Murray Bowen’s Theory of Intergenerational Transmission

Key Concepts:

• Triangles Â
• Differentiation of Self Â
• Emotional System of the Nuclear Family Â
• Sibling Position Â
• Intergenerational Transmission Â
• Family Projection Process Â
• Emotional Cutoff Â
• Societal Regression

Understanding these concepts is crucial for comprehending Bowen’s intergenerational transmission theory.

Key Concepts Explained:

Triangles:

According to Bowen, a triangle is formed when two individuals in a relationship, unable to meet each other’s emotional needs, involve a third party. Relationships that experience triangulation tend to have a higher ability to cope with chronic anxiety within the relationship. Individuals with lower differentiation levels may be more emotionally sensitive and, as a result, may rely more on triangulation to manage relationship-related anxiety. While triangles can reduce anxiety levels in the short term, they do not eliminate the root cause of the anxiety (Yıldırım, 2020).

Differentiation of Self:

Differentiation of self refers to an individual’s ability to separate from their family of origin in all aspects. According to Bowen, lower levels of differentiation lead to a decreased ability to distinguish between emotions and thoughts, which, in turn, increases anxiety levels (Tuzgöl, 2017).

Emotional System of the Nuclear Family:

The emotional processes, anxiety levels, and coping strategies that individuals learn from their family of origin are often replicated and continue into adulthood in similar ways (Bowen, 1978).

Sibling Position:

Intergenerational transmission theory suggests that sibling order shapes the personalities of family members. For example, the firstborn child may exhibit more leadership qualities and take on a caregiving role, whereas the youngest child may be more inclined to imitate and be in a receiving position. Sibling order is also significant in romantic relationships. It is suggested that relationships where one partner is the firstborn and the other is the youngest from their respective families tend to be more successful, as the giver and receiver roles complement each other (Kerr & Bowen, 1988).

Intergenerational Transmission:

This concept refers to the transmission of the nuclear family’s emotional system across generations (Gültekin Arayıcı & Tekinsav Sütcü, 2023).

Family Projection Process:

The family projection process describes how emotional patterns experienced in the family of origin affect an individual’s adult life (Brown, 1999).

Emotional Cutoff:

When emotional issues within the family remain unresolved or become difficult to manage due to low differentiation, individuals may physically or emotionally distance themselves from other family members to weaken emotional ties. However, Bowen (1978) emphasizes that this form of distancing is not a true differentiation or emotional autonomy but rather an escape (Gültekin Arayıcı & Tekinsav Sütcü, 2023).

Societal Regression:

This concept explains how chronic anxiety caused by certain societal events can impair societal functioning in a way similar to family systems (Brown, 1999).

Overview of the Theory:

This theory was introduced by Murray Bowen in the 1950s. According to Bowen’s intergenerational transmission theory, emotional and behavioral patterns within a family system are passed down through generations. Bowen viewed the family as a system in which each member influences the others. Communication, interactions, and emotional processes within the family shape individual behaviors and emotional responses, leading to the development of certain emotional and behavioral patterns. These patterns are then transmitted to future generations, reinforcing specific roles within the family system (Gültekin Arayıcı & Tekinsav Sütcü, 2023). Â

Even if individuals appear distant or disconnected from their families, their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors continue to be shaped by their family experiences. While emotional dependency within a family can provide a sense of security and support, excessive dependency may lead to chronic anxiety and increased family tension over time. According to this theory, a certain level of anxiety exists in all families. However, when anxiety levels exceed an individual’s ability to cope, this can negatively impact family functioning in the long run (Kerr & Bowen, 1988). Â

Anxiety is one of the foundational elements of the intergenerational transmission theory. According to Bowen, life continuously generates anxiety, and differences in how individuals experience anxiety stem from the levels of anxiety inherited from previous generations and their varying degrees of differentiation in relationships (Friedman, 1991). Â

The primary goal of intergenerational transmission theory is to increase individuals’ levels of differentiation and awareness, thereby reducing their chronic anxiety (Brown, 1999). Â

Bowen illustrates this concept using cell division. Just as newly formed cells carry the genetic codes and characteristics of their predecessors while developing their own unique functionality, individuals who differentiate from their family of origin recognize inherited traits and establish their own functionality in close relationships (Yenicesu, 2024). Â

Bowen’s intergenerational transmission theory was influenced by his own life experiences. As the firstborn in a family with five children, he grew up in a household where multiple generations lived together in an intertwined pattern. Later in life, Bowen physically and emotionally distanced himself from his family, a process that significantly shaped the development of his theoretical concepts (Tuzgöl, 2017).

References:

1. Bowen, M. (1978). Family therapy in clinical practice (1st ed.). Jason Aronson. Â
2. Brown, J. (1999). Bowen family systems theory and practice: Illustration and critique. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 20(2), 94-103. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1467-8438.1999.tb00363.x Â
3. 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). Brunner/Mazel. Â
4. Gültekin Arayıcı, S., & Tekinsav Sütcü, G. S. (2023). Evaluation of the film Yol Ayrımı in terms of Bowen’s Family Systems Theory. AYNA Journal of Clinical Psychology, 10(3), 612-635. https://doi.org/10.31682/ayna.1201243 Â
5. Kerr, M., & Bowen, M. (1988). Family evaluation: An approach based on Bowen theory (1st ed.). Norton. Â
6. Tuzgöl, K. (2017). Psychoanalytic approach in family therapy: Psychodynamic Bowen family therapy and its core concepts. Libido Journal, October-November. Â
7. Yenicesu, N. Ö. Z. (2024). Section A. In S. DurmuÅŸ (Ed.), An overview of family counseling theories and practices (pp. 37-43). Pegem Academy. Â
8. Yıldırım, B. (2020). Bowen’s family systems approach in social work practice. Journal of Social Policy Studies, 20(47), 287-312. https://doi.org/10.21560/spcd.vi.508699