ABSTRACT

Murray Bowen’s family systems theory comprehensively evaluates family systems functioning (Bowen, 1966, 1978, Kerr & Bowen, 1988). Bowen’s theory emphasis was on family patterns that families use to soothe and calm anxiety. Bowen believed that either extreme closeness or extreme distance generate anxiety impacting the family relationship. The family’s level of anxiety is often measured by their reaction to the outside stressors and their sensitivities to specific issues passed down intergenerationally. Family members have to be able to think through their reactions to relationship problems, and if they react anxiously to these perceived emotional problems, the result will be a state of chronic anxiety and reactivity. Family therapy should attempt to lower chronic anxiety by helping family members become aware of the emotional systems and should increase the level of differentiation to emphasize self-transformation instead of changing others. This is an important model to use in working with Muslim families due to their intertwined and extremely interconnected family dynamics and because the degree of anxiety and family level of differentiation can be evaluated and appropriate interventions can be used.