ABSTRACT
Transgenerational theories often explain how people interact in patterned ways through multiple generations. Framo (1982), using ideas from object relations theory, discusses how children develop distorted perceptions of their parents and then act toward significant others in later life based on those perceptions. They see their spouses and children through the lens of this distorted perception, and miss the unique characteristics of important others. Framo suggests that bringing parents and adult children together in therapy helps people share perceptions and understand each other as real people rather than distorted images. This often helps free clients to improve relations with both parents and current significant others.
