Synonyms
Bowen couple theory; Bowen theory
Introduction
Bowen Family Systems Theory fits into the category of Intergenerational Family Theories, with its emphasis on how family of origin experiences impact current individual and relationship functioning. It is a theory that emphasizes personal autonomy, as well as balance. Bowen found inspirations for his theory, not only in the mental health work but also in natural systems. He believed that his theory would be applicable to all human systems and, to a much more limited extent, to all living systems as we are all connected.
Prominent Associated Figures
Murray Bowen, the founder of Bowen Family Systems Theory, trained initially as a psychiatrist. While working at the Menninger Institute providing therapeutic services to patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia, he began to involve the mothers of the patients in the treatment (Kerr and Bowen 1988). He began to observe how the relationship between mother and adult child impacted the...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences
Bowen, M. (1978). Family therapy in clinical practice. New York: Jason Aronson.
Erdem, G., & Safi, O. A. (2018). The cultural lens approach to bowen family systems theory: Contributions of family change theory. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 10, 469. https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12258.
Friedman, E. H. (1991). Bowen theory and therapy. In A. S. Gurman & D. P. Kniskern (Eds.), Handbook of family therapy (Vol. 2, pp. 134–170). Philadelphia: Brunner/Mazel.
Guerin, P., & Guerin, K. (2002). Bowenian family therapy. In J. Carlson & D. Kjos (Eds.), Theories and strategies of family therapy. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Kerr, M., & Bowen, M. (1988). Family evaluation. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.
Miller, R. B., Anderson, S., & Keala, D. K. (2004). Is bowen theory valid? A review of basic research. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 30(4), 453–466.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Section Editor information
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this entry
Cite this entry
Katafiasz, H. (2019). Bowen Family Systems Therapy with Families. In: Lebow, J.L., Chambers, A.L., Breunlin, D.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49425-8_1147
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49425-8_1147
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-49423-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-49425-8
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences