Family Systems Theory Case Study

The Family Systems Theory was proposed by Dr. Murray Bowen. This theory suggests that people are not individual entities, but rather a part of a larger network of family. The Family Systems Theory recognizes family as one emotional unit. The emotional state of the family unit is completely dependent on the individuals within the system (The Bowen Center, 2015). This paper will explore and use this theory to identify conflict within two families introduced in HBO’s The Alzheimer’s Project : Caregivers. The triangle is the smallest of all the family systems. The triangle is the “molecule” of all the larger systems. Bowen believed that a two-person system was too unstable. The triangle makes for a more stable family because when tension …show more content…
Family projection is a transmission process of emotional problems from parent to child. Emotional cutoff is the process of cutting off or reducing contact with the family to manage unresolved emotional issues (The Bowen Center, 2015). The story of Marvine and Jackie. This couple has been married for 50 years. Shortly after retirement Marvine began to develop signs of AD. Jackie took care of him for some time at home, but due to her own health concerns she had to place him in a facility. During the interview with Jackie she admits that sometimes she cries on the shoulders of her children when emotions run high (HBO, Caregivers, 2009). This is the transmission of emotions from parent to child. The couple has a son, Marvine Jr., he admits to distancing himself from Marvine Sr. because it is hard to see his father this way. The unresolved emotion is acceptance of his father’s AD. This is a very understandable response to the situation. He also admits to hiding his emotions when Jackie is near because he does not want to upset her more. This could be a form of emotional distancing as well. It is not an unresolved emotion, but rather an unexpressed one (HBO, Caregivers,