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Bowenian Family Video Analysis

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Bowenian Family Video Analysis
In regards to the "eight forces" outlined in the Family Systems Theory, I think all eight forces are well seen in the video "Bowenian Family therapy". Regarding "differentiation of self", Pam has very low self differentiation from her parents. Differentiation of self is the separation of a person's intellectual and emotional functioning from another person and can be seen in how a person's behavior is motivated by their own feelings (Goldenberg, Stanton & Goldenberg 2017). Pam does not have a separation of self from her parents. Her emotions and thoughts are driven by the mere presence of her parents let alone the impact of what they say or do regarding her. I think this was seen in the video by how Pam reacts when her parents get upset, …show more content…
With this, Pam not only cannot differentiate her own thoughts and feelings, but she also cannot differentiate herself from her parents. Pam's fusion to her parents leads to her feeling any and all emotions that are moving between her parents. Bowen coined the term "fusion-differentiation" in response to family members who seem to be "emotionally stuck" with one another which he measured on a scale. According to Goldenberg et al, (2017) "people at the low end of the scale are those whose emotions and intellect are so fused that their lives are dominated by the feelings of those around them" (p. 196). This goes on to indicate that anxiety and stress in these individuals can occur easily and leads to dysfunction. Further stated by Goldenberg et al, (2017) "fearful and emotionally needy, they sacrifice their individuality in order to ensure acceptance from others" (p. 196). I believe this fusion-differentiation between Pam and her parents explains why her emotions appear to be so dependent on what her parents are saying in the session. Pam needs to be accepted by her parents and also wishes to be "needed" by
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