ABSTRACT
The concept “emotional cutoff” in Bowen family systems theory describes the mechanism for managing anxiety related to the connection with one's original family. Emotional cutoff is manifested in physical distance, internal distance, or a combination of both in order to create a life of one's own. Bowen observed these patterns in the behavior and psychology of individuals (Bowen and Friesen, 1988). The interplay between emotional cutoff and physiological functioning can be considered the underpinnings of behavior and psychology from the point of view of Bowen family systems theory.
