By Michael E. Kerr, M.D.

I have continuing education classes next week, so my next three books will be readings for that. The first is a short booklet on Bowen family systems theory. It describes Dr. Murray Bowen’s theory of family dynamics, which does not include mental illness as a possible factor. He has 8 concepts for how this works.

The 8 concepts are:

• Triangles
• Differentiation of Self
• Nuclear Family Emotional System
• Family Projection Process
• Multigenerational Transmission Process
• Emotional Cutoff
• Sibling Position
• Societal Emotional Process

This is an interesting, fast read. But is it true? Like a lot of social science theories there are experiential and anecdotal evidences to support it. I am not sure it allows for the full range of factors possible in the real world.

44 Pgs.

4/5