Graduation Date
1991
Document Type
Project
Program
Other
Program
Arts
Committee Chair Name
Dr. John Gai
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Jerrald D. Krause
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. James W. Carroll
Keywords
Art
Subject Categories
Art
Abstract
An extensive review of the literature via books and articles offered insights on the effect of alcoholism on the family, I also attended conferences to gain further knowledge on the impact of alcoholism on all family members. This thesis examines issues encompassing the level of differentiation of self in an alcoholic family. I contend each family member implicitly agrees to block awareness of their personal truth as a short-term solution to reduce anxiety caused by any challenge to the status quo. Each family member has a tendency to react emotionally and disregard any long-term consequences of their choices. There is pressure to conform to the family's unique patterns that have crystalized over generations. Each member develops a "pseudo-self", which consists of other's opinions absorbed without conscious commitment. Each learns to respond to external cues and accommodate rather than confront. It is my belief the focus of the family therapy should be on the level of differentiation, or sense of "solid self" of each family member. Bowen's concept of differentiation/"solid self" refers to the ability to maintain one's independent convictions when relating to others. Bowen's Family Systems Theory allows one to see alcoholism as a symptom of a larger life pain. The elimination of all forms of blame decreases the anxiety and empowers family members to develop and vi maintain an "I" position. This increased level of differentiation, or sense of "solid self", has a spiritual aspect, which has long been recognized by AA as an important component of recovery. It is possible to break the multi- generational patterns and family treatment is the door to hope and health for the alcoholic family.
Recommended Citation
Fales, Susan Lynn, "An Examination of Murray Bowen's Concept of Differentiation of Self as it Applies to the Alcoholic Family" (1991). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2401.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2401