partnerships and friendships, and their roles in parent-child relations are analyzed. The effects of losses of family members upon the development of individuals and families and family life are also analyzed. Their significance in the conduct of individual and family therapy is outlined.

A PSYCHOLOGICAL FORMULATION OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
Murray Bowen, MD
This unpublished paper was among papers from Dr. Bowen's research project at NIMH that were donated by the Bowen Family to the Georgetown Family Center Library in November 1993. Dr. Bowen conducted family research at the National Institute of Mental Health from November 1954 through June 1959. At first, pairs of mothers with daughters having schizophrenia were hospitalized. A year of direct observation brought a new understanding of the family as an emotional system and extended the hypothesis of schizophrenia to a chronic condition within the family unit. Families consisting of mother, father, impaired adult child, and non-impaired sibling were then admitted. The content of this paper suggests it was written some time after August 1956, the date of admission of the second complete family.

The article permits the reader to follow Dr. Bowen’s process of condensing ideas and observations into broader principles, over a ten year span, that contributed, along with another ten years of work, to the development of the first six concepts of family systems theory.

COMMENTARY

MORALITY, NEUTRALITY, AND DIFFERENTIATION OF SELF
Stephanie J. Ferrera, MSW
Bowen's concept of the emotional system adds something to evolutionary theory. The emotional system provides a context for understanding the broad spectrum of moral thought and conduct, and the scale of differentiation sheds light on the ways that individuals and groups vary in their practice of altruism and other moral principles. This writer argues that the concept of differentiation of self is not only an accurate description of what is, but also a trustworthy basis for determining what ought to be. Based on this thinking, she advocates differentiation as a guide to choosing moral principles and working toward a more mature and responsible level of social and moral functioning.

FACULTY CASE CONFERENCE: Presentation of a faculty clinical case, followed by a discussion with faculty members of the Bowen Center.

Presenter: Roberta B. Holt, DSW (no title)
This case was presented to summarize emotional processes within a family and stimulate thinking about the ongoing course of the consultation. The presentation was selected as an example of the applicability of Bowen theory to a poor family with multiple problems. Bowen theory is grounded in biology and applies to all humanity. In spite of its inclusiveness it has been overlooked and underutilized as relevant in thinking about the most intense human problems that come to the attention of public social service agencies.

BOOK REVIEWS: Reviews on books relevant to Bowen theory and its many applications.

STRESS, THE AGING BRAIN, AND THE MECHANISMS OF NEURON DEATH 
Robert M. Sapolsky 
Reviewed by Daniel V. Papero, PhD, MSSW