53-1 Reflection on Culture-inclusive Concept of Bowen Theory and Practice in Chinese Culture
| Yueh-Ting Lee | |
| National University of Tainan |
The present research examined how Bowen's family therapy theory, developed under the Western culture, could be culture-inclusive in the Chinese culture. The research introduced the philosophy and concepts of selfdifferentiation and anxiety in Bowen's family therapy theory. Reflecting on Bowen theory through a cultureinclusive process, this study provided three suggestions. Bowen's family therapy theory offered a different perspective in understanding family relationships in the context of the Taiwanese culture through illuminating the emotional projection processes. In addition, the researcher reviewed domestic studies conducted in relation to Bowen theory, and found that concepts of the theory could be applied to the Chinese Culture. However, some of the domestic studies suggested that the techniques of Bowen theory should be modified and cultural issues should be considered in practice. Finally, this study attempted to provide culture-inclusive suggestions toward the theory. First, the anxiety aspect in the relationship is a universal concept, but the differentiation of self is not. In Western culture, self-differentiation was based on individualism, whereas collectivism was developed in Eastern culture; these two represent different cultural norms. Thus, the practice of this family therapy approach in Chinese culture should focus on decreasing the anxiety level, and not necessary on increasing the individual's differentiation of self. Second, from the perspective, an individual's differentiation level cannot fully predict whether the relationship is healthy or unhealthy. The differentiation level serves only a reference for individual differences, and cannot be used to determine dysfunction. A person's differentiation level might not be high, but that could facilitate the fulfillment of cultural expectations and maintain a good relationship with other family members. Thus a person's differentiation level can only represent his/her own individual status, not good or bad. A Differentiation of Self Scale should be constructed that incorporates the theory of differentiation and adapts to the localized language of the Chinese culture. If possible, the definition of self-differentiation should be modified to reflect Chinese culture and some items in the scale should be edited. Furthermore, a localized norm needs to be established to illuminate the aspects of differentiation among individuals in the collectivist culture. Constructed using an individualism perspective, In addition to taking care of one's own anxiety, it is also critical to take care of the anxiety of others. In respect to the cultural importance of filial piety, taking care of the parents' emotions is an imperative aspect according to the theory of filial piety. Lastly, family therapy theories have been adopted from the Western culture for almost forty years, and there is not a single family therapy theory that has been developed in the Chinese culture so far. The author suggests that the development of family therapy theory needs to incorporate localized research as a foundation geared towards the needs of the Chinese culture. It is important have a family therapy theory that is based on Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism for our own
culture.
Keywords
Bowen's family theory, culture-inclusive, differentiation of self, family therapy
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