Distance and Cutoff from the Extended Family

Dr. Mariana Martinez interviews Phillip Klever, MSW For some people, cutting off ties with the extended family seems like a solution to the problem of a difficult relationship, but cutting off comes at a price. Multigenerational relationships contribute to variation in functioning, including physical, social, and psychiatric symptoms in the nuclear family. This understanding is unique to Bowen theory. An open relationship, or viable emotional contact with members of the extended family, helps to moderate anxiety in the nuclear family. This has a direct positive impact on symptoms and functioning. The Bowen Center is a non for profit dedicated to the development of Bowen family systems theory into a science of human behavior; to assist individuals, families, communities, and organizations in addressing major life changes through understanding and improvising human relationships. The center carries out its mission locally, nationally, and internationally through training and online p