Bowen family systems theory is useful in understanding both family emotional and relationship processes and symptom formation. This article presents principles of Bowen family systems theory and shows how they were applied to assessment and counseling of a clinical case that involved family secrets. Because Bowen family systems theory offers an encompassing way of viewing human behavior from a family and natural systems perspective, it is an effective framework to guide nursing toward better understanding human behavior, symptom formation, and the family.
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