The Primary Triangle and Variation in Nuclear Family Functioning

Abstract

The triangle, a concept in Bowen theory, is the emotional molecule in the family system that shapes the human over the course of life. This longitudinal study explored the influence of the family of origin primary triangle on 51 couples' family of procreation functioning over 10 years. The quantitative analysis found associations between family of procreation functioning and three variables: distance versus openness in the family of origin primary triangle, the degree of inside and outside positions in the primary triangle, and the degree of family projection as expressed in worry. In addition, the three triangle relationships correlated with each other, supporting the idea that each relationship influenced the other. Using qualitative methods, a focused analysis elaborated on the quantitative findings.

The relationships between stressful life events during childhood and differentiation of self and intergenerational triangulation in adulthood

“…So long as it is temporal, triangulation does not necessarily have a negative impact; a certain degree of it – which exists in all families – makes a developmental contribution by shaping the child's level of differentiation. Through the coalitions within the triangulation, the child learns in varying degrees how to integrate thinking and feeling and how to be an individual while also being responsibly connected with his/her parents (Klever, ). According to Bowen's theory (Kerr & Bowen, ), this process of triangulation may help in balancing the levels of intimacy and autonomy and in decreasing family marital tensions and anxiety.…”

Escala de funcionamiento familiar. Propiedades psicométricas modificadas en una muestra mexicana

“…La alianza de uno de los padres con un hijo genera que se aleje de su pareja y haya mayor acercamiento hacia éste, a la vez que el otro padre forma una relación más distante con dicho hijo. (Klever, 2009) Estos resultados coinciden con la teoría que plantea que el funcionamiento familiar sucede en un continuo (Olson, 2000;Russel, 1979;Schrodt, 2005), en el que intervienen aspectos positivos y negativos. Entre los positivos se encuentran las habilidades de comunicación y solución de problemas, especialmente cuando se considera que la relación puede ser conflictiva entre los miembros de la familia (Martin & Martin, 2000).…”

“…(García Méndez, Rivera Aragón, Reyes Lagunes, & Díaz Loving, 2006;Olson, 1991;Olson, 2000;Olson, Russell, & Sprenkle, 1983;Schrodt, 2005) Sin embargo, existen a su vez patrones de interacción que provocan tensiones al interior de la familia, como la evitación (que se relaciona con la dificultad para resolver problemas, con la falta de involucramiento y de atención). Aunado a las dificultades para resolver problemas, otra variable que afecta el funcionamiento familiar es la naturaleza de las experiencias de los cónyuges y los triángulos primarios en sus familias de origen (las tres partes del triángulo principal frecuentemente las integran: el niño, la madre y el padre, o el niño, los padres y otro miembro de la familia (Klever, 2009). Dependiendo de la intensidad, frecuencia y contenido, el conflicto marital es otro factor que afecta de manera negativa a los integrantes de la familia, principalmente a los hijos (Fainsilber Katz & Woodin, 2002).…”

Mixed Methods Research in Marriage and Family Therapy: A Content Analysis

“…For example, Olson and Russell (2004) gained insight into how quantitative measures of change intersect with clients’ own experiences of therapy by asking clients about their scores on measures of client outcomes. Klever (2009), drawing on Bowen theory, investigated family functioning with interviews and survey data in a longitudinal study and presented material with clear mixing tables in his results section. In an innovative design, Wynne et al.…”