The Multigenerational Transmission of Nuclear Family Processes and Symptoms

Abstract

Bowen theory hypothesizes that learning within the multigenerational family plays a key role in symptom development for an individual and his nuclear family. This longitudinal study tested to what degree the type of nuclear family processes and areas of symptomology in the multigenerational family influenced the type of nuclear family processes and areas of symptomology in the developing nuclear family. Forty-nine newly developing nuclear families and their multigenerational families were studied. The quantitative analysis generally supported the hypothesis. In a correlation analysis of the first five years of a 20-year study, multigenerational relationship patterns of reciprocal functioning between the spouses and child focus were associated with the same patterns in the nuclear family. In addition, all three areas of symptomology—physical, emotional, and social—in the multigenerational family were associated with the same areas of symptomology in the nuclear family.

This research project was made possible with the consultation of Rod Whitlock, Ph.D. (University of Missouri Kansas City); Polly Caskie, Ph.D (Health-South Rehabilitation Hospital, Tallahassee, Florida); Jim Edd Jones, Ph.D. Lafayette, Colorado; and Suzanne Stevens, LSCSW, Kansas City, Missouri.