Family Systems Theory of Crime

Family systems theory is a theory of human behavior introduced by Murray Bowen that suggests individuals are best understood as a part of their family unit rather than in isolation. It evolved from general systems theory and its application to the complex interactions between family members and other social systems. Families are considered systems because of their interrelated elements, coherent behaviors, regular interactions, and interdependence with one another. It is natural that family members are connected emotionally. This connectedness and related interaction make the family members function interdependently. According to family systems theory, one family member changing his or her functioning is followed by reciprocal changes in the functioning of other family members and, in turn, the whole family unit. Family systems theory allows a ...

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